Exfoliation is the skincare technique used to remove dead skin cells on the skins surface.

Exfoliating your skin can be considered one of the most important skincare steps of all, as it allows for the build up of old skin cells to be removed from the skin, and so, if this is not performed on a regular basis, can lead to skin looking dull, dry, rough and totally lack-lustre. Furthermore a good exfoliation will uncover the fresh new skin cells below which means that any treatment such as moisturiser or serum will be much more effective in enhancing the skin.  

3 ways to exfoliate your skin

Chemical
Ingredients found in chemical exfoliators are considered as two categories: BHAs which are commonly recognised as salicylic acid and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, great for those who need their skin cleansing, and AHAs which are more commonly recognised as lactic or glycolic acid, which exfoliate the skins surface by dissolving dead skin and debris. It’s important to note that if you are using a chemical exfoliant, then using a daily high SPF is a must, as by removing the dead skin cells you are increasing sensitivity to the sun.


Tool
Using a tool such a cloth, sponge, scrubber or brush is a good way to exfoliate the skin particularly on the body. It’s important to consider the intensity and density in which you use something such as a cloth on your face as you don’t want to scrub too hard and damage the skin regeneration process.


Granular products
Facial & body scrubs that contain granular particles of things like jojoba beads or often in natural skincare products apricot kernels, sugar, salt whose rough shape will allow the will allow for the dead skin cells to be removed if used in a circular motion. Exfoliating scrubs can be found in varying levels of 

When should I exfoliate my skin?

Regular exfoliation will contribute to fresh and healthy skin, but there is a balance of when and how you do it. It’s important to read the levels of your skin and know when a little exfoliation is needed and when to add an extra boost.

Using a light scrub exfoliator in your cleansing routine every day is often recommended whilst using a chemical exfoliant is often considered something more ad hoc but adapt your skincare routine to suit you. Don’t forget to exfoliate your body too!

Make sure exfoliation is a step in  your skin routine before using a Skimono Mask