Skin Exfoliation Explained

An exfoliate product will assist in the removal of the surface dead skin cells, and accelerate the renewal of new healthier skin cells. Regular exfoliation will reduce the build-up of dead skin cells to help unclog pores, promote a clearer, smoother, brighter, more even skin tone, and reduce the signs of ageing.

This removal process prepares the skin effectively to allow absorption of active ingredients applied to the skin in forms of serums, moisturisers, and masks etc.

If you avoid this important part of your home skin care routine, the surface dead skin cells will not be completely shed during the 28-day cycle of skin renewal.

The daily application of creams, lotions and potions, are thus unable to be actively absorbed into the skin, and start to adhere to the attached dead skin cells. This accumulates to create an even thicker layer on the skin surface. Products simply stick down the dead skin cells as day-by-day new layers build up.

The results can create dull, dry, rough, flaky skin, cause irritation, discoloration, uneven skin tone, blocked pores, acne outbreaks, and signs of premature ageing.

Like most bodily functions, this natural cycle of cell renewal slows down as we age.

Exfoliating the skin accelerates new healthy skin cells, each full of volume from natural moisture, which reflect more light, making the skin glow. A natural nude skin look is achievable.

An exfoliated smooth skin surface is a perfect canvas for make-up, and self-tanning products without creating patches and clogging.

Exfoliating daily will improve the health and appearance of your skin. It will improve skin conditions such as dry, flaky, acne and premature ageing skin, as well as hyperkeratosis, typically on the arms, legs, shoulders and buttocks.

Take care not to multi-exfoliate daily, and check the active ingredients in each product applied to the skin. You might not even realise that you are using a cleanser, exfoliate, serum, and moisturiser, all of which contain a type of chemical exfoliating ingredient which could be detrimental to skin health with prolonged use.

Simply follow the product manufacturers guidelines.

Always seek the advice of a professional skin care specialist to ensure you are using the most appropriate, effective and safe exfoliate to suit your skin condition.

Types Of Exfoliate Products At A Glance
There are many types of exfoliate products available on the skin care market which include; chemical, grain, rice powder, fruit enzymes, cloths, and specific tools, to name but a few.

Exfoliates can be formulated with a cocktail of ingredients and may include multiple exfoliating forms in one.

The diverse range of product types means that there is product to suit everyone and their skin condition, for the face and the body.

Exfoliates are widely available for home use as well as professional use such as ‘Skin Peels’ and ‘Skin Resurfacing’ treatments. Ensure you undertake the treatment type at a clinic by a professional aesthetician.

• Rice Grain Powder
• Soft Grain
• Coarse Grain
• Exfoliate Beads – Seek bio-degradable
• Herbs
• Chemical
• Cloth
• Brush
• Mechanical Tools
  

It is important to recognise that all of the exfoliates listed can be blended into a complex formulation of ingredients (with the exception of the brush, cloth and tool), which means that each type of exfoliate can be suited to a particular skin type providing the ingredients meet the criteria of the condition of the skin.

CAUTION
You may be over exfoliating the skin without even realising. There might be chemicals and enzymes in all products used on the skin twice daily; in the cleanser, toner, serums, and moisturisers. With, in addition, the use a cloth or brush, this overload could be detrimental to skin health unless managed well.

Take care to apply a gentle light pressure when using a cloth, brush or tool. Avoid completely if you have a tendency to redness and sensitive skin.

Ideally use an exfoliate recommended for your skin by a skin care expert who has completed a skin analysis and consultation to ascertain your skin condition.

Depending on the type of exfoliate, the application procedure will vary. Grain types generally need to be applied onto the skin, then washed off with lukewarm water.

Chemical and fruit enzyme exfoliates are so diverse it is important to follow the specific product manufactures guidelines.

A Word On Water
Hard water from your tap may affect your skin health.

Learn more, click to read the full article:
‘A Word On Water.
How It Affects The skin’

When Is the Best Time To Exfoliate?
Some chemical exfoliates guidelines specifically recommend its use in the PM routine, in order to actively break down skin cells intercellular glue during the evening. This procedure can work well AM, if using a very gentle grain to slough off the loosened dead skin. Be mindful that all products are compatible with your skin condition.

Otherwise, if you are a morning person who wants to polish your skin so that it looks and feels glowing, then that is a good time for you. On the contrary if you are an evening person with more energy at that time then this would be preferable for you.

Consistency is the key to results.

However, it is imperative to follow the specific product guidelines of when and how to use the product. Select carefully to ensure you have the right exfoliate to suit your skin condition and to suit you and your lifestyle, as this will help you to maintain your optimum skin care regime.

What To Apply After Exfoliation?
Now the skin is prepared for further products to treat a specific condition, such as pigmentation, hydrate, promote anti-oxidant support, or moisturise and SPF.

Viridian Supplements can support skin health.
Available at Emporium Treatment Clinic.
Visit our SHOP here.

Skin Care Products I Trust & Recommend:

Dermalogica & Mesoestetic

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Author: Angela Taffinder the founder of Emporium Treatment Clinic. A practising Aesthetician for 35+ years, holistic and wellbeing advocate and yoga instructor.