Exfoliation is a cornerstone of effective skincare, offering numerous benefits for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. But what exactly is exfoliation, and how can you incorporate it into your routine for the best results? This guide will explore everything you need to know about exfoliating your face and body.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the outermost layer of skin, known as the stratum corneum. While our skin naturally sheds these cells, the cell turnover rate slows with age, extending from around 30 days in young people to approximately 45 days or more as we age. Regular exfoliation helps to accelerate this process, keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy.
Types of Exfoliation
Exfoliation can be divided into two main types: chemical and physical exfoliation.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants use active ingredients, such as hydroxy acids, to break down the bonds between skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. Common chemical exfoliants include:
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Such as lactic acid, ideal for improving skin texture and brightness.
• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Such as salicylic acid, excellent for oily and acne-prone skin.
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation relies on small, granular particles to create a light abrasive effect when gently massaged onto the skin. Popular physical exfoliants include:
• Sugar: A gentle and hydrating exfoliant.
• Ground botanicals: Such as seed husks or upcycled strawberry seeds.
• Dead Sea or Himalayan salts: Known for their mineral-rich exfoliating properties.
Thankfully, microbeads—a form of plastic once commonly used in exfoliators—have been banned in the UK since 2016, paving the way for eco-friendly alternatives.
What Does Exfoliating Do for Your Skin?
Exfoliation offers numerous benefits for your skin, including:
1. Boosting Circulation and Cell Regeneration
By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation stimulates blood circulation and encourages new cell growth, which is essential for collagen production and skin elasticity.
2. Enhancing Skin Complexion
Exfoliation unclogs pores and prevents breakouts, leaving your skin softer, smoother, and more radiant. It helps to even out your complexion and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time.
3. Improving Moisture Absorption
By removing the barrier of dead skin cells, exfoliation allows your skin to absorb moisturisers, serums, and oils more effectively, maximising their benefits.
What Happens if You Don’t Exfoliate?
While your skin naturally sheds dead cells, neglecting exfoliation can lead to:
- Dull, uneven skin tone.
- Clogged pores, increasing the risk of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
- Reduced efficacy of skincare products due to the barrier of dead skin cells.
How to Effectively Exfoliate
Frequency
Over-exfoliation can harm your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. It’s recommended to exfoliate no more than twice a week, regardless of your skin type. Stop exfoliating if your skin stings or feels irritated when applying products or washing.
Method
- Prep Your Skin: For most exfoliators, apply to damp skin. Thicker pastes may be easier to spread on slightly wet surfaces.
- Apply in Circular Motions: Gently massage a small amount of product onto your skin in circular motions for about 30 seconds. Be particularly gentle on the face.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use lukewarm water, as hot water can irritate your skin.
- Moisturise: Follow up with a moisturiser to replenish your skin’s hydration. This is essential to prevent dryness and irritation.
Incorporating Exfoliation into Your Skincare Routine
Exfoliation can be the first step in your skincare regimen or follow cleansing to remove makeup and surface impurities. Choose products suited to your needs, such as:
Face Exfoliators
Honey & Sugar Face Scrub: Made with over 90% organic ingredients, this scrub features soft brown sugar for gentle exfoliation and honey for hydration. Infused with a refreshing blend of may chang, patchouli, and tea tree essential oils.
Jasmine & Rose Clay Mud Mask: A dual-purpose mask that combines kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb impurities and gently exfoliate. Enriched with honey for hydration, it leaves skin smooth and radiant.
Body Exfoliators
Pink Himalayan Glow Body Scrub: This luxurious scrub combines Dead Sea and Himalayan salts with upcycled strawberry seeds for exfoliation. Enriched with organic shea butter, coconut oil, and honey, it deeply moisturises while leaving skin soft and glowing.
Hands
Gardener’s Hand Soap: Designed for hardworking hands, this soap combines dried herbs for physical exfoliation with bentonite clay to absorb dirt and oils. Beeswax helps to protect and soothe the skin.
FAQs About Exfoliation
1. How often should I exfoliate sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin should be exfoliated no more than once a week using a gentle exfoliator like the Honey & Sugar Face Scrub.
2. Can I exfoliate before applying a face mask?
Yes, exfoliating before applying a face mask helps remove dead skin cells, allowing the mask’s active ingredients to penetrate more effectively.
3. Is chemical or physical exfoliation better?
It depends on your skin type. Chemical exfoliants are great for uneven texture and acne, while physical exfoliants are ideal for those who prefer a tactile experience.
4. Should I exfoliate dry or wet skin?
Most exfoliators are best applied to damp skin, making them easier to spread and less abrasive.
5. Can exfoliating too much damage my skin?
Yes, over-exfoliation can strip your skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and an impaired skin barrier. Always exfoliate in moderation.