Everything you need to know about exfoliating
Exfoliating is quick and easy enough to do daily yet it often gets neglected. Many of us only do it when our dry skin is getting out of control. Rather than save it for those infrequent pamper sessions, why not incorporate it into your daily routine? We promise it’s not as time-consuming as it sounds.
We’re here to shed light on the business of exfoliating, including the best tools to see results, and why it can benefit all areas of the body. Many customers think exfoliation is too harsh for their facial skin, however this isn’t the case. If you want to remove dead skin cells that can lead to breakouts and inflammation, there’s no better option than a facial cleansing exfoliator. You’ll find brands that cater to even the most sensitive skin.
So, what is exfoliation exactly?
Exfoliation is about decluttering your complexion. Tiny abrasive particles gently buffer the top layer of your skin, removing dead cells which naturally gather and can clog your pores. Not only can effective exfoliation help control outbreaks, it can also brighten your complexion and help craft glowy, radiant skin. Imagine peeling away a mask of all the bad bits to reveal a fresher face underneath - it sounds good, doesn’t it?
The two types of exfoliation
Those who are new to exfoliation should know there’s more than one type. Chemical exfoliation refers to skincare formulas, for example facial cleansing washes and body scrubs. These are usually presented as a liquid or gel.
The other type of exfoliation is mechanical. This refers to exfoliating tools such as washcloths, brushes, body sponges and loofahs. The Sephora collection is well-stocked with such products, each using unique techniques to best remove dead skin cells and encourage a radiant complexion.
Tips for exfoliating with a mechanical tool
The first thing to do is purchase the best exfoliating tool for your skin type, which we’ll help with in a moment. When using your device, ensure to treat your skin in small circular movements. This targets all areas of the face or body and is gentle enough to avoid any skin damage. Refrain from scrubbing one area continuously, even if you're suffering from dehydrated skin. You should also avoid areas of sensitive skin, such as spots or acne. Rather than erasing the problem, you run the risk of exacerbating it further.
Which exfoliating tools from the Sephora collection should you choose?
From body sponges to loofahs, there are plenty of tools to tackle dehydrated skin. Don’t miss these beauties…
The Bath Flower from the Sephora Collection
In a choice of five funky colours, these loofah body sponges provide excellent exfoliation - plus they’re a vibrant addition to any bathroom! The colourful netting is shaped like a flower and layered for best results. Simply douse them in your favourite body wash or shower gel and buffer your skin in circular movements. Not only will these loofahs cleanse your skin and budge body odour, they'll also remove dead skin cells in a bid for softer, more radiant skin.
The Konjac Sponge Puffs
The Konjac Sponge Puff Company handcraft facial cleansing sponges for oily, combination, sensitive and dehydrated skin. Each sponge contains small exfoliating particles made from 100% natural konjac vegetable fibres. The Japanese have been using konjac for many centuries, utilising its gentle cleansing properties to treat delicate skin. Depending on your skin type, you might benefit from a sponge containing the following enriching extracts:
French pink clay - this mix of natural red and white clay is known to transform dehydrated skin into radiant skin. Clay is highly moisturising and great for treating sun-damaged complexions, just like your favourite clay facial mask.
French green clay - a hydrating dose of green French clay could be just the ticket when it comes to exfoliating and moisturising your skin in one go. This natural extract is known to help with skin cell renewal, meaning you’ll produce fresh cells as fast as you buffer away the old ones.
Bamboo charcoal - this powerful natural extract is ideal for treating oily skin prone to breakouts. Bamboo charcoal is a natural antioxidant known to settle skin irritation and reach layers of the skin that other products can’t.