July 2021 Newsletter: Exfoliation: what is it, actually?

July 2021 Newsletter: Exfoliation: what is it, actually?

Exfoliation is one of those skincare terms that gets thrown around a lot, so let's dig into it.

What is exfoliation? It's the process of removing dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin. Your skin naturally sheds and replaces skin cells, but sometimes it needs some help. It's important to shed these dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores and help improve how topical products absorb into your skin. Exfoliation can even help boost collagen production, which has an anti-aging effect of reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Most of us associate exfoliation with scrubs or chemical peels, but other products and tools can help with exfoliation, too. Clay masks (shameless plug!) exfoliate the skin and help unclog pores. Physical exfoliation tools, like exfoliation mitts/towels, loofas and dry brushes, can also help remove dead skin cells.

Anyone who's ever used a scrub or exfoliation tool will tell you how good it feels to get a deep scrub going, but it's important to avoid over exfoliating! When you overdo it, your skin can become irritated and dry, and you can break out or make existing breakouts worse. If you do get a little carried away though, make sure you properly hydrate and moisturize your skin afterwards. Give your skin some extra care!

Exfoliation is a key part of any skincare routine, but how often you exfoliate will depend on your skin type and your skin's sensitivities. Generally, if you have combination or oily skin, you should exfoliate every few days and use a combination of gentle and deeper exfoliants. If you have normal or dry skin, stick to exfoliating with gentler products once a week or once every other week.

After you exfoliate, apply your toner, moisturizer and sun protection as you normally do, and voila: happy and healthy skin!


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