Essentials of Skincare Level 202: Exfoliation

It still feels like summer here in Los Angeles, so how is it possible that Starbucks is already bringing back the Pumpkin Spice Latte! Are your kids back in school? Are your lazy days at the beach or pool feeling like a distant memory? I feel ya. 

When I was in college, my mom would call me in September to book my flight home for Thanksgiving. I was soooo annoyed.  Even my husband claims that the 1st day of football season is the kick off to the winter holiday season.

As we move from one season to the next, the question is…  how do we transition our summer skin into our autumn skin? The answer is simple.  Exfoliate. 

It’s time to chisel off the layers of sunscreen you have so diligently applied to protect against sun damage and possible skin cancer. It’s time to remove the sticky dead skin cells we developed during the summer from salty air, airplane rides, pool chlorine, and all other outdoor fun.  

Sorry to be a buzz-kill but it’s time to say goodbye to that sunkissed tan.

 Why Exfoliate

Are you confused about exfoliation? Lemme break it down for you (hahaha that’s an exfoliation joke). 

Exfoliating is simply the act of removing dead skin cells. Dead skin cells build up naturally and constantly, by no fault of our own. Post summer is a GREAT time to help your skin shed (to avoid dead skin cells building up and to keep your skin glowy, regular exfoliation throughout the year is ideal). 

I just want you to return your skin to the soft, smooth, bright appearance of pre-summer. Dead skin removal is key to fixing the things that concern most of us, such as breakouts, “sun spots”, fine lines, and uneven tone. 

 Why Exfoliate

Exfoliation does not have to be a huge effort. You know I like to keep skincare simple for you. You don’t have to do a crazy, down to the skull, peel. Let’s just get back into the routine of weekly gentle exfoliation. If you don’t have time to go see your esthetician BFF (aka: me), here are the most common at-home exfoliation methods:

• Scrub
• Mask
• Sleep in Serum

Easy right?

As you all know, I am lazy when it comes to my own skincare routine so I like products that work at night while I sleep, so I just rotate my night serum or moisturizer with an exfoliating serum. Perhaps you have heard all about the benefits of retinol, there are LOTS of serums on the market that contain retinol. 

Retinol helps to remove those pesky dead skin cells thereby lightening pigmentation and smoothing out the appearance of fine lines. 

Another common exfoliating ingredient is glycolic acid. You can find pre-soaked pads that contain glycolic. Or maybe you just like a good old fashioned scrub? That’s ok too. There are lots of options to exfoliate with. If you want a deeper understanding of exfoliation pop over to by Skincare Essential 201, it will give you an in-depth explanation of the variety of exfoliation products available to you.

 What to Use

But what products should you choose you ask? Here  are the 3 products that I know really work:

SCRUB

Skin Script Retinol Exfoliation Scrub / Mask – This scrub uses Retinol (Vitamin A), Malic Acid, and jojoba beads to clean, soothe and polish the skin. The retinol encourages the breakup of blackheads and clogged pores, jojoba beads gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while kojic lightens age spots and scars left from blemishes.

SLEEP IN SERUM

Skin Script Retinaldehyde Serum 

A non-irritating form of retinol known to significantly improve skin radiance, brightness, smoothness, fine lines, photodamage, and overall skin tone.  Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) provides anti-inflammatory benefits; both vitamins nourish the skin and assist in boosting collagen.

PRE-SOAKED PADS

Skin Script Glycolic and Retinol Pads

These pads break up surface cells to reveal fresh, healthy skin while allowing trapped oil to release and come to the surface. Kojic and Arbutin lighten sun spots and scars left from blemishes.

Need more help?

Want a free consultation on the right exfoliating product for? Sign up here and I will give you a free analysis of your current exfoliator and provide a customized routine for you to incorporate into your current skincare routine.