To clean or to not scrub just isn’t the query.

However there are different loads of different questions on exfoliation, and we’re right here to reply them for you.

WHY SHOULD I EXFOLIATE MY SKIN? 

Why do it’s good to exfoliate your pores and skin? Nicely, you are actually simply accelerating a pure course of referred to as desquamation, by which our pores and skin strikes older pores and skin cells towards the outermost layers of the pores and skin, they usually finally slough away, forsaking brisker, smoother pores and skin. After all, your pores and skin would not actually do that to maintain you wanting fairly. The actual goal of desquamation is to rid our pores and skin of older cells, which usually tend to include environmental pollution, microorganisms, and broken proteins.  The pores and skin, as you realize by now, is a dwelling change organ, and it must be in fine condition to do its many roles effectively.

The difficulty is that our pores and skin turns into a lot much less efficient at desquamation as we age: the matrix by which pores and skin cells sit (like a organic glue that holds them collectively) turns into thicker and doesn’t let go of older cells as simply. The result’s boring pores and skin with much less of that wholesome glow you had whenever you had been in your teenagers. So, exfoliation is a method you’ll be able to assist your pores and skin keep up to the mark with its pure “freshening up” course of, restoring your pores and skin to a brighter, illuminated look. The trick, after all, is to exfoliate the appropriate means, with the appropriate frequency. If accomplished too harshly or too usually, you’ll take away too many layers of pores and skin cells from the stratum corneum, and injury your pores and skin’s barrier operate. Over-exfoliated pores and skin will seem pink, irritated, blotchy, and situations comparable to dermatitis, zits, and rosacea can develop into extra seen. As with nearly the whole lot in life, moderation and stability are key. So, let’s discuss strategies of exfoliation.

HOW DO I EXFOLIATE MY SKIN?

There are a number of strategies of exfoliation, and right here we’ll deal with those you are able to do at house, moderately than the costlier dermatology workplace choices, like microdermabrasion and chemical peels.  

Mechanical Exfoliation 

This entails utilizing a textured merchandise like a brush or a product with granules to take away lifeless pores and skin cells on the floor. The quantity of strain or the scale of the granules will rely on the kind of pores and skin you are exfoliating.  For instance, you may attempt dry brushing the pores and skin of your physique each morning earlier than showering, utilizing a pure bristle brush, which might be a lot too harsh on your face. Or you might use a product like our Himalayan Physique Buff within the bathe, however you’ll by no means need to use salt granules for a facial scrub—your facial pores and skin is simply too skinny and delicate for a salt scrub.

With regards to the face, it’s good to use about 1/tenth the strain, and softer supplies. The best technique of facial exfoliation is to make use of a gentle, damp washcloth in your face in very light circles. Our konjac sponge is one other nice choice. It has a barely smoother texture than a washcloth, making it secure for each day use. Alternatively, you should utilize merchandise with very effective, mechanically-exfoliating substances, comparable to clay, botanical powders, oat or almond flour, super-fine shells designed for dermatologic use, or different floor grains. In our Detox Exfoliating Masks, the mix of clay, uncooked cacao powder, and natural walnut shells makes for a delicate mechanical exfoliation, with the additional advantage of activated charcoal to drag pollution from the pores and skin cells that keep behind. 

It doesn’t matter what mechanical exfoliation technique you utilize, mild strain would be the key to your success. You are not scrubbing the kitchen counter—that is your pores and skin! Elbows, legs, and higher arms can take average strain, however the pores and skin in your face ought to be handled very gently, utilizing solely as a lot strain as is required to maneuver the product round your face. In case your face is tremendous pink after a therapy, you are utilizing an excessive amount of strain!

Chemical or Enzyme Exfoliation

Substances like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, lactic acid, and Vitamin A piece to loosen lifeless pores and skin cells and enhance cell regeneration charges. Maybe one of the best recognized of those remedies is Retin-A, which is a type of Vitamin A used to extend collagen synthesis and assist reverse the consequences of long-term UV publicity. Sadly, it’s not really useful for tremendous delicate pores and skin or for pregnant ladies. It might trigger redness, excessive solar sensitivity, dryness, itching, peeling, and burning. However, when you’re keen to powerful out the unwanted effects, you’ll doubtless see some enchancment in pores and skin texture over time.  

If, like me, your pores and skin doesn’t tolerate Retin-A, there are gentler choices with little to no danger. For instance, pumpkin and papaya are wealthy in alpha-hydroxy acids, in addition to Vitamin A, C, and zinc, all of which will help exfoliate the pores and skin, fight zits, and diminish hyperpigmentation. Tomato is stuffed with Vitamin C and lycopene, a carotenoid with potent antioxidant advantages. Lactic acid, present in milk merchandise, helps break down the matrix the place outdated pores and skin cells reside, permitting them to slough away extra simply. Enzymes in grains like quinoa, amaranth, and rice can do the identical, and present a really silky texture when combined with water, activating their enzyme exercise. 

WHEN SHOULD I EXFOLIATE MY SKIN? 

The fundamental reply is not too usually! Folks have a tendency towards overdoing it within the exfoliation division as a result of it feels good, your pores and skin feels softer afterwards, and you are feeling such as you’ve taken an lively position in enhancing your pores and skin. However, as talked about above, an excessive amount of of this good factor is feasible. place to begin is as soon as per week for the face and twice per week for the physique. Take note of how your pores and skin responds. Should you’re pink or irritated, it’s good to tone it down. Should you do not discover any distinction, perhaps you’ll be able to enhance the frequency barely. Keep in mind, the aim is to remove tough, boring pores and skin cells that refract mild inconsistently and trigger a less-than-luminous look, and to encourage cell regeneration deeper within the pores and skin layers, all with out leaving the pores and skin uncooked or offended. It is an exquisite stability whenever you strike it, so experiment and discover out what works on your pores and skin. Want some nice choices? Right here you go!

With love and a perfectly-exfoliated glow from us to you,