We all know that the skin is the body’s largest organ, and I think it’s also the most dazzling performer. It is our first line of defense against the toxins and traumas of the world, protecting our innermost workings from damage. And, it tirelessly refreshes and renews itself.

Honoring this renewal is what inspired me to develop Daily Microfoliant^® ten years ago in October, 2001. A decade later, this product is one of our brand’s absolute top best-sellers. It’s still one of my favorites as well. One of the reasons is that it’s a great “first product” for people who’ve never used anything but soap and water. Feeling and seeing the difference, and experiencing the benefits of safely exfoliated skin every day, changes how people approach and appreciate their hard-working epidermis.

Ten years ago in the USA, it was almost as if women had declared war on their skin. Overexfoliation, in the form of multiple medi-spa procedures and the compounded effects of aggressive products, was rampant. Hopefully, Daily Microfoliant^® has helped to offset this overzealousness.

Daily Microfoliant^® is more relevant than ever, because many women still seek out exfoliation regimens which are simply too aggressive, especially as our population ages. They do this because they have half of the message right: that exfoliation is key to healthier, more supple, “younger”-looking skin.

It is. But like all good things, it is possible to overdo it. Overexfoliation actually worsens the conditions that over-exfoliators set out to scrub and dissolve away — specifically by thinning out the lipid barrier of the skin. Without this resilient natural barrier, skin becomes papery, fragile, and unable to recover from trauma. More fine lines and other common complaints increase. Prudent exfoliation doesn’t strip away this necessary protective barrier layer, but simply lifts the top micro-layer of dead cell-debris which accumulates on the skin surface, dulling the radiance of the skin and preventing treatment products from working at their most effective levels.

Something else also led to the creative process, which ultimately resulted in the formulation of Daily Microfoliant – a phenomenon from long ago and far away. I learned of a tradition in Japan called “Rice Water Beauties.” This tradition arose out of the experiences of generations of Japanese women as they rinsed and handled their dietary staple, rice. These women discovered that, as the result of coming into daily contact with the rinse-water from rice, the skin on their hands grew progressively more supple, smooth and resilient.

Their discovery was significant because, as we all know, the skin on the backs of the hands is the thinnest and most vulnerable on the body. It is even more delicate than the eye area, since the hands contain zero oil glands, and thus do not have any innate protection against dehydration, UV damage and other forms of trauma. As a result, our hands may look more weathered than any other area of our skin. After observing the effects of rice-water on their hands, the tradition expanded: the women began using the rinse-water on their faces, for its refreshing and restorative effects.

After some fascinating investigation, we made rice, in two forms, a key ingredient as we developed our formula. Why and how does it work? Rice Extract contains Phytic Acid, which, among other things, gently brightens areas of hyperpigmentation, to which hands are prone. Rice Bran is a mild physical exfoliant that helps loosen and lift cell debris from the surface of the skin, leaving the texture more refined to the touch, and more polished-looking.

Then, there’s the delight-factor. I wanted a product which would, by its literal, physical feel, convey the idea of transformation: transforming the skin. My concept was a silky, microfine dry powder that would morph into a fluffy polishing paste upon contact with water.

This product development process was an example of how being an entrepreneur often means overcoming obstacles, even when you are (ahem…) The Boss. Yes, my creative team at the time opposed this transformational, powder-to-paste idea. But ten years later, shoppers and skin care professionals around the world confirm the effectiveness, and the joy-factor, every day as they uncover their skin at its freshest and healthiest.

Happy 10th Birthday, Daily Microfoliant^®. Here’s to many more decades to come!

NO NEED TO SING “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” – JUST TWEET your birthday wishes to @dermalogica for #microfoliant10.

Want to learn more on the power of exfoliation? Click here to download consumer friendly tips and best practices to get your skin glowing.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 7th, 2011 at 5:15 pm and is filed under under my skin with jane wurwand, founder of dermalogica.