How to Exfoliate your Skin

This season change can really wreak havoc on delicate skin.  If your skin is feeling dry, itchy, flaky or all of the above, keep reading.

Fact: Your skin sheds 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells per day (that's almost 9 lbs)

Fact: In women 25 years or older, it can take approximately 30-60 days for new skin cells to come to the surface of the skin.

The slow process of new fresh skin cells coming to the surface of your skin results in dull, dry, itchy and ashy skin.

The Fix? Exfoliation

What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface. Exfoliation can be achieved through mechanical or chemical means. 

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical Exfoliants do the exfoliation work for you using acids Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA's) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA's). The main benefit of chemical exfoliants is to remove the upper layer of the skin that tends to hold on to those dead skin cells.  Removing this upper layer of skin will help reveal new fresh skin.  AHA's are great for normal/sensitive skin types solving skin concerns such as sun damage, hyperpigmentation, dark spots. BHA's are great for blemish concerns such as blackheads and acne. Don't be afraid of the word chemicals! They aren't as scary sounding as you think. Consulting with a dermatologist prior to using over-the-counter chemical peels may be helpful as they can damage the skin if used incorrectly. 

Physical Exfoliation

Physical Exfoliation means that you manually exfoliate using products like facial scrubs or masks. When you use the right mask or scrub you will notice an immediate change to the look and feel of your skin.  The way it works is that you massage the mask or scrub into your skin in a gentle, circular motion, using your fingers or an exfoliation brush, then remove the product with warm water and voila! Instantly smooth, butter soft skin is the result.

How do I know when to exfoliate?

Feel your skin. If you feel roughness, bumps or if your skin is scaly, itchy or incredibly dry, you might need exfoliation in your life. 

How often should I exfoliate?

In general, you should exfoliate about once or twice per week.  You can use a mask, like our Pink Rose Mask, in place of a cleanser once a week.  The night time is the best time of day to use an exfoliation product as the skin can redden slightly.  If you use in during the day, give yourself about 20 minutes before stepping outside.

What should I do after I exfoliate?

After your remove all of that dead skin, you'll want to replenish your skin with moisture by hydrating with a cream or face mist. Then lock in the moisture with a vitamin rich, non-pore clogging facial elixir.

 We hope this info helps. Here's to glowing skin!