We all should know the basics of skin care – Cleanse, Moisturize and SPF. That in of itself can greatly improve the health of the skin. But what can we do to boost cell renewal and really clean the skin? One word: Exfoliate.
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells approximately every thirty days. Sometimes, dead cells don’t shed completely. This can result in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores. Exfoliating can help prevent this.
Exfoliation doesn’t have to be complicated. There are two ways of exfoliation – physical and chemical. Any exfoliating product or method that requires manual scrubbing or rubbing falls is known as a physical exfoliant.A chemical exfoliant is the method that uses different chemicals, including hydroxy acids and retinol, with enzymes to renew your skin.
It is important to be selective when it comes to exfoliants. It’s so easy to grab multiple things on the shelf and bring them home, use them once and never touch them again. Don’t let this happen. Let me guide you through the world of exfoliating.
Common Questions in Exfoliation
When Should I Exfoliate? When you are introducing an exfoliating product into your routine whether it is in the morning or evening, it is always after cleansing. Exfoliation works best on clean fresh skin.
How Often Should I Exfoliate? This answer really depends on the type of exfoliator you use. A mild exfoliant can be done daily, a more aggressive exfoliant (one with microbeads) can be once or twice a week. For example, when using a retinol serum, that can be used nightly. When getting a professional treatment, that can be once a month.
Are Exfoliators With Microbeads Better? For me personally, this is based on personal preference. Though microbeads are great, not all skins can handle it on the face, it can cause irritation. I would suggest ‘scrubs’ for the body and a gentler exfoliator for the face.
What’s The Difference Between An At-Home Exfoliator & A Professional Treatment? Some home care products do have low levels of acids (lactic being a popular one) and over time can have huge benefits to the skin. Getting professional treatments can allow for deeper exfoliation that can only be achieved with higher levels of acids and enzymes. Professional treatments can be done once a month and can improve the texture, tone and health of the skin.
Tips From An Expert – Now if you are going to use an exfoliant with microbeads, do not use a lot of pressure; pressure can irritate the skin and trigger breakouts (we don’t want that) I would suggest if using an exfoliant with microbeads only use it once a week. Remember not all exfoliants are good for all skin types; so always consult a skin care specialist for proper recommendations. When using retinol in your skin care routine, introduce it slowly when using it for the first time; it is common for the skin to react but the results are amazing.
My Recommendations
Professional Treatments
Green Peel (Classic, Energy, Fresh Up)
The only organic peel on the market, it combines the power of herbs to exfoliate, brighten and tighten the skin. Depending on the strength of the Green Peel will determine the levels and depths of the exfoliation. It is one of my favourite treatments for the results I see for my clients. The results – brighter, tighter, even and healthier skin.
Glow Peel
This peel is unique in its combination of three powerful acids – lactic, salicylic and resorcinol. This allows an overall exfoliation that treats everything from breakouts, uneven texture and pigmentation. Of the chemical peels, the Glow Peel is my go to for my clients as it is one of the most veristile peels that can be used for almost all skin types.
Microdermabrasion
This is a classic treatment, one that is so much fun for me to provide (I mean who doesn’t love seeing dead skin being vaccumed off the face?) Microdermabrasion is a great starting point for clients who are starting off their professional treatments journey, it can be customized to specific skin types and concerns and provide beautiful results.
Home Care
Bright & Clear Solution
Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely love love love this product! It is a great daily exfoliant that is great for almost every skin type and skin condition. When do you use it in your routine? In the morning (can be used in the evening if not using retinol or other exfoliant) it is used after cleansing. The Bright & Clear Solution has Lactic acid and caviar lime gently exfoliate cellular debris to brighten and improve skin texture. Kakadu plum extract offers a boost of vitamin C and arnica with soothing properties, contributes to the look of healthy skin all while this expertly crafted formula works! Trust me, this really works.
Retinol
If there is one product that is considered the holy grail of skin care (aside from sunscreen) it is definitely retinol. Retinol is a powerhouse of a serum, only to be used at night time and right after cleansing. Retinol Resurfacing Serum 0.25 is a pure potent retinol serum that dramatically improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and skin texture, while evening skin tone. Cutting-edge microencapsulated retinol allows for gradual timed release overnight. By encapsulating the retinol and adding soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, honey, and sodium hyaluronate, maximal results can be achieved in comfort.
FacEnvy Exfoliate Me
FacEnvy is a unique formula that requires no water to mix and little mess. It is foam that is gently massaged into the skin and watch as the dead skin literally falls of your face. An exfoliant will remove the corneum layer of your skin, by doing so, it will increase the potency up to 30% of creams and serums to penetrate better into the skin. The refined white foam exfoliates and restores the epidermis’s growth cycle, effectively increasing the absorbability of other skin care products while smoothing out the skin’s surface. With its rich enzymes and powerful antioxidants (green tea), a brightening agent (bearberry extract), and a calming soothing agent (aloe extract), your skin will be renewed and it will bring out the glow of your skin.
Now there are more exfoliators out there, always consult a skin care specialist for advice and to choose the right exfoliant for you. I’m a passionate skin care specialist, if you need any advice or recommendations,
I am here for you!