Exfoliating

Exfoliation does not always mean “scrubs” and granules.  The benefits of exfoliation are many:  increase cell renewal; add a deeper element of cleansing to this part of the skin care program.  Exfoliating the skin also brightens its appearance.  Creates a luminous texture and really promotes a decongested, smoother more youthful skin. 

It is also a powerful way to enhance cell regeneration.

As we age, exfoliation begins to slow down.  This in turn leaves the skin quite dull; lacklustre and not really smooth and supple.  It can also leave the skin looking and feeling "muddy”.

There are many myths out there about the how and types of exfoliants and their proper usage. 

It is vital to note, that they offer the skin so many benefits, but need to be used correctly.

Exfoliants fall into two main categories:

Physical or mechanical, as well as chemical exfoliants.

Physical or mechanical exfoliants are those that are literally part of machinery (eg dermabrasion heads) or particles such as sand; synthetic spheres; bamboo; kernels and seeds, also aluminium oxide (used in clinic and in-office).  These are designed to form little paths of abrasion, to release and lift clogging cellular matter, as well as dead skin cells.  This is where facial “scrubs” fall into.

There are also chemical exfoliants:  These are designed without granules and particles.  They offer exceptional smoothing and refining of the skin by dissolving the bonds between living and dead cells, as we all helping to eliminate the build up of waste.  These are really popular in the treatment of ageing skin, as well as conditions such as acne.

Chemical exfoliants have many other benefits:  hydration and radiance being two key benefits.

There are many options of these, designed to really fit in with an individual’s needs and skin type.

Also, a lot of chemical exfoliants can also be assisted by the regular, weekly use of a physical exfoliant.

We at The Facial Maestro offer both options, and even a couple of hybrid formulations which seamlessly fuse the best of both worlds into a single formula.

HOW-TO:

Mechanical Exfoliants:  After double-cleansing, ensure that the skin is kept quite water-moistened.  Take a pearl-sized amount of your exfoliant.  Add water to emulsify the product, and apply to the face.  Use very gentle circular motions, avoiding the eyes and lips directly.

Massage for about thirty to sixty seconds, rinse off.  Blot the skin dry.  Ideally follow with an application of masque to really intensify the results, and offer greater benefits.  Otherwise, blot dry and lock in the hydration levels with Toner, and follow with recommended treatment products.

Remember: we scrub floors, pots and pans – not faces.  The job of your fingertips is to glide the granules, and not to exfoliate.  Leave that to the product!

Chemical Exfoliants:  Follow the instructions carefully.  Depending on the product you select, it could be a leave-on formulation – or one that is left on for a definite amount of time.  Do not deviate from how you are told to use these.  Always follow professional recommendation.

PRO TIP:

At home chemical exfoliation is also a great way to prep the skin for in-office / clinic peels.  These are a great way to really increase cell turnover, and to acclimatise the skin for more to come.