Let’s talk…Exfoliation.

There are two types of products that I think make REAL changes in your skin.

Exfoliation and Serums. Today…let’s talk exfoliation.

In the skincare world, exfoliating or exfoliation comes in many forms… scrubs, enzymes (generally made of pumpkin or other fruits), alpha-hydroxy acids (aka AHAs), retinols (Vitamin A), peels (like that Sex in the City episode that everyone always refers to), and microdermabrasion. The list goes on and there are many more ingredients nesting under these broader terms for exfoliation that I just mentioned.

We have been told by every skincare professional, blog, commercial and fashion magazine that exfoliation is good for you. But do you know why? What it does? Or the best type of exfoliation for your skin?

Let’s discuss…I always tell my clients that exfoliation is THE game changer. It’s the one thing that will focus on every single skincare concerned mentioned when you fill out that …ugh… consultation form! Exfoliating makes you look younger, less tired, glowy, gives you smoother skin, lessens wrinkles, rids acne, diminishes pigmentation, makes you smarter, thinner and more funny! (Ok maybe not the last 3, those are my personal issues.)

Exfoliation does all of those things by helping your skin function at it’s most optimal level. Removing the crusty top layer of dead cells allows the yummy plump guys underneath a chance to see the light.  If your skin cells are compromised, your body is going to make a clone of the janky cell, therefore we need to keep your cells on point. We want your body to remake the most gorgeous, healthy, active cells. Removing dead skin cells that aren’t serving you will allow the products (that you spent a pretty penny on) with all those delicious active ingredients to penetrate deeper and do their job better. Your product will apply easier and you’ll use less of it.

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To get that elusive glow, ditch the scrub and use a product to get real results.

Scrubs only remove the skin cells on the surface of the skin, plus they are often too abrasive for most of us, which these days are highly sensitized by the environment, genetics, stress, or other forces out of our control.

Science and technology has discovered far more efficient ingredients that are gentle enough for the most delicate of skin. These ingredients penetrate the deep layers of the dermis by breaking down the glue that holds dead skin cells together, allowing the flat cornflake-like skin cells to be digested and sloughed off. Typically, when these products are used you will feel some sensation but you should never be so uncomfortable that you want to rip your face off. That feeling should be saved for medical level peels. “Pain” is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Feel free to listen to your body, if the product “hurts”, remove it right away. And if you hate the product… please, please return it to where you bought it. No reason to spend money on products that you don’t like.

Here’s my expert tip: exfoliate in the evening. It allows your skin an opportunity to recover from the cells you just removed without asking it to expend extra energy trying to fend off assailants like pollution, sun or other daily stressors. (That being said, I don’t like ultimatums, if you can’t exfoliate at night, do it when you can…I don’t want you to miss out on an opportunity for improving your skin!)

Here are a few of my favorite exfoliating products: (remember, I don’t have any affiliation to sell these products, this is just my unsolicited opinion. If you want other options just ask.)

 

Eminence Pumpkin Peel

This product is great for folks that Looove to mask! Put it on clean dry skin, leave on for 10 minutes, rinse, apply a serum and/or moisturizer to finish.

 

 

 

Avon Glycolic Pads

I love these because they are inexpensive and leave on. Cleanse your face, apply the pad all over face, neck, décolleté (fancy facialist way to saychest). If there is any moisture left, use on the back of your hands, we always forget about our hands! Rinse off in AM.

 

 

 

 

Resist 10% AHA

This product comes like a serum. Cleanse your face, apply to face, neck, décolleté. Leave on overnight or rinse after 10 minutes. If you rinse, apply serum and/or moisturizer to finish.

If you use or purchase these products, I would love to hear your opinion on the results you get (or don’t get)!

 

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