Exfoliation

What is Exfoliation?

Skin cell turnover is the natural process of shedding the top layer of dead skin so that a new, fresh layer can come to the surface. This is an essential process of skin rejuvenation. 

The purpose of exfoliating treatments and skincare products is to enhance this natural turnover, remove dead skin blocking pores, and reveal younger, healthier skin. ​

You may be wondering, is exfoliation bad for my skin?

Well, that all depends on how it's approached. Exfoliation plays a vital role in a skincare regimen because it enhances the skin's natural cell turnover, which slows as we age. In that respect, exfoliation is really good for your skin. However, some of the tools and ingredients out there can damage the skin and cause irritation. Plus, when performed daily with harsh chemicals or exfoliating beads, this practice can result in microtears and disruptions in the skin barrier. 

The skin barrier acts as the first line of defense for our bodies. It prevents external irritants from getting in, and it also prevents water from getting out. A lack of water means our cells and skin can't function properly, thus leading to chronic inflammation (premature aging), skin sensitivity, and worsening of skin diseases. This is why it is crucial to choose exfoliating products and treatments that support the barrier. (I could nerd out on the skin barrier all day, but I will have to save that for a post all of its own!)

​Always avoid products with cleansing beads, bristled brushes, or overuse of harsh ingredients such as microplastic beads or ground apricot/nut shells that can tear or irritate the skin. ​

How to Exfoliate - Chemical vs. Manual

There are two ways that exfoliation can be done:

• Chemical Exfoliation: uses acids or enzymes to remove dead skin cells. Some commonly used acids and enzymes are lactic acid, salicylic acid, willow bark,  and fruit enzymes such as pineapple, papaya, and cranberry.   
• Manual(physical) Exfoliation: uses tools or cleansing beads to remove the top layer of skin. This can be effective in professional treatments such as dermaplaning and microdermabrasion but can damage the skin if misused. 

When exfoliating at home, I am a big fan of chemical exfoliation over manual (with a few exceptions. Very, very few.). I have found that scrubs, mechanical brushes, and other at-home manual exfoliation devices can cause more harm than good. This method also doesn't provide as much of the rejuvenating benefits that you can achieve with chemical exfoliation, and I love products with more than one function!

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Ways to Exfoliate at Home

Here are a few ways you can safely incorporate exfoliation into your routine at home: ​

Cleansers

Adding a cleanser with acids or enzymes is a quick, simple way to incorporate exfoliation daily.

My Picks 
Epionce Purifying Wash and Lytic Gel Cleanser: Oily/Acne-Prone
Osmosis Purify: Normal, Dry, Aging, Pigmented

​Pro Glow Tip: Use Epionce Purifying Wash for body breakouts or as an exfoliating body wash. 

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Daily Treatment

A treatment lotion or serum you can apply daily for enhanced results. These can target specific concerns such as clogged pore, blemishes, fine lines, pigmentation and sun damage. 

​My Picks
Epionce Lytics and Osmosis MD Vitamin A Serums

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Moisturizers that Encourage Skin Cell Turnover

Moisturizers containing ingredients that encourage cell turnover are a gentle way to address fine lines, wrinkles, texture, pores, pigmentation, and sun damage.

My Picks
Epionce Intensive Nourishing Cream: Suitable for all skin types, except those with oily skin. 

Pro Glow Tip: Apply Intensive Nourishing Cream to the face, neck, chest and the backs of the hands to fight visible signs of aging. 

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Masks

​Masks are easy to add on to your current routine. You can use them 1-3x a week.

My Picks
Enriched Firming Mask: All Skin Types

Pro Glow Tip: Sleep in your Enriched Firming Mask once a week for extra hydrated, 

Polish Cranberry Enzyme Mask: Oily, Acne, Normal, Aging, Photodamaged Skin

Pro Glow Tip: No time to mask? Add a small amount of Polish to your Purify Enzyme Cleanser

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Just remember, keep things simple. The best home care routine is the one you can stick with. While incorporating all three steps is great! You can still create visible changes in your skin by just adding one of these steps.

I know I've given you a lot of information! The bottom line is that once you know how to exfoliate properly, it's a great way to keep your skin healthy and looking great.

Need help choosing the best method of exfoliation for your skin? I'd love to help you find your personalized solution! Leave me a comment below or send me an email and let's connect.