Exfoliation: Why do it?

The skin undergoes a natural cell turnover process. It continuously generates new skin cells at the dermis which rise to the surface (epidermis) and slowly die off. Dead skin cells at the surface become keratinized (filled with keratin) and gradually shed to make way for the next wave of new skin cells. As we age the cell turnover process tends to slow down. Older cells on the surface take longer to slough off, resulting in a dry or rough appearance of the skin. The pile up of old skin and debris also blocks the pores, spurring acne, other blemishes, and a dull skin tone in some individuals. Skin exfoliating is.