Desquamation is the body’s natural process of exfoliation, or the shedding of dry, old, hardened skin cells so new cells can come to the surface. In an oily skin condition, desquamation can be slowed, as oily skin acts as a glue that holds dead skin cells to the surface. This can contribute to clogged follicles, leading to the build-up of acne bacteria which stimulates the production of breakouts.

Exfoliation is especially helpful to those with oily skin. In addition to smoothing, improving skin tone and enhancing skin’s receptiveness of oil-controlling ingredients, exfoliation helps rid oily skin of dulling skin cells to help keep skin clear.

Your exfoliation regimen will depend heavily upon your professional skin analysis performed by a skin therapist. A professional skin therapist may recommend exfoliating with physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants, or both to deliver the desired result, can advise you on how often to exfoliate, and how to successfully incorporate exfoliation into your regimen.