_name_

WHY EXFOLIATE?







exfoliate-new-cells-younger-skin

If you have noticed your skin is looking a little lacklustre lately, it could be due to the excess dead skin cells clogging your pores and leaving your complexion as dull as a re-run of the Bold and the Beautiful.

New skin cells form at the base of the epidermis and flatten out as they move towards the surface of the skin. This process takes around a month.

As we age, our skin cell turnover starts to slow down, leaving excess dead skin cells on the skin surface. These cells sometimes need a little roughing up to move them along.

WHY EXFOLIATE?

Regular exfoliation helps to keep your skin looking fresh, radiant and smooth and stimulates new skin cells to grow. It removes a build-up of oils, dirt and debris that clog the pores and, if you have acne prone skin, it can assist with blackheads.

Dead skin cells can also reduce absorption and penetration of other products like moisturisers, serums and sunscreen. So the cleaner the skin, the easier for your products to get in.

HOW TO EXFOLIATE

There are two basic types of exfoliants – chemical and physical.

1. Chemical exfoliants are usually acidic and assist by sloughing off the outer layer. It is important that they are mild for at home use. I recommend fruit acids that are active at low percentages.

2. Physical exfoliation includes abrasive agents that are generally plant based. It’s best to use exfoliants on the face and neck that are spherical as sharp and jagged edges can tear and damage the skin, accelerating ageing.

With any type of exfoliation, it is important not to be too overzealous. Exposing underdeveloped cells prematurely can cause irritation and redness and lead to further skin problems. It is recommended to exfoliate 2-3 times per week but if your skin feels sensitised, scale back and just use a cleanser and a flannel.

Our new 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliant combines both physical and chemical actives.

It's formulated with bioactive native Australian alpha hydroxy fruit acids (AHAs) – a delicious citrusy blend of Caviar Lime, Desert exfoliate-rise-refineLime and Rainforest Lime that contain antioxidants, minerals, vitamin C, citric and malic acids to break down the intercellular glue and "digest" dead skin cells.

This is combined with biodegradable jojoba flora-spheres that melt into the skin and, bamboo stem particles that work together to remove dead skin cells leaving the complexion renewed, refined and refreshed.

BENEFITS

  • AHAs deeply penetrate and boost collagen production.
  • AHAs are recognised for their age defying benefits.
  • Lighten pigmentation.
  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Promotes shedding of the outer layer of skin cells.
  • Improves skin texture, complexion and circulation.

When choosing an exfoliant, it is best to avoid  products that contain non spherical particles that do not dissolve such as pit fruit seeds and nutshells.

Sugar, salt, nuts, grains, flours and plant by products that dissolve in water are okay to use on your body but not on your face. Always use circular motions when applying to avoid any skin damage.

Microdermabrasion and chemical peels should always be performed by a qualified skin aesthetician and only every now and then. I have seen too many disastrous cases when the skin damage has resulted in severe burning, blistering, redness and swelling completely decimating the acid mantle.

It can take a long time to repair itself and in worse case scenarios results in permanent sensitisation. It may be sold to you as a quick fix and have instantaneous results but in the long run can lead to accelerated ageing.

Find out more about our new 2-in-1 Resurfacing Exfoliator now on sale.