Exfoliating – Should You Do It?
What is Exfoliating?
This is the process of removing dead skin cells from your skin’s surface using one of the following methods – chemical, granular substance or an exfoliation tool.
About every thirty (30) days, your skins naturally makes room for new skin cells by shedding dead cells. If the dead cells don’t completely shed, your skins can have dry, flakey patches and clogged pores. Proper exfoliation can help prevent these.
Benefits of Exfoliation
- Improves the appearance of your skin.
- Prevents clogged pores and breakouts.
- Increase collagen production.
Types of Exfoliants
Physical
These types like cleaning scrubs, body brushes and loofahs, are the most commonly known methods for DIY (or do it at home) exfoliation. Other common abrasive materials are dry brushes, pumice stones or micro derma rollers. This method also shows immediate results.
Physical exfoliation can sometime cause skin irritation and some skin water loss. Using an oil or serum after treatment can help with this irritation and water loss.
There are many types of over-the-counter options for your face, body, feet and for different skin types. But be careful! Never use a scrub meant for your body on your face. Only use one product at a time. Use of multiple products on the same area can damage the skin and produce side effects. Switch exfoliation products out, depending on your skin such as more dryness in the winter months.
Chemical
This type of exfoliation process uses things like hydroxy acids (AHAs, BHAs) and retinol with specific enzymes that will renew your skin. Chemical exfoliation often produces more dramatic results.
If chemical exfoliation is done incorrectly, your skin will experience more irritation.
Chemical exfoliation should really be booked with a professional. We do not recommend DIY chemical exfoliation.
Tools
There are a variety of tools which can aid in exfoliating both the face and the body from different styles of exfoliating mitts which can be used wet or dry, brushes with soft, vegan bristles for your face, large nylon towel for your body and more. The list is endless. Most of these tools are available for purchase on Amazon or at your local beauty supply or drug store.
Should You Exfoliate?
YES! Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells by breaking the bonds that glue them together which allows new cells to surface, and giving your face a new instant boost for a fresh dewy look. How often is a matter of personal taste, skin type and the exfoliation method.
Exfoliating also whisks away any dirt and debris deep within your pores that your cleanser may have missed.
We highly recommend exfoliation before any waxing treatment at our studio.
Wax Maven offers exfoliation procedures and we can explain the different processes and the cost. Have a question? Contact us or leave a reply below.
