What is the purpose of exfoliation?
Exfoliating is of the utmost importance for our skin. Exfoliating enhances, beautifies, maintains the skin but above all maintains its elasticity and therefore its youthfulness.
Exfoliation is used to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. It thus promotes regeneration and the production of new cells, refines and smoothes the skin's texture and maintains the complexion's radiance. More specifically, it stimulates cell renewal.
Exfoliating regularly allows for better absorption of moisturizers and helps prepare your skin for the sun, helping your tan last longer.
How to choose the right scrub?
Facial exfoliation is specific because the skin is thinner and more fragile than on the rest of the body. Like all treatments, it can depend on your skin type and your beauty routine.
For sensitive or dehydrated skin: so-called "chemical" or gentle "peeling" scrubs are suitable for sensitive skin because they are gentler and do not have grains that exfoliate the skin. It is the acidic agents contained in the product that will eliminate dead cells on the surface of the skin while limiting the risk of inflammation.
For oily or combination skin: on the middle zone, a grainy
facial scrub will be your best ally so as not to excite the sebaceous gland. Scrubs enriched with clay can also be a good solution, because they regulate sebum production while gently exfoliating the skin.
For oily skin with imperfections and a tendency to shine: opt for an enzymatic scrub, or “peeling” with fruit acids for a purifying action. These products do not contain grains to avoid stimulating the production of sebum. They purify the skin in an ultra-effective way.
What are the different types of scrubs?
Mechanical exfoliation
Mechanical scrub is a grain exfoliant. After application and massage of the skin, it is rinsed with water.
Its creamy texture exfoliates the surface of the skin by enveloping dead cells and impurities, for supple, soft skin and a luminous complexion. This scrub is recommended for normal to combination skin.
This type of scrub is not recommended for dry and sensitive skin because the grains and beads can be too aggressive for the skin unless they are round beads, in which case dry skin tolerates it relatively well.
Chemical or enzymatic exfoliation
The enzymatic scrub is applied as a cream or as a mask on the face, in a thin layer and requires a setting time. These are the enzymes that constitute the active ingredients that will act chemically to penetrate inside the pores in order to rid them of dead cells, impurities and excess sebum.
Enzymatic exfoliation is particularly suitable for dry, sensitive and reactive skin.
How often should you exfoliate?
For dry skin, it is advisable to exfoliate once a week because dryness also makes your skin fragile, so you should not be too aggressive.
For sensitive skin, exfoliation every ten days will be enough. Remember to test your product on a small area of the face beforehand.
For oily skin, it can be exfoliated once or twice a week. Avoid exfoliation if you suffer from acne.
For the body, once or twice a week.
Morning is the best time to exfoliate your skin. This is because cell turnover is higher during the night, so there are more dead cells when you wake up.
How to apply it correctly?
Apply the scrub using gentle circular movements from bottom to top, focusing on the roughest areas. Do not rub too hard as this is what will irritate your skin. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water and finish with a little cool water to activate blood circulation.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid sensitive areas such as moles, private parts, eye area, sunburn etc. These areas should not be exfoliated.
You don't do a scrub at any time: scrubs are less recommended in summer because the skin needs to thicken to protect itself from the sun.
If you were wondering, exfoliating does not erase your tan, on the contrary, it helps prolong it by regenerating your skin.
Expert advice
• Exfoliation should always be done BEFORE the mask.
• It is an unstoppable tool against stubborn ingrown hairs.
• Facial scrub is carried out on clean skin.
• Remember to moisturize your skin well after exfoliating, because it is naked and defenseless against external attacks. Applying a moisturizer allows you to restore a protective film.
• Exfoliating your lips is just as essential as exfoliating your skin. Exfoliating your lips is a beauty gesture that should not be neglected under any circumstances.
