Facial Exfoliation Guide: When, How and Why?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from your skin. Each month, our skin produces brand new skin cells and exfoliation assists us in removing the dead layer of cells. Why do we do this? Well it helps maintains youthful and bright-looking skin. Not to mention, it allows other skincare products to absorb and work better too!
There are quite a few misconceptions surrounding exfoliation. Many people use exfoliators that are not suitable for their skin types. Some might have ingredients in them that are too harsh on the skin leaving it stripped of its natural oil, stinging and burning. This reaction then leads to people avoiding exfoliation altogether and that’s the last thing you want to do.
Exfoliation should be a gentle experience, here’s our top tips on how to exfoliate in a better way.
How?
The first thing you need to do is decide which exfoliation route you’d like to take. There are two primary options you can explore: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation is when you rely on the use of a tool or scrub to physically remove dead skin cells and chemical is when you use a solution that loosens the bonds between the dead and new skin cells. This allows you to wipe away the old skin layers, revealing brighter skin.
Popular tools include an exfoliating brush, glove or sponge as well as scrubs. For chemical exfoliation, there are 3 main types: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) and Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs).
A great option is our Exfoliate Jojoba Cleanser with jojoba, grapefruit and orange as it is formulated for all skin types. Alternatively, if you’re after a mask check out our Exfoliating Enzyme Peel with pumpkin and papaya.
Our recommending exfoliation routine:
Step 1: Wash your face with your cleanser of choice to remove the excess dirt and impurities of the day. You should exfoliate on a clean canvas!
Step 2: Using a cotton pad or tool of your choice, gently apply your exfoliator across your face in a circular motion. You should take extra care under your eyes and spend no more than 15 seconds on each area.
Step 3: Rinse off with lukewarm water. Do not rub your face, simply splash until the product is removed. You can pat your face gently with a flannel to remove any excess product.
Step 4: Now that your face is clean and exfoliated, it is ready for some hydration. Tone your face to close the pores and then apply moisturiser now your face is free of dead skin cells and ready to shine.
Things to remember:
- If you are new to exfoliating or are still trying to find a product that works for your skin, start by exfoliating once a week
- Continue with this routine and slowly work towards twice or three times a week
- Always be gentle and do not exfoliate if you have wounds on your face or are sunburnt
- Never skip moisturiser! Exfoliation can dry out your skin, always apply moisturiser after
- Exfoliation also makes your skin more vulnerable to UV rays so always apply your SPF daily
Why Michael Marcus?
Many of the products on the market use ingredients that are often abrasive and lead to micro-tears of the skin. Here at Michael Marcus skincare, we use a delicate blend of soothing chemicals like glycolic acid or salicylic acid along with organic and natural plant-derived ingredients such as: papaya, pumpkin, jojoba beads, orange and grapefruit. These organic extracts come with a range of benefits such as reducing inflammation, opening clogged pores, providing antioxidant properties as well as increasing cell turnover.