Exfoliation is Awesome
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and is an important part of your skin care regime.
Exfoliation helps to reduce the occurrence of acne and blackhead breakouts. Acne-prone skin sheds extra skin cells more than other skin types, but the cells do not fall away. Instead, they stick to the skin, clogging pores and hair follicles. All skin needs exfoliation to remove the dead skin cells on the skins surface, get rid of the old bring out the new. It also allows for deeper penetration of products to follow.
Exfoliating 1 to 3 times a week, increases blood circulation, giving your skin a fresh, healthy glow. Therefore reviving dry, dull skin. It also works to;
Reduce large pores, blackheads and blemishes by exfoliating as it breaks down the toxins, cleaning out the pores helping to reduce breakouts.
Aids in product penetration. Your serums, masks and moisturisers will penetrate the skin better as there are no dead skin cells blocking their penetration.
Fight signs of ageing. As we get older our skin becomes more sluggish and we don’t shred dead skin cells as quickly as we used to. Fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent when dead and dull cells are not sloughed away.
Even out skin tone by reducing and possibly lightening pigmentation and purple scarring. This is done by promoting cell turnover which in turn pushes away the old cells, allowing the new ones to come through. Giving the skin a more even, brighter tone.
Considering a fake tan? You will get a better application of the tan if you have exfoliated. The tan will be less likely to be patchy and will have a more natural appearance.
There are several types of exfoliation such as:-
Manual such as
Microdermabrasion where a machine is used to distribute crystals which slough away dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion will give a deeper exfoliation so is performed by a professional. For home care manual exfoliation such as Bamboo Pearl or Walnut Pearl can be used. These are more of an abrasive form of exfoliation. Using the correct one for your skin type is important so it is highly recommended you get a professional recommendation from your Beauty Therapist.
Chemical such as
Glycolic Acid which is water soluble and Salisylic Acid which is oil soluble. These can be done as professional treatments where there are higher percentages of the acids in the product. You can purchase products with a lower percentage of glycolic such as the Brightening Mask to use at home. These are not abrasive at all so are best suited to very sensitive or blemished skins. Get your recommendation from your Beauty Therapist.
Avoid using exfoliants with polystyrene beads/microbeads as they are of no benefit to your skin and cause damage to our environment. Exfoliants with large scratchy granules can cause micro scratches on your skin so they should also be avoided.
My golden rule for exfoliation is at least once a week no more than three times a week. Over exfoliation can cause the skin to dry out, develop burst capiliaries & become sensitised so don’t be tempted to exfoliate more than 3 times a week.
Check out our Exfoliants here or have a look for your closest stockist to get a more intensive exfoliation in-salon treatment.