When we think about healthy skin, we think right away to hydratation, to cleansing and to protection, but we rarely think of a primordial step that is exfoliation.
What is exfoliation?
This step results in removing the layer of dead skin that may reside on the surface of our skin. That layer that is formed of layer cells that make our skin dry. By eliminating it, our skin breathes better and, by doing so, promotes natural cell renewal.
Why do we have to exfoliate?
Whether it’s the skin of our face or of our body, this step is important. By exfoliating our skin, we allow the products we use in our daily routine to better penetrate our skin and act more effectively.
How to exfoliate our body?
The best time is to do it in the shower because our pores are dilated and the scrub will be more effective under these conditions. Once you get out of the shower, the first thing you need to do is moisturize your skin again for more efficiency.
Whether with a horsehair glove or an exfoliating product, you must massage by making circular movements on the parts to be exfoliated. I always insist on rough areas like elbows and knees. Exfoliation also eliminates ingrown hairs.
Frequency?
Once or twice a week.
How to exfoliate your face?
I always exfoliate my face once it’s clean. So you have to remove your makeup if you wear some. Otherwise, the best way to exfoliate depends on the type of skin you have, its sensitivity and the problems your skin may face. The more sensitive or acne prone your skin is, the more rigorous your choice must be.
There are two types of exfoliation: physical or chemical.
Chemical: these are mainly peels or masks that contain acids and that provide the skin with a deep exfoliation. Warning for sensitive skin: you must be very careful and preferably seek the advice of a specialist or test on a small area of your skin before proceeding on your entire face.
Physics: this is the scrubbing that we use to unclog our pores. When making your choice, I suggest you to avoid the scrubs with large particles or with too strident forms that are likely to attack your skin. My advise to you is to go with finer granules or round and massage in a gentle circular motion.
Frequency?
In my opinion, a physical exfoliant can be used on a weekly basis. However, a chemical exfoliator should be spaced or used when needed. We avoid excessive skin exfoliation not to attack the moisture barrier of our skin and of course, we always make sure to hydrate our skin very well right after exfoliation.
While visiting Yves Rocher boutique the other day, I had the idea to write this article. They had a large section of products for “exfoliation + hydration”. So I thought to offer some flagship products that they advise for this type of routine.
- Apricot vegetable peeling: the main components are the powder of apricot kernels to refine the grain of skin and the agave sap of Mexico from organic farming to moisturize.
What I like: the texture of the grains is super pleasant to apply (not aggressive) and the energizing smell (it smells too good!). My skin feels softer. The price is also sweet: $ 19 and it’s often reduced (as currently at -40%). - The scrub to mix: composed of 100% natural ingredients
What I like: small bottle easy and convenient to carry, possible use for the body and face unlike the one mentioned above that I tend to use on the body only. Despite its small size, it lasts for months. The price? $ 18 (but it’s also reduced this week at -40%).
