Exfoliants have been a hot topic in the press with the US Government and then more recently the UK Government banning use of micro plastic beads in cosmetic exfoliants. Some of us were always using super beautiful natural exfoliating grains and were happy to make the more expensive but elite choice for your skin and the environment. Grrr, tight lipped disapproving looking Kirstie.  Anyway, it made me think about the basic premise of exfoliation and why you need to do it and while it is on trend lets revise! 

The science behind exfoliation: Why should I exfoliate?

The science of exfoliation applies to the entire body - not just your face - so remember the rest of you. The skin’s top layer, the Epidermis, comprises 5 layers of cells, which move in a continual cycle upward, a journey that takes between 28 to 36 days.

The uppermost layer of skin cells is dead and naturally shed every 7 to 10 days to reveal fresher, newer-looking cells beneath. The art of exfoliation can help nature take its course by encouraging this process. By revealing new skin cells, skin can look brighter, feel fresher, appear less dull, and also absorb and respond to products more successfully.

What is the best way to exfoliate my face?

Don’t go overboard! Most British women over-exfoliate. Once a week, twice at the most, is all I believe the skin requires. If you exfoliate too often your skin may look glowing and healthy in the short term. However, you will alter the pH of your skin which means 2 to 3 weeks later your skin will break out in either spots or dry patches. Because of this we recommend not using ‘Daily Exfoliants’ or your Clarisonic every day- put it down!!  Maybe not a very ladylike way to describe this but think about taking anti-biotics. Whenever women take them they tend to get thrush. Your body and skin are covered in bacteria, some which you don’t want but tonnes which you do, which sit as the natural flora and fauna. When you remove too many of these or alter their environment by changing the pH level on your skin all hell breaks loose!!

How to exfoliate:

For exfoliating newbies start once a week whenever you have the most time.

Step 1 - Cleanse

Use the following routine to cleanse your skin, removing all surface grime, pollution and make up.

Slightly dampen your skin and hands, apply Pinks Boutique Lemongrass and Mandarin Cleanser or Deep Cleanse Melt (if you have oily/combination skin), Ocha Cleanser  or Hydrate Deep Cleanse Melt (if you have dehydrated/normal skin) or Anti Age Deep Cleanse Melt (for dry and anti ageing skins). Massage the Cleanser all over your face with circular and upwards movements and remove with a Pinks Boutique Organic Muslin Cloth.

Step 2 - Exfoliate

Apply Pinks Boutique Rosehip Face and Body Scrub (sensitive/dry / anti ageing skins) or our Bamboo and Oatmeal Facial Polish (oily/combination / normal skins) and massage into your skin. Use the equivalent of a heaped 5p piece.

Pinks Boutique therapists apply product with little raindrop tip-taps before massaging with circular motions.

Adapt your technique to suit certain areas, for example, if skin feels more congested in places be a little firmer. Do this for at least 2-3 minutes avoiding the eye area before removing with a Pinks Boutique Muslin Cloth for an ultra smooth polished complexion.

Step 3 - Tone and moisturise

Finish with a spritz of Pinks Boutique Toner and then Moisturise - remember your newest skin cells are exposed now and need protecting.

Should I still exfoliate if I have dry or sensitive skin?

Dry skin has less sebum keeping all the surface cells compacted together so a gentler, less abrasive scrub should be used. Sensitive and dry skins should look for a milder grain such as our crushed rosehip kernels which we use in Pinks Boutique Rosehip Face and Body Scrub while using a lighter, more gentle technique and avoiding any areas which are highly vascular (red or broken capillaries).

Exfoliating a dry skin can help reverse damage caused by the sun, ageing and general neglect.

The boys- How often should I exfoliate my skin?

Gentle exfoliation before shaving can help slough off the top dead skin cells and encourage the hairs to stand on end resulting in a better shave. Furthermore, your shave will be more effective if the skin is heated up - post shower or bath. Exfoliating the skin will also warm the skin with the massage movement bringing blood to the surface. Remember, the action of shaving itself will also exfoliate the skin as it removes the top skin cell layer too, so be gentle.

We recommend using Pinks Boutique Deep Cleanse Melts as an alternative to toxic shaving foams, these have a heap of rubbish ingredients in them.