Ever wondered why everyone makes such a big deal out of exfoliating? If you think your skin is too oily to bother with it – you need to think again. Exfoliating has a range of benefits that extend to every skin type, though the type of skin you have will determine how often it need to be done, and what kind of exfoliator will benefit you the most.
The major benefits of exfoliation can be classified into the following points:
CLEARS ACNE & BREAKOUTS
Exfoliating cleans and unclogs your pores, which prevents oil from being trapped under the skin’s surface leading to breakouts and blackheads. Problem skin can be prone to shedding extra skin cells more than other types, and those cells stick to the skin, clogging pores and hair follicles. As the dead skin cells build up, the skin produces extra follicle oils, which leads to blackheads and breakouts.
Exfoliation removes this layer allowing for the regulation of these oils, which reduces likelihood of acne or blackheads.
SMOOTHES SKIN
Removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface allows for faster skin renewal. Your skin will feel smoother and softer, changing your complexion from dull and dry to bright, vibrant and smooth.
COUNTERACTS SIGNS OF AGEING
As you age, your skin becomes drier and less elastic, which can result in lines and wrinkles. By exfoliating the dead cells that tend to exaggerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you can achieve a more youthful looking skin.
AIDS ABSORPTION
Exfoliating removes the layer of dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin, which means it allows your skin products to reach the new, fresh cells that would be hidden underneath. Your skincare products are then able to penetrate more deeply and effectively because they are not fighting to get through a layer of dead cells.
FADES PIGMENTATION
Pigmentation is the dark areas that come from age, pregnancy and changes in your hormonal balance. These areas tend to become more apparent and darker as the skin ages. Exfoliation is beneficial for breaking up pigmented cells, encouraging them to fade. Regular targeted facials at your salon are also good to help promote healthy skin reproductions, helping these areas to fade.
TREATS INGROWN HAIRS
When you have your legs or bikini line waxed you are pulling the hair from the root. Although the hair will eventually grow back weaker, sometimes it cannot pierce through the skin and a red spot will appear around the hair. This is an ingrown hair – exfoliating the area will remove dead skin and allow the hair to break through the skin. Elixir Fusion’s Botanical Salt Scrub works wonders with ingrown hairs.
Which should you use?
At Elixir Fusion, we offer two different types of facial exfoliators to cater to different skins and preferences.
Our Granular Facial Scrub is suitable for all skins, and consists of apricot kernels suspended in an Aloe Ferox gel infused with Lavender and Rose Geranium. The apricot kernels are a coarser grain, so this product is best used a maximum of twice a week.
The Multi-Active Enzyme Exfoliator is gentler than the Granular Exfoliator, as it relies on bamboo granules, papaya enzymes and fruit acids in the exfoliation process. Suspended in an Aloe Ferox gel, it is also infused with Grapefruit, Lemon and Sweet Orange that work to clear congested skin, balance and revive the skin. This product may be used up to three times a week due to it’s gentle nature.
For body exfoliation, we have a number of different exfoliators that work like a dream.
The salt scrubs are a sure favourite for exfoliating dead skin away while you shower- simply choose between the Botanical, Essentials or Ruby Rose Salt Scrub. Made with all natural ingredients, these scrubs are sure to leave your skin glowing with regular use.
Last but not least is our Creamy Hand & Foot Scrub, which consists of coarse apricot husks in an emulsion-base of pine kernel oils blended with pumice stone, lavender, tea tree and juniper berry essential oils. Perfect for dry, cracked skin, stimulating circulation to the area and providing moisture at the same time.
