Exfoliation: Exfoliating for a healthy complexion

Exfoliation: Exfoliating for a healthy complexion

Exfoliating your face once or twice a week is part of a good beauty routine. But when it comes to this skin care step, “easy does it,” is what it’s all about.

Why exfoliate?

Exfoliants remove dead skin cells and strip away part of the top layer of the epidermis. This helps to create:
  • smoother,
  • softer skin,
  • and a more radiant complexion.

Exfoliation, scrubs, microdermabrasion and peels

Mechanical exfoliation

  • Exfoliation consists in the deep cleansing of the skin with a cream, gel or milk that contains small beads. The process, which involves massaging the entire face with these products, helps to loosen dead skin cells.
  • The term scrub is a synonym of exfoliation. Both terms refer to the same procedure.
  • Microdermabrasion is a type of mechanical exfoliation aimed at “sanding” the face with abrasive micro-particles, often aluminiumoxide micro-crystals.

Chemical exfoliation

  • A peel is a type of biological or chemical exfoliation aimed at delaying the aging of the skin. It removes the surface layer of the epidermis using a solution with a high acid content, an AHA-based solution (or fruit acids), glycolic acid for the most part, or a BHA solution (salicylic acid, for example). 

Who should exfoliate?

Exfoliation (or scrubs) is for all men and women who want to have a well-rounded skin care routine, a radiant complexion and tightened pores. But it is definitely not for those with sensitive skin.

Microdermabrasion is suitable for men and women with a dull, rough complexion who are looking for an instant boost.

Peels are for women 35 and over who are beginning to show signs of aging, because this procedure acts at a deeper level than microdermabrasion.

Choosing an exfoliant:

  • You must select a gentle exfoliant with small particles. In fact, these particles need to be small enough to penetrate each of your pores, which will be cleansed when you apply the product with a circular motion.
  • After the scrub, it is important to moisturize your face to help your skin regain its elasticity. A mask is another excellent follow-up care proceduresince the scrub will have made your skin more receptive to the active ingredients in these products.

Pharmacy Service

Do you have questions on skin care? Talk to your dermo-cosmetics consultant. She can help you choose the products that suit your skin type and lifestyle.

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