Exfoliating - An important part of your skin care routine
You may hear people talking about exfoliating our skin. But why do we do it? Why is it important?
What you may not know, is that every single day our skin sheds dead cells and new cells are then brought to the surface. However, the older we get, the longer it takes for these dead skin cells to shed. Yep! I’m afraid so.
Between the ages of 20 and 30, it takes as much as 30 days to be relieved of these dead skin cells and the bad news is that this increases with age. So, at age 40 it takes 40 days, 50 days at age 50 and so on… I think you get the idea.
Clearly we don’t want to be carrying around rough, dead skin so we need to get rid of it as soon as we can. This is where exfoliation comes in. How? Let’s find out.
Why is exfoliating good for your skin?
When exfoliating you’re physically or chemically removing dead skin cells which gently helps the skin do what it naturally would anyway and keeps it looking smoother and younger. It’s just that with all the stuff we put on our skins, it just needs a bit more help!
What kind of exfoliator should you use?
There are many different types of exfoliators and it’s important to find the right one for you.
Whether it be a mechanical scrub/dermabrasion performed in salon or an exfoliator you use by hand at home, it should be rough but not so rough as to tear the surface of your skin. For example, crushed nuts, have sharp, rough edges so should not be avoided. Check what is in your exfoliator or scrub before you use it.
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Homecare Exfoliant Favourites
Three of my favourite exfoliants available from the salon for home use:
[ comfort zone ] Essential Peeling - delicate enzymatic mask for sensitive skins
Exfoliant-mask to eliminate impurities, superficial dead skin cells and excess sebum thanks to the delicate enzymatic action. Reawakens luminosity, leaving the skin soft and smooth.
Ideal for sensitive skin, use once or twice a week.
[ comfort zone ] Essential Scrub - illuminating, refining scrub for all skin types
Two dimensional mechanical exfoliant which removes impurities and refines the pores using Jojoba Spheres (premier mechanical exfoliant derived from fully hydrogenated jojoba wax in a spherical shape) and Silica Particles reawakens the skin leaving it illuminated, soft and smooth.
For all skins, especially those more impure, oily and resistant, use once or twice a week.
[ comfort zone ] Sublime Skin Peel Pad - alpha-poly-hydroxy acids for mature skin
Innovative peeling single-dose pads made of alpha and poly-hydroxy acids. A skin exfoliant for a progressive regenerating action and bright complexion. With a handy and quick application, pads are ideal as monthly treatment to be done every other day.
For mature, thickened skin and/or showing sun exposure blemishes.
What about exfoliating treatments in the salon?
You can give your skin some extra care by treating yourself to a professional exfoliating treatment? Consider doing this once a month for 6 months.
So, what are the exfoliating treatment options I offer?
Exfoliating Peels
What’s an exfoliating peel? An exfoliating peel is a non-mechanical or chemical way of ridding your skin of those dead cells. Providing a professional who knows what they’re doing performs the treatment, it isn’t harmful or scary, even though it may sound like it is. And no, all your skin isn’t going to peel off!
How do exfoliating peels work? They contain ingredients that cause the top layer to shed off rather than being physically scrubbed off – a better option for a finer or sensitive skin. This can also be done once a month for 6 treatments.
Micro-Dermabrasion
Micro-Derma-what? Micro-Dermabrasion works on a deeper level than peels and scrubs and is the perfect treatment for those wanting to effectively treat wrinkles, fine lines, surface blemishes and congestion.
How does it work? Using a diamond-tipped wand, your face is gently polished and a light suction is used to remove dead cells and promote blood flow - This is a very effective way to improve your skin’s look and texture.
The best part about this treatment is that there’s no down time required – you can simply leave looking glowing, fresh and fabulous. This can be done once a month for 6 treatments or a one off when you feel your skin needs it.
As with any product, if an exfoliator or exfoliating treatment doesn’t feel right, don’t use it. How do you know it doesn’t feel right? Well, often you “just know”, but if you’re still not sure… your skin shouldn’t feel tight or dry after exfoliation. If it does, you know this product isn’t right for your skin!
Book in to Beauty at Ab Fab - 2B Charles St Maylands, Perth, for a skin diagnosis and let me help you find the perfect exfoliating product or treatment for your skin.