"Watch That Exfoliation"

November 12, 2006

Watch that exfoliation

By Kelly Kendall

kelly.kendall@indystar.com

Skin-care regimens often stress exfoliation, the idea being that unless you scrub away dead skin cells, any moisturizer you slather on is wasted on them. Several dermatologists do recommend this step, using an exfoliating face wash or gentle scrub, but caution that it can be overdone.

Constantly stripping the skin with the acids found in many of these products is drying, says Barb Brillhart, owner of Villaggio Day Spa in Fishers.

Dr. Patricia Farris, a New Orleans-based dermatologist, agrees: "In my business, I see people try to overexfoliate. The skin naturally turns over anyway."

Most people will be in good shape if they exfoliate about once a week, says Brillhart.

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