EXFOLIATION 101
Exfoliating is an important part of any skincare routine - for the face and body alike. There are several ways in which exfoliating can improve your skin's appearance.
In a skin and body care routine, exfoliation leaves skin brighter and glowier - and ensures optimal levels of absorption of other products, making it a fantastic first step for any routine. Exfoliating regularly can also prevent clogged pores and lead to fewer breakouts on the face. Exfoliating over a long period of time has been shown to boost collagen production. Increased collagen has all sorts of amazing benefits, making skin plump and glowy, promoting elasticity and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are two main categories of exfoliation...
-
Chemical exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation refers to a product with an acid-base containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA). AHAs are a water-soluble exfoliant, while BHAs are oil-soluble.
-
Manual exfoliation
Manual exfoliation refers to an exfoliant that physically removes dead cells by gently scraping the top surface of the skin. Sloughing away dead skin cells manually is best done using ‘tiny grains’ (think sugar scrubs or sand) or an exfoliating sponge or brush.
For people who suffer from rough, dry or flakey skin, manual exfoliation is often the best choice. Physically sloughing or scrubbing a thick outer layer of skin off will allow more effective absorption of other skin products. Scrubs and other products containing a natural exfoliant are known to stimulate blood flow to reduce the signs of puffy, dull skin.
TOP SEVEN REASONS TO EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN
-
Remove dead skin
If your skin is looking a bit dull and lifeless, giving it a good scrub will help to brighten things up. Exfoliating will remove the dead skin cells that make your skin look dry and dull.
-
Softer, smoother skin
Build-up of moisturisers, sunscreen and other products can leave your skin feeling rough or bumpy and not looking its best. By exfoliating regularly, you can remove build-up on your skin and refresh your skin cells to leave you feeling smooth and soft.
-
Create an even base for your makeup
Ever notice your makeup looks flawless in the morning but as the day goes on it looks patchy and uneven? You may need to exfoliate! If you have any dry patches on your face, makeup will make these more noticeable as the day goes on. Exfoliate your face regularly and apply a good moisturiser before applying makeup to create an even base.
-
Allow products to absorb better
Exfoliating the dead skin from your face and body will allow your skincare products to absorb into the skin easier- and therefore be more beneficial to your skin. If you have particularly dry skin, moisturisers will help the skin to look better initially, but to really improve the hydration of your skin, exfoliate first, then apply a body lotion or oil.
-
Minimise the appearance of pores
While you can't minimise the size of your pores, you can help minimise their appearance. Dirt, makeup, sunscreen and other products build up in your pores and can make them appear larger. Exfoliate regularly to remove these from the skin, and your pores won’t be as noticeable!
-
Minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Again, you can’t eliminate fine lines and wrinkles with exfoliation alone, but you can reduce their appearance. Wrinkles can appear deeper when dead skin builds up, so if you exfoliate and remove these dead skin cells those fine lines will be less noticeable!
-
Helps increase cell turnover
When we’re young, our skin cells naturally regenerate more frequently- which is why younger people tend to have softer and smoother skin. As we age, this process slows down and our skin doesn’t produce new cells as quickly as it used to. When you exfoliate, you’re encouraging the skin to shed the old cells and produce new ones, which will lead to softer and younger-looking skin.
THE ‘GRANULAR’ EXFOLIANTS WE USE
Sugar
Found in our Sweet Feet Scrub
We use raw sugar in our Sweet Feet Scrub, which is the coarsest of all of our scrubs. We recommend using this one on your feet, knees and elbows if they are particularly dry.
Jojoba Beads
Found in our Hand & Body Scrub
Jojoba Beads are tiny spherically shaped beads consisting of hydrogenated jojoba oil (wax). The round shape offers effective exfoliation with out abrasive sharp edges. A mild exfoliant with natural emollient properties making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Ground Pumice and Ground Walnut Shells
Found in our Chamomile & Lavender Body Polish and Rose Geranium Hand Scrub
Pumice stones - or volcanic rock - and walnut shells are finely ground to make these natural exfoliants. Because they are so fine, they are great to use on the hands and feet and leave your skin silky smooth.
Dead Sea Salts
Found in our Lemon Myrtle Body Scrub
We import dead sea salts to use in this scrub, which can also double as a bath soak. Dead sea salts contain many minerals that are great for your skin and are perfect for soaking in if you have aching muscles! The oils in this scrub leave your skin moisturised and glowing. Suitable for all skin types; just avoid using this one on your face.
