Exfoliants should be used once a week, unless oily skin and then can be used twice a week.  Avoid the eye area, massage onto the skin using fingertips in upward and outward strokes.  Remove with tepid water or damp cotton wool pads.  Then tone and apply mask or moisturiser.

Exfoliators can be either chemical or vegetable origin, or there is mechanical exfoliation.  Abrasive mitts can also be used and scrubs e.g. oatmeal

Exfoliants help:

Desquamation – remove sebum and debris from the skin surface.

Improve the appearance of the skin - as fresh new cells are exposed.

Skin is mildly stimulated – improving blood circulation bringing more nutrients and oxygen to the surface and improving skin colour (erythema).

Moisturises are more easily absorbed.

PORE GRAINS:

Being the most popular of Exfoliants – a base of liquid or cream contain spheres of crushed nuts or polished plastics are gently massaged over the skin’s surface.

BIOCHEMICAL SKIN PEEL:

AHA’s (alpha-hydroxy acids) – natural acids – these are from sugar cane, fruit and milk.  These are applied to the face as a mask – the natural acids stimulate circulation and dissolve dead skin from the skin’s surface.  These are available for all skin types.  Although this treatment will cause a slight stinging on application and tightening on drying.

CLAY:

Applied as a facemask from a clay base.  On drying it absorbs dead skin cells and sebum.

MECHANICAL EXFOLIATION:

“Facial brushing”, used along with skin peeling creams.  Steaming can be used before hand to help loosen dead skin cells, and then along with the cream and brushing, exfoliation occurs.  Must be aware not to over stimulate the skin’s surface as you could sensitise the skin and disturb the skins natural protective qualities.