Are you tired of dull, uneven skin? Do you struggle with clogged pores and acne breakouts? If so, it's time to reconsider your skincare routine and add a crucial step: exfoliation.
The skin is constantly renewing itself, shedding old skin cells to make way for new ones in order to maintain a healthy and vibrant epidermis. The trouble is, as you age the skin cell turn over process that was once every 3-4 weeks, slows down to every 30-40 days once you are past your teenage years. For anyone who is over the age of 50, the process of new skin cell turnover can be as slow as once every 90 days. The effect of this results in skin that is more likely to appear dry, dull and dehydrated due to a build up of dead skin cells that just wont bug off. In other words, your skin starts to show your age. That’s where exfoliation comes in.
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, allowing fresh, new cells to take their place. It not only brightens and evens out your complexion but also promotes healthy cell turnover and helps prevent clogged pores. However, not all exfoliation is created equal. Using harsh scrubs or over-exfoliating can damage your skin, leading to irritation and inflammation. That's why it's essential to choose the right exfoliating method and frequency for your skin type. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of good exfoliation and share some tips on how to incorporate this vital step into your skincare routine.
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Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Dead skin cells can accumulate on the skin's surface, leading to a dull and uneven complexion. When you exfoliate, you're essentially sloughing away these dead skin cells, allowing fresh, new cells to come to the surface. This process can help to brighten and even out your skin tone, giving you a more radiant complexion.
There are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves using a scrub or tool to physically remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, involves using acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. Both methods can be effective, but it's important to choose the right one for your skin type.
Exfoliation offers a host of benefits for your skin. Here are just a few:
As we mentioned earlier, exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can help to brighten and even out your skin tone, giving you a more radiant complexion. Over time, regular exfoliation can also help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin, they can mix with sebum (oil) and other impurities, leading to clogged pores. Exfoliating regularly can help to prevent this from happening, keeping your pores clear and reducing your risk of developing acne.
Our skin is constantly renewing itself, with new skin cells replacing old ones. Exfoliating can help to speed up this process, promoting healthy cell turnover and keeping your skin looking youthful and fresh.
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As we mentioned earlier, there are two main types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Let's take a closer look at each:
Physical exfoliation involves using a scrub or tool to physically remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Scrubs can be made from a variety of materials, including sugar, salt, and coffee grounds. Tools like brushes, sponges, and loofahs can also be used for physical exfoliation.
When choosing a physical exfoliator, it's important to consider your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to choose a gentler scrub or tool. If you have oily or acne prone skin, you may benefit from a more abrasive scrub.
Chemical exfoliation involves using acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. There are two main types of chemical exfoliants: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs, like glycolic acid and lactic acid, work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells. BHAs, like salicylic acid, work by penetrating the pores and dissolving sebum and other impurities.
Chemical exfoliants can be a good choice for those with sensitive skin, as they tend to be gentler than physical exfoliants. However, it's important to choose the right type of acid for your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may benefit from a milder AHA like lactic acid. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a BHA like salicylic acid may be more effective.
How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you're using. As a general rule, those with oily or acne prone skin can benefit from exfoliating more frequently, while those with dry or sensitive skin should exfoliate less often.
If you're using a physical exfoliant, you'll want to be gentle and avoid over-exfoliating. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most skin types. If you're using a chemical exfoliant, you may be able to use it more frequently, depending on the strength of the acid and your skin's sensitivity.
An average rule for exfoliating the face and body is once or twice a week, depending on the sensitivity of your skin and how dry the climate is. It also depends on the size of the granules you are exfoliating with. For skin on the face and décolletage, using a gentle exfoliator with small particle size is best. As the skin around this area is very delicate, using a more aggressive exfoliator can cause micro tears to the epidermis, which contributes to the development of wrinkles. When using a gentle exfoliator, you can afford to exfoliate more frequently. If you wear make up, a gentle facial exfoliator daily is beneficial to promote radiant skin tone.
If you like to use a body scrub that is slightly course, once a week is sufficient for regular skin, or twice weekly for skin that tends to be more towards the scaly side. Sassy Organics stocks a wide range of natural, organic and vegan body scrubs that are great for all skin types.
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Exfoliating can be a great way to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant, but it's important to do it correctly. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Over-exfoliating can damage your skin, leading to irritation and inflammation. It's important to choose the right exfoliant and frequency for your skin type and avoid overdoing it.
