The question of whether to exfoliate and how is one I am often asked, so I thought I’d put a few thoughts together for you. Exfoliating your skin is a crucial step in any skincare routine that often gets overlooked. It involves the removal of dead skin cells, promoting a brighter complexion and healthier skin. Here are just 5 reasons you should incorporate exfoliation in your skincare regimen:
- Cellular Renewal and Radiant Glow: Exfoliation accelerates the natural process of cellular turnover, helping your skin shed dead cells and replace them with fresh, new ones. By eliminating the dull and lifeless outer layer, you reveal a radiant and glowing complexion underneath. This will enhance your skin's texture and help your skin to look more youthful and vibrant.
- Prevention of Acne and Breakouts: One of the primary causes of acne and breakouts is the accumulation of dead skin cells, which can clog pores and lead to inflammation. Regular exfoliation helps to unclog pores, preventing the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Additionally, it promotes a more even distribution of oil, helping to reduce the likelihood of blemishes and breakouts.
- Improved Absorption of Skincare Products: Exfoliating your skin creates a smoother surface, allowing your skincare products to penetrate more effectively. When dead skin cells are removed, serums, moisturizers, and other treatments can better reach the deeper layers of your skin. This enhances their efficacy, ensuring that you get the maximum benefits from your skincare routine.
- Reduction of Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots: Exfoliation plays a crucial role in diminishing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. By regularly sloughing off dead skin cells, you encourage the fading of discoloration, revealing a more uniform complexion. Whether caused by sun damage, acne scars, or aging, exfoliation can be a key factor in achieving a brighter and more balanced skin tone.
- Stimulation of Collagen Production: Exfoliation stimulates the production of collagen, a vital protein responsible for maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness. As you remove dead cells, your body responds by generating new, healthy skin cells, promoting collagen synthesis. This can contribute to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, ultimately leading to smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
Incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine is a simple and powerful way to unlock the natural beauty of your skin. Different exfoliation options are available, and you should choose based on your skin type.
For example, if you regularly or currently have heavy acne, you should start with a gentle exfoliate that will not irritate blemishes. Our most popular product for this application is the Serenity Spa bar soap which gently exfoliates with ground oatmeal, an ingredient that is also soothing for the skin.
If acne is not a major issue for you, provide yourself with a professional exfoliation experience at home with Microderm Face Polish. Fine bauxite particles gently remove dead skin cells while your skin is replenished by shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil, hempseed oil and vitamin E. The Umbrian Clay Face Mask is a gentler exfoliation that will also tighten pores as well as purify and clarify your skin.
We offer many options for exfoliation of your body (yes - all your skin benefits from exfoliation!). Some prefer gentle every day exfoliation from soap that contains exfoliates, like our Oatmeal Milk & Honey bar soap. If you’d like gently daily exfoliation but prefer one of our soaps that do not have an exfoliate, simply use our Soap Saver Bag which will provide a gentle daily exfoliation while having the added benefit of making your soap last longer!
A more intense exfoliation can be had from one of our sugar scrubs, which will also provide a very nourishing moisturization at the same time. Using a weekly sugar scrub on legs & feet help me to feel more confident in shorts & sandals all summer long!
Try experimenting with a few of these options to see which best suits your skin. Experiment also with frequency (I recommend exfoliating at least 2-3 times per week, but if you have sensitive skin or are using a stronger exfoliate, you may want to exfoliate less often.) Whatever works best for you, incorporating exfoliation into your daily routine will have you on your way to vibrant, healthier skin that radiates natural beauty!