Exfoliation:

Every woman, regardless of age, dreams of having oh-so-soft, supple, healthy, glowing skin, not just on their face but their whole body, including their upper arms, jawlines, hard working hands, knees, elbows, and feet. The dream is achievable. How? Exfoliation. And, best of all, the results of exfoliation are instantly apparent, every single time you take the time to do it.

Here’s how exfoliation works:

Every thirty days, you shed your dead skin to make room for new skin. But the dead skin doesn’t shed evenly or completely, leaving dry, flaky patches, and clogged pores. The layer of dead skin also contributes to dull, tired looking complexions. Using an exfoliator helps this process along in a safe and effective way by evenly removing the build-up of dead skin cells. Additionally, exfoliating improves circulation and assists your skin in absorbing the lotions or oils applied afterwards. Exfoliation also targets and minimizes fine lines, as well as helps with sun-damage and acne (this includes white heads and black heads). 

Types of exfoliators:

There are a few different types of exfoliators, including manual/physical exfoliators, and chemical exfoliators. Manual exfoliators have a granular feeling and buff the dead skin away. Thicker granules are generally used in body scrubs or foot scrubs, while thinner exfoliates are made for the skin on the face and neck. Chemical exfoliants are often best for sensitive or thin feeling skin as they are typically less abrasive and the dead skin is dissolved without any scrubbing action. 

The most popular chemical exfoliants are AHA which stands for alpha hydroxy acid and BHA which stands for beta hydroxy acid. AHA focuses on the surface of the skin so is better suited to normal to dry skin. BHA works deeper into the pore, making it ideal for combination and oily skin.

Finding the right exfoliator for your face: 

While all skin types benefit from exfoliating, determining your skin-type will help narrow down the choices of exfoliants to find the best one for you. Having a body scrub and facial service is another option. Professionals will evaluate your skin and recommend the exfoliator which best suits you. Please note, chemical peels are offered from Glow Spa for clients looking to resurface their skin more deeply than an at-home exfoliant.

How and when to exfoliate:

At home, exfoliating can be done in the shower or bath. Wet your skin first, then exfoliate using specific products for specific body parts. Using a face cloth and/or exfoliation mitt, apply onto face, body, and feet. Apply light pressure while you exfoliate with small, controlled circular motions. Spend extra time on your feet, elbows, and knees. Remember to be gentle on your breasts and under your arms.

You can exfoliate any time of the day, but the benefit of exfoliating your skin in the morning is a fresh, glowing appearance, while exfoliating at night has the benefit of unclogging your pores before using your night treatments. Whichever one suits you, incorporate exfoliation into a regular routine. Once or twice a week is enough for most people, although oily skin can be exfoliated more frequently. Seasonal changes affect the way your skin looks and feels, so in the winter months when your skin is feeling weather-beaten, take extra care to be gentle. Avoid using body or foot exfoliant on your face, and do not exfoliate close to the inside of your nostrils, eyes, and lips.

You got that glow:

By exfoliating on a regular basis, the soft skin you’ve always desired is at your fingertips. Your reflection shows your skin is healthier, happier, and glowing. Congratulations!