Is your skin looking dull and dry, or maybe it feels a bit flaky and in need of brightening up? If so, you might need to exfoliate in order to uncover that glowing, healthy skin that’s hiding.

Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which can leave skin looking dull and dry. It can also help to unclog pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and improve the effectiveness of other skincare products by allowing them to penetrate more deeply into the skin. Additionally, it can help to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. However, it’s important to exfoliate gently and not overdo it, as over-exfoliation can cause irritation and damage to the skin.

You can’t use the same exfoliation products or techniques on your face and body; the skin on your face is far more delicate, so special attention is needed.

Getting started with exfoliation

If you’ve never exfoliated before, you might want to invest in a professional facial treatment to help you put your (literal) best face forward. Facials are intensive treatments with a skincare professional using spa-quality products, and can target areas in particular need of attention, getting your skin to its healthiest so that when you add exfoliation into your skincare regime, you’ll feel more confident that your skin is already at a good “baseline”. Your beauty therapist can give you some good advice on what kind of exfoliant to use on your face based on the skin’s condition, and guide you to appropriate products.

How can I exfoliate my face?

Here are some ways you can exfoliate the skin on your face:

• Physical exfoliants: These include scrubs, brushes, and sponges that physically slough off dead skin cells. Be gentle when using physical exfoliants and avoid using them on irritated or sensitive skin. And make sure you’re using exfoliants that are made for the delicate skin on your face, not your body.
• Chemical exfoliants: These include products with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that help to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. These are generally considered to be more gentle than physical exfoliants, but it’s still important to patch-test first and use them as directed.
• Enzymatic exfoliants: These products contain enzymes that break down dead skin cells. They’re good for sensitive skin and also provide a good alternative to physical and chemical exfoliants.

To exfoliate your face, you can use a gentle scrub, a chemical exfoliant, or an enzymatic exfoliant. Wet your face and apply a small amount of the product (you really don’t need much!), using circular motions to massage it into your skin. Then rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry.

It’s important to exfoliate gently and not overdo it, as over-exfoliation can cause irritation and damage to the skin. You should aim to exfoliate 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity, and always use sunscreen after exfoliating.

What about exfoliating the skin on my body?

There are several ways to exfoliate your body, including mechanical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants.

• Mechanical exfoliants: These include scrubs made from materials such as sugar, salt, and ground coffee. They work by physically removing dead skin cells through gentle rubbing.
• Chemical exfoliants: Formulated different to the products you would use to exfoliate your face, these include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). They work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily washed away. Don’t use facial exfoliants on your body, and don’t use body exfoliants on your face.
• Loofahs and exfoliating gloves are also a popular choice. You can use them with the body wash you are already using to gently slough away dead skin.

It’s important to use the appropriate type and strength of exfoliant for your skin type. It’s also important to use gentle, circular motions when exfoliating and to avoid using exfoliants on broken or irritated skin. It’s also important to moisturise after exfoliating to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

HOT TIP! For a smoother shave or better waxing experience, exfoliate beforehand!

Exfoliating before shaving or waxing can help to remove dead skin cells and improve the smoothness of the skin. This can lead to a closer and less irritating shave or wax, and can also help to prevent ingrown hairs. Additionally, exfoliating can help to open up the pores and lift the hair up, making it easier to remove. Exfoliate the day before you plan on shaving or waxing; give any irritated skin a chance to calm down to avoid further irritation.

Need some advice about what product might be best to gently exfoliate your skin? Get in touch with the beauty therapy experts at Gaia Day Spa and we’d be happy to recommend skincare products that will best suit your skin type and needs.