Harsh scrubs can be too abrasive for your skin, leading to micro tears and damage. Choose a gentle face scrub or tool and be sure to use a light touch.
If you have inflamed skin, like a pimple or rash, it's best to avoid exfoliating that area. Exfoliating can further irritate the skin and make the problem worse.
If you're looking for a natural, at home exfoliating solution, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few DIY exfoliating scrubs to try:
Mix together a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water.
Mix together a tablespoon of coffee grounds and a tablespoon of coconut oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water.
Mix together a tablespoon of ground oatmeal and a tablespoon of almond oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water.
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If you're looking for a store bought exfoliating product, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of the best exfoliating products for different skin types:
For those with oily or acne prone skin, a BHA like salicylic acid can be effective. The Jojoba Company Jojoba Bead Cleanser is a cult favourite, thanks to its ability to unclog pores and reduce breakouts.
Those with dry or sensitive skin should look for a gentle exfoliant, like the Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Polish & Exfoliator that uses avocado oil and jojoba beads to gently exfoliate the skin, while nourishing oils like meadowfoam and jojoba help to hydrate and soothe.
If you have normal or combination skin, the Eco by Sonya Certified Organic Super Acai Exfoliator is a great choice. This scrub is designed to intensely exfoliate whilst enriching the skin with the powerful antioxidant and brightening properties of marvellous acai!
Exfoliation can be a key component of an anti aging skincare routine. As we age, our skin's cell turnover rate slows down, leading to a dull and uneven complexion. Regular exfoliation can help to speed up this process, promoting healthy cell turnover and keeping your skin looking youthful and fresh.
La Mav AHA Face Exfoliant is made with potent alpha hydroxy acids from desert lime, sugar cane and bilberry which help break down the dead skin cells for deep exfoliation, while kakadu plum promotes collagen production. This lovely organic scrub is designed to boost skin cell renewal for a more youthful appearance.
However, exfoliating is not just for those concerned with skin aging. Unless you live in a bubble, most people are exposed to air pollution, which can add to the build up of grime and debris on the skin. Helping to remove excess dead skin cells through regular exfoliation can reduce acne and blemish prone skin by reducing bacteria present in dead skin cells that are clogging pores. Another benefit of regularly removing the dry and course layer of dead skin is that moisturisers will absorb more readily and your fake tan will last much longer. This means that you use less product for the same effect, so your skin looks and feels better and you get much more yield out of your organic lotions and self tanners. It’s a win win!
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Those with sensitive skin may be hesitant to exfoliate, but there are gentle options available. Look for a mild exfoliant, like a gentle scrub or a low strength chemical exfoliant. It's also important to avoid over-exfoliating and to listen to your skin - if it feels uncomfortable or irritated, it's best to stop.
The Jojoba Company Jojoba Bead Cleanser is an excellent choice for sensitive skin as it’s infused with jojoba beads and natural plant enzymes to gently exfoliate without irritation.
Exfoliation is a great way to keep your skin looking its best, but it can be tough to find products that are eco friendly. Here at Sassy Organics, we love being able to share this information with you. Here are some of our favorite exfoliation options:
Scrub bars are just what they sound like - a bar that you can use as a soap or scrub. They're made from natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil, so they're super moisturising and gentle on your skin. Plus, they're easy to store! Just keep them in the shower and use one every time you wash your hands, or even just rub it over your face after a long day of work.
Exfoliating gloves are a great way to give your skin a deep clean and get rid of all those dead skin cells that can clog pores and make you look dull. But, make sure the glove is made of natural materials that won't irritate your skin or add any chemicals like fragrance or dyes that will irritate it further. Instead, look for gloves made from materials like bamboo fabric or cotton terrycloth.
And finally, if you're looking for something that's more intense than a scrub bar or glove but still gentle enough for daily use, try exfoliator mitt. They'll give your face or body an amazing glow while removing dirt and sweat without causing irritation or redness!
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Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine. By removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, you can brighten and even out your complexion, prevent clogged pores, and promote healthy cell turnover. Whether you prefer a gentle scrub or a potent chemical exfoliant, there's an option for every skin type. Just be sure to choose the right exfoliant and frequency for your skin type, and avoid over-exfoliating or using harsh scrubs. With the right exfoliation routine, you can achieve the smooth, radiant skin you've always wanted.
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