Physical exfoliants involve the use of manual implements to erode away surface skin cells. Presumably, as rubbing is continued and additional force is exerted, skin cells will continue to forcibly desquamate in a non-specific manner. This can continue until the stratum corneum is removed and the “glistening” layer of the live epidermis is reached. A similar effect can be observed following repeated tape stripping, which could be thought of as a process of forced physical exfoliation.
Common methods of manual exfoliation include use of physically abrasive materials such as pumice, loofahs, and buff puffs. The repetitive action of shaving with a razor also serves to physically remove or exfoliate the stratum corneum (9). Newer methods of physical exfoliation, such as microdermabrasion, involve the use of sophisticated equipment which “sandblasts” the skin surface with particles.