Exfoliation: What You Should Know

We show love to our skin by nurturing it with next-generation ingredients - but what you remove from your skin is just as important as what you apply to it.

Exfoliating is a necessary method for removing impurities to maintain vibrant, youthful skin. So today, I want to share with you some exfoliating methods and guide you to the right choices for your skin needs.

But first... 

WHY EXFOLIATE?
Every day your skin sheds skin naturally. As we age, cellular turnover slows down, leaving skin uneven and lackluster. Exfoliating assists your skin in removing dull, flakey, dead skin. It can also addresses skin concerns like acne, enlarged pores, and dark spots to improve your skin tone.

METHOD #1: MANUAL EXFOLIATION
Manual exfoliation is also known as physical exfoliation. When you think of "exfoliating" - you probably think of things like microbeads, scrubs, or brushes. Even some cleansing cloths have exfoliating abilities! 

Manual exfoliants aid in the process of sloughing away dead skin cells. The Dual Enzyme Polish is gentle on your skin but works hard to remove dead, dry skin cells with tiny, gritty microspheres. The gentle yet effective polish helps reveal soft, refreshed skin. The addition of a cocktail of fruit enzymes and AHAs provides deep exfoliation.

photo by: laurenmcbrideblog.com

METHOD #2: CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION
Chemical exfoliation is a bit different because it works on a cellular level. Chemical exfoliators (or "acid exfoliators") help breakdown the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed away from the surface of your skin.

These chemical exfoliants falls into 2 categories: 
-AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids)
-BHA (beta hydroxy acids)

What's the difference? 

AHAs
AHAs are composed of lactic acid, glycolic acid, or mandelic acid - which can help speed up cell turnover and produce more collagen (AKA - help prevent wrinkles).

If you’re starting to see signs of sun-damage or aging, I suggest looking at the Mandelic Acid Radiance Serum, a daily treatment to promote cell turnover and help reverse signs of sun-damaged skin. I love this serum because of its effectiveness in helping to break down the bond between dead skin cells. Overtime, you'll start to see your complexion improve with a bright, radiant glow!

Another powerful exfoliator is retinol. To supercharge your skin’s cell turnover, apply a thin layer of our Retinol Treatment Complex onto skin. This multifaceted formula helps fight the five primary signs of visible aging - including minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, clearing pores, and brightening skin.

photo by: beyondbeautylounge.com

BHAs
BHAs work on the skin’s surface, including the pores. Because BHAs are oil-soluble, it’s more ideal for oily skin. Oily skin can cause clogged or enlarged pores, and skin tends to be more acne-prone.

The most common BHA is salicylic acid. Its calming properties quiet sensitive skin prone to oiliness and redness, while leaving skin smooth and even. 

The Salicylic Treatment Complex refines and refreshes troubled skin. This treatment addresses clogged pores, calms the skin, and helps prevent future breakouts. 

Don't forget, it's not just your face that needs acid love! Your neck, chest, and the backs of your hands can benefit from exfoliation to help prevent age spots and crepe-like skin. 

photo by: livinglesh.com

AFTERGLOW
A good daily skincare routine is never complete without moisturizing. Especially after exfoliating, it’s vital to protect and seal your skin’s moisture barrier to maintain the health of the fresh surface.

Freshly exfoliating skin is delicate and vulnerable to dryness if left exposed. 

In the Morning
Sealing your skin with a moisturizer, like our Sheer Renewal Cream, adds extra hydration and protection. It’s an oil-free, weightless formula delivering continuous hydration to your skin. You’ll get a lightweight powder finish and a breathable barrier that defends your skin against environmental factors.  

In the Evening
Skin may seem extra thirsty for moisture after exfoliating. I recommend quenching that thirst with a little cocktail! 

I love combining a small dollop of the Extreme Recovery Cream with a few drops of the Face Oil No 9 in the palm of my hand. Give it a mix, and apply the next-level hydrating cocktail all over the face and neck for an intense moisture boost. 

This combination will help protect your skin’s moisture barrier with no greasy residue. 

photo by: themomedit.com

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I'm excited to see how proper exfoliation helps your skin! Let me know what kind of results you have in the comments below.


xo
Colleen