Exfoliants are products that remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. By ridding the skin of these dead skin cells, exfoliants promote the growth of new, healthy skin cells, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If your skin's glands produce excess oils, your skin may have difficulty shedding dead skin cells on its own, notes the Beauty and Makeup Tips website. Likewise, if you have dry skin, dead skin cells may accumulate too quickly, inhibiting natural exfoliation and giving your skin a dull appearance. Several products may help to remove dead skin cells to promote healthy skin.
Manual Exfoliants
Manual exfoliants are mildly abrasive materials that scrub away the layer of dead cells on the surface of your skin. These include loofahs, silk mitts, washcloths and sea sponges. These products may be too abrasive for most types of skin, and may contribute to skin irritation, according to the Beauty and Makeup Tips website. Also, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns that porous manual exfoliant products such as sea sponges and loofahs may harbor bacteria, which can contribute to skin diseases.
Abrasive Scrubs
Abrasive scrubs are creams that contain hard, abrasive ingredients to slough off dead skin cells. These products typically feature a soap base that contains salicylic acid, a chemical that helps to loosen dead cells from the top layer of skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Common abrasive ingredients include microbeads, crushed walnut shells and apricot seeds. Like manual exfoliants, abrasive scrubs are thought to be harsh on the skin--walnut shells and aprocot seeds may leave microscopic scratches on the surface of the skin. They may also worsen skin conditions such as broken blood vessels, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Alpha hydroxy acids are chemical compounds that loosen dead skin cells and promote their removal from the surface of the skin. These compounds are also thought to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen, which are necessary for healthy cellular regeneration. Alpha hydroxy acids occur naturally in dairy products, grapes, citrus fruits, sugar cane, apples and pears, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Over-the-counter topical skin care creams typically contain between 2 percent and 10 percent alpha hydroxy acid.
