Exfoliator Queen

Hi Gorgeous Friends! I am particularly excited about putting out this post as I, "LOVES ME A GOOD EXFOLIATOR HONEY!" (Insert smile Emoji).

Seriously though, I love the way exfoliating makes my skin feel, and have been doing this for years as it as most certainly slowed down the aging process for me.

For those of you that are wondering, "What is an exfoliator anyway?" What it is, is a product that removes the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface.  It's a crucial part of both facials, and body treatments.  As I mentioned earlier, it not only leaves the skin feeling smoother, but it will also appear fresher looking.  Exfoliation also makes it easier for facial products, or topical body treatments to penetrate.  Love self-tanner creams like me? Sloughing away dead skin cells prior to applying ensures a seamless look.

Now then, there are two forms of exfoliation which I will list below:

1) Mechanical Exfoliation. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive.

Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds, or skin brushing. On the face, scrubs should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads. Stay away from something harsh like apricot scrubs, which can cause micro-tears in your skin. A more aggressive and effective approach to mechanical exfoliation is microdermabrasion which comes in two types - crystal and crystal-free, or diamond-tip. I have personally had micro before, and can say it is pricey, but amazing for sure.

2) Chemical Exfoliation. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. Chemical peels can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the peel is. Body treatments might use mild chemical exfoliants like pineapple enzymes.

Okay, so why is all this important?

Well friends, the skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sending them to the surface (the epidermis).

As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.   As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.

I am 35 years old, and can honestly say that I don't have one wrinkle yet.  I contribute this to good genes, a healthy lifestyle, and honestly Friends----a great skin care regime.  Not the best selfie, but here I am (insert a heart emoji, praying hands, a lady running, and a big cheesy smiley emoji) LOL.

What You Should Know About Facial Exfoliation:

• Be extra careful with the delicate skin of your face.
• It's easy to overexfoliate. Talk to a good esthetician about the product and frequency that is best for your skin. Your should be especially cautious if you have sensitive or aging skin.
• Be careful not to overdo microdermabrasion NO MATTER WHAT companies say.It can make thin, aging skin even thinner if you get too many treatments too quickly.
• Don't overexfoliate, especially in summer or in very sunny climates. Why? You're making it easier for your skin to be damaged by the sun.
• Never use body scrubs on the face. They're too rough.
• Be very careful with peels. Don't get one peel and then go somewhere else to ask for another. You can remove too much of your protective layer and end up exposing the living dermis. Again, be careful about going out in the sun afterwards, or doing it in summer.
• Never wax if you've had a peel recently. It might expose raw, living skin, which will have to scab over to heal.

What You Should Know About Body Exfoliation:

• You can use a body scrub once or twice a week with no problem.  You can also use skin brushes as another method.

Finally, just a little reminder though Friends, it is possible, however, to overexfoliate, especially on the delicate skin of the face. If your skin is dry 2-3 times a week is fine.  Oily? Definitely not over 1 a week.

Here are a couple faves of mine:

This is an amazing wash, but it also has resurfacing benefits that are awesome.  My teenage son uses it for his acne, and it has deemed most beneficial.

I love this sea algae based one by Kate Somerville.  I personally have sensitive skin, and so it leaves my skin flawless, fresh, and smooth.

Gratefully, I've had the honor of working as a hand model for a few years now, and before every shoot, I use this scrub to get my hands together.  I could certainly use my body scrub, but True Blue's 60 second manicure scrub has almond oil that conditions my cuticles, and I love that.  Plus, the granules are formulated for the thin skin on top of our hands, so it is sure not to tear it.  How about that!

 This is a drugstore brand product, but it is still phenomenal in quality! I use this everywhere but my face, and find that it helps keep my skin oh-so-supple.  There are times that it brings up dirt that was trapped under my skin though, and I'll experience a little break-out here, and there.  If you're a bride, and have an event that is coming up in which photos will be taken, definitely do this the day of, so that if there will be a breakout, it will happen the next day.  To be on the safe side, you can do it a week in advance.  (Oh! I use this one on my feet too)



Yay!


Thanks for reading everyone!  I will be back soon!  Stay connected!