Exfoliate!

Is your summer exfoliation in line with your lifestyle? Exfoliation is the removal of turned over dead skin cells. Cells where oil, trapped debris, and dry skin reside. The ideal exfoliation process will produce a smooth and radiant complexion and offer you a boost to last through summer.

Exfoliation at home or in-office will polish your complexion and allow optimal penetration for skin care ingredients. This will enhance your summertime skin care routine to manage blemish prone skin, humidity, sun protection, and self-tanning.

The skin on your face and body can be exfoliated many ways. The spectrum of exfoliation ranges from a wash cloth to a scalpel. The art and science is to be gentle yet effective. In general terms, exfoliation is mechanical or chemical. Mechanical is the physical sloughing which produces immediate results with little to no irritation. Chemical exfoliation involves the use of acids, usually producing a delayed refined response and at times may be irritating.

The best form of exfoliation for you is determined by your skin condition and lifestyle. Does your summer exfoliation match your lifestyle? Some environmental influences to consider:

• Outdoor activity
• Chlorinated swimming pool
• Sweating
• A/C overload
• Spray tans

Think of your ideal method of exfoliation in terms of temperature. If your lifestyle produces heat in your body, do not use acid forming exfoliation this time of year. If you are chilled from air conditioning and then transition to heat, you need conditioning exfoliation in the form of a crème. If you are mostly indoors in the summer, a crème with acids would be appropriate. Some home options might include:  a wet or dry cloth or brush or a homemade mixture of salt or sugar granules with coconut oil.

In-office, you have a variety of options. You can request a clarifying, detoxifying, or purifying facial. Professional skin care treatments such as enzyme masks, microdermabrasion, and dermaplaning are available. The goal is to boost cell turnover in order to produce a healthier complexion.

Exfoliation is the key to a successful self-tan or spray-tan. Exfoliate head to toe prior to applying your tanning agents. Use an oil-based product on the heels of your feet, knees, elbows, and other coarse skin to prevent harsh color stains.

Regular thorough cleansing and gentle exfoliation is a must!