Exfoliation: From Head to Toe

The role of the skin is to protect the body from external agressions such as UV rays. In order to complete its role, skin cells are renewed each month with new cells to replace dead ones. External action is needed to remove dead skin cells and avoid that they pile up at the surface but also clogging pores.
When we get rid of the dead cells, our skin looks smooth and brighter, making it easier to absorb moisture for skin treatments to be more effective.

 

What is Exfoliation?

Dr. Ingrid Wilson defines skin exfoliation as “one of the essential steps to healthy skin.  If you get rid of oils and dead skin cells using the correct products you have the correct canvas to start treating skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation and ageing. Exfoliation helps to renew the epidermis – the outer layer of the skin, improves circulation and enhances penetration of products.”
Exfoliation is the action of removing dead skin cells from the top layers of your skin to uncover fresh skin cells below. Exfoliation can be done either mechanically or chemically.
Mechanical exfoliation is when you use abrasive scrubs on the skin like granular exfoliating products (sugar, jojoba beads, silica plastic micro beads…), or even tools such as pumice stone, exfoliating shower puff or an exfoliating brush.
Chemical exfoliation implies the use of special kinds of acids to get rid of dead skin cells without scrubbing. 
 

Why is Exfoliation Important?

There are many benefits of skin exfoliation: it unclogs pores, stimulates skin regeneration, increases blood circulation but also helps on many skin problems. For those who have an oily skin, exfoliation removes oily skin of dulling skin cells, therefore the skin is then more receptive to oil-controlling ingredients.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

It is recommended to exfoliate your skin once to twice a week, whether for the face or body.
Dr. Wilson advises not to over exfoliate though as that can cause irritation and unwanted skin damage.

 

Zoom on scalp exfoliation

Scalp is often overlooked when it comes to exfoliation but it is also a part of our skin that requires the same care as the rest of our body. Scalp exfoliation can also invigorate for better circulation, which provides an optimal environment for healthy hair growth.
Scalp exfoliation removes buildup, unclogs follicles, allowing sebum to keep the hair and scalp nourished and healthy. Detoxing the scalp can also help relieve itching, dandruff, or other forms of irritation.

 

Scalp exfoliation can be done either manually or chemically to remove excess skin cells, oil, and dandruff.
Scalp scrub should be used on wet and freshly shampooed hair. Rub it on the scalp, section by section, using fingertips and circular motions.
Beauté Insolente Revolution Detox scalp scrub from contains apricot kernels to gently exfoliate the scalp.

 

Tools, like scalp brush,  may be used by rubbing gently the scalp.

It is advised to exfoliate your scalp once a week, particularly if you have an itchy scalp, dandruff, dry skin, oily hair.

Exfoliating regularly can help hair grow naturally thicker, shinier, and less oily hair.

Zoom on face exfoliation

Our face is more exposed to external aggressions like pollution, germs, and season changes.
Face exfoliation should be part of your skincare routine to get rid of all the impurities.
Face scrub is a great option to exfoliate your skin. It should be applied on a freshly washed face. Leave for 20 minutes for a deeper action before rinsing with water.

Biolissime Peeling Mask 2 in 1 contains papaya extracts and jojoba micro beads.

 

 

The peeling mask unclogs pores by removing dead skins cells thanks to its cleansing and unifying properties, for a glowing skin. 
Papaya oil is rich in Omega 6 & 9, vitamin A & C, potassium, as well as saturated fatty acids. The oil is nourishing, repairing and soothing. It contains an enzyme, called papain, which has mild exfoliating property on the skin. It helps healing wounds, balances sebum, which is perfect for oily and skin with imperfections.

 

 

Leicala Face Scrub is a light cream with small pumice particles to exfoliate dead skin cells on your face and neck.

Face Scrub vs. Face Mask

A mask is usually used as a treatment when it is applied and left on for a certain amount of time. Its purpose is to add hydration or nutrients back to the skin. Cream masks are suitable for all skin types and boost hydration in the skin. It’s beneficial for very dry and sensitive skin

Clay Mask, such as Bourn Beautiful Naturals Bentonite & Goat's milk face mask,  is great for oily and acne-prone skin because they will absorb the excess oil from the skin.

It is usually  advised to exfoliate oily skin once to twice a week.
For dry or normal skin, it is recommended to do it just once a week.

 

Zoom on body exfoliation

Exfoliating your whole body is greatly beneficial. The motion of exfoliating stimulates blood circulation as well as the  lymphatic system, minimises the appearance of cellulite, improves skin elasticity and will enhance your all over body glow and radiance. After exfoliating the skin is left beautifully soft ready to absorb a good moisturiser.
Body exfoliation can be done once a week by using a gentle body scrub containing granular exfoliating products, such as Bourn Beautiful Naturals Cocoa Body Polish, or micro beads.

 

 

Tools like brush or gloves can use also be used to exfoliate your body.

 

What should you do after an exfoliation?

As previously said, exfoliation increases blood circulation which breaks toxin down. Drinking plenty of water after an exfoliation helps to drain the toxins and to hydrate the new skin cells from the inside.

Moisturise your skin after any exfoliation so the new skin cells are hydrated from the outside in.

 

Finally, avoid sun exposure for 24 hours after exfoliation.