Exfoliation: The Secret to Healthy Skin
Exfoliation: The Secret to A Healthy Skin Barrier
Exfoliation has been the most debated skincare topic. We hear and see many mixed opinions online, “Exfoliate daily”, “No, twice a day”, “3x a week”, and “Never”. It’s no wonder so many women are struggling with compromised skin barriers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the exfoliating “do’s” and “don’t’s” – you came to the right place! Let’s break it down to answer all your questions and share our expert tips so you can maintain healthy skin. Let’s dive in!
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin. Our skin is a living organ that naturally sheds and replaces itself every 28 days through a process called cell turnover. As we age, cell turnover slows down, resulting in dull skin, wrinkles, and clogged pores. Exfoliation helps increase cell turnover, keeping our skin fresh and healthy. Here’s the catch: too much exfoliation – or using the wrong exfoliating products – will do more harm than good. Let’s make sure you’re exfoliating in a way that benefits your skin and restores your skin barrier.
Why is Exfoliation Important?
Visualize a brick wall: Your skin cells are the bricks and the glue holds your skin cells in place – this is your skin barrier. Over time, dead skin cells can build up like a pile of leaves on the sidewalk, making your skin dull and preventing products from properly absorbing.
Exfoliation is like using a gentle brush to sweep away the leaves off the sidewalk, leaving our skin barrier intact. If you overdo exfoliation, you will strip essential moisture from the skin. This creates microscopic tears that break down the skin barrier, leading to dehydrated or sensitive skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “While some people believe that this improves the appearance of their skin, it’s not for everyone. If not done properly, it could do more harm than good. If you choose to exfoliate, it’s important to do so safely so that it does not damage your skin or lead to increased redness or acne breakouts.”
Now let’s learn how and what to use to exfoliate
How To Exfoliate?
Estheticians are big fans of enzymes or gommage because they work with the skin, not against it. For example, if you’re using an enzyme, apply it to a clean face and let it sit for 5 minutes – perfect for leaving on in the shower. Then simply rinse off. That’s it! No scrubbing or harsh peel pads – just an effective way to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal a smoother complexion.
How Often?
Less is more! Our recommendation: once a week. Exfoliating too often will strip your skin leading to dehydration, breakouts, or sensitivity. If you’re exfoliating daily, it’s time to take a step back.
What Are The Best Products To Use?
We love to use either an enzyme or a gommage. Here are our two top picks:
Gommage: A French word meaning, “to erase”, gommage is a lightweight and gentle exfoliant perfect for all skin types. It exfoliates without irritation and also works to detox the skin.
Our Pick: We love the NellyDeVuyst Gommage because it oxygenates and purifies the skin while exfoliating. Simply apply to a clean face, let sit for about 5 minutes, then rinse it off.
Enzymes: Containing fruit acids that break down the skin cells without over-exfoliating. Enzymes work well for dry, aging, oily, and combination skin types. However, if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin – proceed with caution.
Our pick: The NuPeel Enzyme is a game-changer. Packed with fruit acids from papaya, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and aloe vera, it exfoliates while keeping the skin soft and hydrated. Simply apply to a clean face, let sit for about 2 minutes, massage to activate the enzyme, then rinse it off.
Tips For Sensitive Skin
Even sensitive skin needs exfoliation! Instead of using harsh scrubs or acids, opt for the gentle gommage once a week. If your skin is already sensitized from over-exfoliating or harsh skin care products, take a break for about 4-6 weeks to let your skin barrier heal. Then, slowly introduce an exfoliant under the guidance of your esthetician.
Are My Products Causing Sensitive Skin?
Oftentimes, we create sensitive skin from the skincare products we use. Many products strip the skin, compromising your skin barrier and causing the skin to become sensitized. Working with your esthetician, we can help repair your skin barrier.
Do Men Need to Exfoliate?
Absolutely! Unfortunately, men get misleading advice, with some “experts” telling them to exfoliate 3-4 times a week. The truth? If you shave regularly, you are already exfoliating! Exfoliating on top of that will strip your skin. Instead, men should aim to exfoliate 1-2 times a week, focusing on the areas they don’t shave. For men, enzyme exfoliants work better for men – their skin is thicker and oilier. For men with sensitive skin, a gentle gommage is the way to go.
The Problem with Scrubs and Brushes
Harsh scrubs, mechanical brushes, or exfoliating gloves might sound like a great way to deep-clean your skin, but they do more harm than good. These tools cannot be properly sanitized, meaning they harbor bacteria and aggressive scrubbing causes microtears in the skin. We prefer letting our exfoliant do the work for you, so your skin stays healthy and intact.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants, like AHAs or BHAs, can be beneficial, but often misused. Many people layer on peel pads, acid toners, and exfoliating serums without realizing they’re stripping the skin barrier. If you’re using chemical exfoliants, start slow – once a week is enough!
When it comes to exfoliation – less is more!
How Should Your Skin Feel After Exfoliating?
Your skin should feel refreshed and smooth, not tight and dry. If your skin feels tight, your exfoliant is too harsh and is stripping away natural moisture. Remember – healthy skin is hydrated – never “squeaky clean”.
Let’s Get You Started
Unsure about which exfoliant is best for your skin? Let’s chat! Our estheticians will help you choose the perfect option so you can exfoliate the right way – without damaging your skin.
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