Oh. It's a Big Deal!
I’m
asked all the time about exfoliation. Some do it, some don’t.
Some over do-it while others not enough. Mostly I find people are
using a product or method unsuitable for their skin type and
condition.
If
you come to see me for skin care you know I LOVE exfoliation. All
kinds of exfoliation. Why is it so important you ask? Let me
enlighten you.
Our
skin cells turn over every 28 days. As we age this natural process
slows down dramatically. The build up of dead cells on your
face will give you a gray, ashy tone making your skin appear
dull and tired. No glow! Oh no! 😬 This build up of cells can also
clog pores, and prevent your skin care products from penetrating
and being as effective as they could be.
The flip side of this is over-exfoliating. Too much of a good thing… is not a good thing. Too much exfoliation or overly harsh methods and/or products will cause inflammation and irritation, sometimes causing breakouts. Back off chica! A little exfoliation goes a long way and shouldn’t leave you red and sensitive.
The
appropriate exfoliation will not only remove the layers of dead cells
it will encourage new cells to be produced, at a faster rate. With
old cells removed the new plump, healthy cells will be visible on the
surface of your skin… and Voila! You glow!! 😍
There
are so many types of exfoliation to choose from. (I can help you with
this) Here are a few most commonly used.
SCRUBS
We are all familiar with these. When
choosing a manual method, AKA a scrub, be sure the particles that do
the actual scrubbing are soft and rounded. Nut shells and the like
will leave minuscule scratches. We don’t want that. Typically
those with sensitive skin, active acne, visible capillaries (blood
vessels) are better off not using a scrub. Used
correctly and carefully they can be a great and affordable method.
Certainly the most popular. The trick is finding a gentle scrub formulated
with ingredients that offer benefits for your specific skin type
and condition.
ENZYMES
Derived
from most commonly from fruits. Papaya, pineapple, pumpkin,
blueberries, etc. It’s actually the bacteria in enzymes that cause
the exfoliation. They digest dead skin cells and don’t mess with
the live cells. I love enzymes. They can be formulated to be super
gentle or as in
some professional products, as aggressive
as some chemical peels. You'll find them added to cleansers, scrubs
and masks, serums and creams. So very versatile.
ACIDS/AHA'S
Glycolic,
Lactic and Salicylic are the most commonly found in home-care
products. You can find them in creams, lotions, gels and serums as
well as cleansers and scubs. They all have a specific reaction on and
within the skin. Glycolic is a good all around acid. Anti-aging and
acne, these are two conditions that Glycolic Acid treats really well. Lactic Acid,
from milk, is a milder, hydrating acid. It allows for exfoliation while facilitating hydration. Nice Combo! Salicylic Acid is wonderful
in acne treatments, especially oily acne. Yes. There is such a thing as dry (skin) acne!
Two
very popular products at Inner Glow Skin Care are the Skin Script
Glycolic and Retinol Pads and the Clarifying Toner Pads. Easy to use
and great results.
Need
help finding the best exfoliation method and product for your skin?
Schedule a complimentary consultation and we can discuss what will
work best for you and with your existing skin care routine.
Okay gorgeous.
See
you next time. Stay beautiful!
Billy 💗
