Read on Twitter
Let’s talk about my fav topic, exfoliation!
Young skin regenerates every 28 days, as you get older it starts to slow down so you want to exfoliate to aid the natural process of exfoliation & help the stubborn dead skin to move along.
Young skin regenerates every 28 days, as you get older it starts to slow down so you want to exfoliate to aid the natural process of exfoliation & help the stubborn dead skin to move along.
You should be exfoliating 1-2 times a week. You have OPTIONS when it comes to exfoliating but of course some are better than others.
There are 3 main types:
- Physical
- Chemical
- Enzymatic
There are 3 main types:
- Physical
- Chemical
- Enzymatic
Physical exfoliation can be
- scrubs
- microdermabrasion
- dermaplaning
- scrubs
- microdermabrasion
- dermaplaning
The controversial scrub! The most common form but most are too abrasive & tbh, outdated.
They are okay for getting rid of dry patches but they don’t get rid of blackheads or sebaceous filaments, they don’t provide an even exfoliation & you can easily overdo it.
They are okay for getting rid of dry patches but they don’t get rid of blackheads or sebaceous filaments, they don’t provide an even exfoliation & you can easily overdo it.
But there are gentle scrubs you can use, the exfoliating particles need to be round (so no salt, sugar, ground shells, seeds or rocks) like bamboo powder, oat, jojoba BEADS, silica & rice bran.
Scrubs only work on the very surface of your skin and you need to be gentle with it.
Scrubs only work on the very surface of your skin and you need to be gentle with it.
Microdermabrasion is exfoliation with a tool that has a diamond tip. It’s controlled damage that stimulates collagen production.
Dermaplaning is using a scalpel to skim dead skin & get rid of peach fuzz
Both should only be done by professionals!
Dermaplaning is using a scalpel to skim dead skin & get rid of peach fuzz
Both should only be done by professionals!
Chemical exfoliation is my preferred method.
You have:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
- Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA)
- Lipo Hydroxy Acid (LHA)
The most common are AHA & BHA
You have:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
- Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- Poly Hydroxy Acid (PHA)
- Lipo Hydroxy Acid (LHA)
The most common are AHA & BHA
AHA are your glycolic, lactic, mandelic & many more. They have many benefits including improving hydration levels!
Glycolic has the smallest particle size, penetrates the deepest & stimulates collagen production. It’s the least suitable for dark skin due to potential irritation
Glycolic has the smallest particle size, penetrates the deepest & stimulates collagen production. It’s the least suitable for dark skin due to potential irritation
causing hyperpigmentation.
Lactic has a medium sized particle, not as irritating and it’s a humectant so will improve hydration, also helps with pigmentation.
Mandelic has the largest particle size & the least irritating, great for acne and hyperpigmentation
Lactic has a medium sized particle, not as irritating and it’s a humectant so will improve hydration, also helps with pigmentation.
Mandelic has the largest particle size & the least irritating, great for acne and hyperpigmentation
BHA or salicylic acid is best for oily skin and congested pores/blackheads, it penetrates skin the deepest & should be used in small concentrations.
Lactobionic, Galactose & Gluconic acid are PHAs. They’re like gentle AHAs & best for people who are too sensitive for AHA.
Lactobionic, Galactose & Gluconic acid are PHAs. They’re like gentle AHAs & best for people who are too sensitive for AHA.
LHAs are similar to BHA but they’re less irritating. It has been used to treat acne and unclog pores. Results are similar to tretinoin, which is the active ingredient in prescription retinoid.
Acids work by lowering the pH of your skin & dissolving the glue holding your skin cells together. They should be used 1-2 times a week MAX because it’s easy to over exfoliate.
Even if the bottle says it’s mild enough to use everyday, they’re lying!
Even if the bottle says it’s mild enough to use everyday, they’re lying!
Enzymatic Exfoliators use Enzymes found in fruits like papaya, pineapple, pumpkin & pomegranate to exfoliate.
This is the best exfoliation for very sensitive skin. Enzymes work by breaking down the proteins in dead skin cells, they stop once they’ve broken down the proteins.
This is the best exfoliation for very sensitive skin. Enzymes work by breaking down the proteins in dead skin cells, they stop once they’ve broken down the proteins.
As I’ve said before you should exfoliate 1-2 times a week, you could go up to 3 times a week if you’re using enzymes.
You should ALWAYS wear sunscreen after you exfoliate, you should be wearing it everyday regardless but especially when you exfoliate!!!
You should ALWAYS wear sunscreen after you exfoliate, you should be wearing it everyday regardless but especially when you exfoliate!!!
You can fit exfoliation in anyway you that suits you, it could be a cleanser, mask, toner, serum, peel or even cream.
As long as you find what works best for you & it’s well formulated!
As long as you find what works best for you & it’s well formulated!
