Why do I need to exfoliate my skin and what are the benefits?
Often overlooked, exfoliation is key to any effective skincare routine. If you’ve ever wondered why your skin has lost its radiant glow or is less smooth than you’d like, it might be time to think about introducing exfoliation into your natural skincare routine. Exfoliating once or twice a week can make a massive difference and that’s what we recommend when you use our Award Winning Gardener’s Emulsifying Hand & Body Scrub (and also our Foot & Body Scrub too).
What is Exfoliation?
Quite simply it helps to remove dead skin cells. Our skin continually sheds the old skin cells, making way for new ones but many times, the older cells don’t shed completely. This can result in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores. By establishing a regular exfoliation routine, it will help prevent the build-up, promoting healthier, more vibrant skin.
The Benefits of Exfoliation
Brighter Skin
Exfoliation helps to reveal the fresh, new skin cells underneath the surface hidden by a layer of dead cells leaving your skin brighter and more radiant. It's like uncovering a fresh canvas that's ready to absorb your skincare products much more effectively.
Improved Skin Texture
If your skin feels rough or uneven, exfoliation can help. Regular exfoliation smooths the skin’s texture, making it feel softer and more supple. This is particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps to prevent flakiness and dryness.
Unclog Pores
Dead skin cells can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads also known as milia and acne. By exfoliating, you help to keep your pores clear and reduce the likelihood of breakouts. This is crucial for maintaining clear and healthy skin.
Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products
Exfoliated skin can better absorb the active ingredients in your skincare products. When the layer of dead skin cells is removed, your moisturisers and lotions with skin loving ingredients can penetrate more deeply and work more effectively as they are nourishing the new layer instead of working through older layers.
Stimulated Cell Renewal
Exfoliation encourages cell turnover, which is the process of producing new skin cells to replace the old ones. This process can slow down as we age, but regular massage exfoliation can help to stimulate them, keeping your skin looking youthful and vibrant.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
While exfoliation is beneficial, it's important not to overdo it. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and damage to the skin barrier. For most skin types, exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient. This frequency helps to maintain a balance between removing dead skin cells and allowing new cells to regenerate without causing harm.
Choosing the Right Exfoliant
There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical.
Physical Exfoliants: These include scrubs and tools that physically slough off dead skin cells. Look for products with gentle, natural ingredients like sugar, oatmeal and fine clays to avoid microtears in the skin. We prefer sugar for our emulsifying hand & body and foot & body scrubs as when you massage them onto your skin with water, they transform into a lotion which not only exfoliates and conditions your skin, there’s no oily or sticky residue to clean up or large particles to block the drains.
Chemical Exfoliants: These use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells usually on delicate facial skin where sugars are too harsh. Common ingredients include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid. These are often more effective and less abrasive than physical exfoliants, especially for sensitive skin.
Tips for Safe Exfoliation
Always follow up with a high quality moisturiser such as the award winning rich Gardener’s Moisturising Hand Cream or Moisturising Foot Cream to keep your skin hydrated and to restore the skin barrier.
Always pay attention to your skin’s response and adjust the frequency of exfoliation if you notice any signs of irritation.
Incorporating exfoliation into your weekly body skincare routine really can make a world of difference.
By removing dead skin cells, you can achieve a brighter, smoother, and more hydrated skin. Remember, the key is to exfoliate regularly but gently, to maintain your skin's health and natural glow. Start slow, listen to your skin, and enjoy the benefits of a well-exfoliated body.
Ready to transform your skin? Try our Award Winning Gardener’s Emulsifying Hand & Body Scrub or Foot Scrub today for brighter, smoother, and healthier skin. Start your journey to radiant skin now! Happy exfoliating!