As winter approaches, exfoliation becomes an essential part of maintaining healthy, hydrated skin. Many patients hesitate to exfoliate during the colder months due to dry skin caused by cold weather and dry heat from indoor environments. However, winter exfoliation can improve skin hydration by promoting cell turnover, removing flaky skin, and enhancing the absorption of moisturizers. Here, we explore exfoliation techniques used in cultures worldwide to rejuvenate and maintain smooth skin.
Ancient Egypt: Pumice and Aloe Vera Scrubs
Egyptians are credited with introducing the first exfoliation techniques. They used pumice stones and alabaster particles for mechanical exfoliation. Additionally, scrubs made from sand or plants like aloe vera were common. Lactic acid, derived from sour milk, was also used as a chemical exfoliant.
Iran: Kiseh and Sefidab
In Iran, traditional exfoliation methods like kiseh (a loofah-like mitt) and sefidab (a dense ball made of animal fats and minerals) are used. These practices date back to 2000 BC-4500 BC and are part of Zoroastrian traditions. The sefidab exfoliates the skin as it is rubbed against the kiseh, resulting in gray-white rolls of skin that are rinsed off afterward.
Korea: Jjimjilbang and Body Scrubs
Koreans are known for their extensive skin care routines. Many visit jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouses) for detoxification therapies, which include intense body scrubs. The ddemiri, or scrub practitioner, uses a roughened cloth to scrub the skin from head to toe. This exfoliation method is recommended once a week for smoother, healthier skin.
Indigenous Peoples of the Americas: Sea Salt and Corncobs
In the Americas and the Caribbean, sea salt is a common exfoliant. Fine-grained salt is often used in showers, providing friction without being too harsh. Native American cultures, such as the Comanche tribe, used sand from riverbeds for exfoliation. Similarly, Polynesian people employed crushed sea shells for skin scrubbing.
India: Garshana Dry Brushing
In India, Ayurveda practices dry brushing, known as Garshana. This involves using a bristle brush or roughened silk gloves to stimulate lymphatic drainage and remove toxins. The practice is typically done in the morning before a shower and may involve self-massage with oils based on an individual’s dosha (body constitution).
Japan: Facial Shaving for Exfoliation
In Japan, facial shaving has long been used as a method of exfoliation. Known as dermaplaning in the U.S., this technique involves using a scalpel to remove vellus hairs and dead skin. As a result, the process rejuvenates the skin, leaving it smoother and more radiant. However, dermaplaning can cause irritation or folliculitis if done improperly, making it essential to follow proper techniques for optimal results.
France: Gommage Enzyme Exfoliation
In France, gommage is a popular exfoliation technique. This method involves applying a paste to the skin, which dries slightly before being gently rubbed off. The paste contains enzymes like papain from papaya, which effectively break down dead skin cells. Gommage was traditionally used before alpha-hydroxy acids became widely popular in exfoliation, providing a gentler approach to smoother skin.
West Africa: Mesh Scrubbers
In West Africa, particularly in Ghana and Nigeria, mesh body scrubbers are commonly used for exfoliation. Made of nylon, these scrubbers can stretch up to three times their original size, allowing for easy access to hard-to-reach areas like the back. These long, textured washcloths provide an effective means of removing dead skin while improving circulation.
Global Exfoliation Practices: A Journey of Skin Care
Exfoliation is a practice embraced worldwide, with each culture offering its own unique techniques for maintaining healthy skin. Whether through the use of sea salt, pumice stones, or dry brushing, these methods demonstrate the global importance of proper skin care. As winter sets in, integrating exfoliation into your routine can help combat dryness and keep your skin hydrated and radiant throughout the season.
Cell Metab. 2015 Mar 3;21[3]:493-501). Ayurvedic
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