This is a post that has been a long time coming. I am HUGE on exfoliation and funnily enough, a LOT of people I know don’t take it as seriously as they should. I mean, how does one lather their face in foundation, BB creams, sunscreen, moisturizers, concealers and basically the thousands of products that go on your face…and NOT exfoliate regularly???
What is Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the basically process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Sounds gross, but legit NECESSARY fam. There are two types: chemical and physical. In chemical, the product will break down the dead skin cells with strong ingredients without physical scrubbing. A physical exfoliant typically involves the use of a product to scrub your skin for the removal of the dead cells. Both are effective in their own rights and I work with both types of systems. There are multitudes of benefits associated with both chemical and physical exfoliation of your skin.
One of my biggest peeves is clogged pores and visibly congested skin. This is majorly a result of not taking care of your skin. Your makeup will not go on right and your skincare will not be as effective as it should be, if you do not use this extremely VITAL step in skincare. You can buy the most expensive skincare, but if the basis for that product is not ready and decongested, it will massively hinder the effectiveness of your £200 La Mer Cream.
Exfoliating can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It really truly depends on each person’s skin sensitivity and health. I personally use both methods quite regularly and they work well for me. Here are a few examples :
1. Face Masks
These products are best applied with a small brush for even application. My favourite types for exfoliation are peel off and clay formulas. They really dig deep into my skin and pull out all the gunk leaving behind a smooth and clean surface. A very relaxing fan favourite indeed. My personal favorites are the Body Shop Charcoal Mask, L’Oreal Charcoal Mask and Boscia Charcoal Peel Mask.
2. Exfoliating Pads and Wipes
The minute I started doing this, it truly made a huge difference. Specifically, it makes a big difference if you use a good quality wipe. I personally use Nip + Fab Exfoliating Wipes for daily use and also love the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peels (a pricier option but oh so good).
3. Face Scrubs
These are a basically cream or gel products with tiny particles that physically lift and remove dead skin cells. However, the key issue here is to not over use a scrub and to avoid gritty products as well. These particles can cause damage if used too often and will be too harsh on your skin. As a part of your skincare routine, a well formulated face scrub will do wonders to get that au natural glow. On of my personal favorites are the L’Oreal Sugar Scrubs.
As a follow up, I think it is super important to mention that exfoliation can be very drying for your skin. Once completed, it is important to pump that moisture back in. This can be done through your regular hydrating serums and moisturizers or even hydrating masks!
Happy Exfoliating!
