What Is Skin Exfoliation?

Skin exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. It can be done in different ways — from gentle surface treatments to deeper professional exfoliation — depending on your skin’s needs.

In Seoul, exfoliation is a core part of many facial treatment plans, often paired with hydration, brightening, or rejuvenation treatments.

Types of Skin Exfoliation

 1. Physical (Manual) Exfoliation

• In-clinic scrubs or professional tools
• Uses physical movement to slough off dead cells
✔ Best for mild surface roughness
⚠ Avoid aggressive scrubs if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin

 2. Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical solutions dissolve dead skin without manual abrasion.

💧 Common acids used:
• AHA (glycolic, lactic) – gentle surface exfoliation
• BHA (salicylic) – good for oily, congested skin & blackheads
• PHA – gentle, suitable for sensitive skin
• Retinoids – exfoliate and improve texture over time

Benefits:
✔ Smooths texture
✔ Brightens dullness
✔ Improves tone and clarity

 3. Device-Assisted Exfoliation

These are professional treatments offered in Seoul aesthetic clinics:

📍 Microdermabrasion — light mechanical exfoliation
📍 Hydro-dermabrasion (AquaPeel) — suction + hydration
📍 Laser resurfacing — deeper, controlled exfoliation
📍 RF microneedling / fractional lasers — exfoliate and stimulate collagen

These range from gentle to deep depending on your skin condition.

What Exfoliation Helps With

✔ Rough or flaky texture
✔ Dull complexion
✔ Enlarged or congested pores
✔ Uneven tone
✔ Mild acne buildup
✔ Light surface pigmentation

It prepares skin to absorb actives better and enhances the glow and clarity.

Typical Professional Exfoliation Treatments in Seoul

 Aqua Peel / Hydro Dermabrasion

• Removes dead skin
• Extracts congestion
• Hydrates simultaneously
✨ Great for glow + texture refresh

 Chemical Peels

• Mild to medium strength
• Tailored acids for your skin
✨ Good for tone, texture, dullness

 Microdermabrasion

• Gentle physical exfoliation
✨ Ideal for surface smoothness

 Laser or Microneedling Assisted

• Deeper exfoliation + rejuvenation
✨ Best for texture irregularities, scars, and deeper concerns

A professional consultation helps choose the right level.

What to Expect

During Treatment:
✔ Cleansing
✔ Application of peel/scrub/device
✔ Gentle work on target areas
✔ Serum or calming mask afterward

After Treatment:
• Skin may look brighter and smoother
• Mild redness or warmth may appear
• Flaking or light peeling can happen depending on depth

Downtime ranges from none to a few days for deeper peels.

Aftercare Tips

✔ Use broad-spectrum SPF daily (most important)
✔ Avoid direct sun exposure while healing
✔ Avoid strong acids or retinoids immediately after deep exfoliation
✔ Hydrate with gentle, non-irritating moisturizers
✔ Don’t pick or scrub skin aggressively at home

Good aftercare preserves results and prevents irritation.

Frequency & Planning

✔ Gentle exfoliation: every 2–4 weeks
✔ Medium professional peels: every 4–6 weeks
✔ Deeper resurfacing: spaced per clinician guidance
✔ Always tailor frequency to skin type, sensitivity, and goals

Over-exfoliation can cause sensitivity, dryness, or barrier disruption — moderation is key.

Who It’s Best For

Exfoliation suits people who want to:

✨ Refresh dull skin
✨ Smooth texture
✨ Improve tone and clarity
✨ Prepare skin for other treatments
✨ Lighten mild surface pigmentation

Some deeper options help with texture, fine lines, and scarring when combined with rejuvenation therapies.