Exfoliants - Exfoliation

Exfoliants - Exfoliation has become a hot topic around the beauty industry. So what is an exfoliant and how does it do it's magic?

From Wikipedia: "Exfoliation in cosmetology is a cosmetic technique aimed at improving skin's appearance by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Removing excess dead skin cells can reveal the younger and healthier-looking skin underneath."

Face & Body Exfoliant Recipes

Enzyme Exfoliants
Abrasive Exfoliants

Exfoliation is achieved by both mechanical and chemical procedures.

Mechanical exfoliants are generally abrasive scrubs like salt or sugar glow; or abrasive cloths. Chemical exfoliants may be scrubs that use salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid.

The acids are generally applied in high concentrations by a professional, or in lower concentrations in self-applied products.

Many body and facial scrubs use the best of both processes by including mild fine abrasives in a paste that includes acidic and enzyme based ingredients. Caution should be used to make sure less abrasive scrubs are used on the face. As a general rule, avoid applying scrubbing pastes on the sensitive areas around the eyes.

Men should consider using an exfoliant on the beard before shaving.

• Prevents in-grown hairs
• Lifts the beard to providing a closer shave

Cautions for exfoliation
Any exfoliation procedure should be gentle, especially with abrasive scrubs. Don't attempt to use dermatologist strength exfoliants yourself.

• Be cautious with weather exposure after exfoliation
• Don't press down hard, use light strokes
• Use scrubs with smaller grains to prevent irritation
• Never exfoliate immediately after shaving