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Why should you exfoliate? Advice from the experts

Why should you exfoliate? Advice from the experts

Exfoliation is an essential part of your skin’s health and skincare routine. Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells from your skin, allowing your skin to take full advantage of your skincare products. Exfoliating your skin is the key to glowing, healthy skin. However, exfoliation can be intimidating at first, especially if you don’t know what products work best for your skin type. We sat down with New York Times Skincare Coach and Bella Reina Spa Owner for another Beauty Chat & Learn Event where we talked all about exfoliation!

Why should I exfoliate?

Your new fancy moisturizer just arrived. You open it up, excited to try it out and start your glowing skin journey. A month goes by, but you’re not seeing any results. Your skin is looking dull, your skin may be congested with blackheads or breaking out. Before you toss it out, ask yourself the question: Am I exfoliating properly? The reason why you should exfoliate is that your skin renews itself on average every 28 days. This process slows down as you age. Those dead skin cells are then just sitting on the outer layer of your skin. Your new skin isn’t absorbing your fancy moisturizer, the dead cells are! That’s why exfoliating is so important for your skin’s health!

How often should I exfoliate?

How often you exfoliate really depends on your skin type. Those with oily skin can exfoliate their skin more often, than those with sensitive skin or dry skin. It’s important before choosing an exfoliator to know your skin type. Physical exfoliants such as scrubs may be too rough for sensitive skin, but they might work best for oily skin. The minimum is once a week.

What happens if you exfoliate too much?

Over-exfoliation is a thing! If you over-exfoliate the skin you’re overdrying the skin too. This won’t help you reach your best glow, which is why we recommend knowing your skin type, and the product that suits your skin best. There are many types of exfoliators, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for you. If you notice your skin feeling dry, looking, dull, and if you have flaky patches, you’re most certainly over-exfoliating.

What is the difference between spa vs at-home exfoliation?

The main difference between exfoliating at the spa vs home is the type of treatments and the purpose or goal of each exfoliation treatment. At-home exfoliation gives the skin maintenance, to ensure your skin is looking and feeling healthy. It’s a part of your skincare routine, to help your skin improve. At the spa, exfoliation tends to be deeper. This can include treatments such as HydraFacial MD, Microdermabrasion, or Peels. These treatments can be used to treat skin concerns such as pigmentation and acne. At-home skincare also helps extend the effects or results of your facial.

What is the best way to exfoliate my skin?

The best way to exfoliate your skin depends on your skin type. Nancy highly recommends using a chemical exfoliant over a physical exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants such as Hydroxy Acids (BHAS or AHAS) remove the layer of dead skin and are gentle enough for dry skin, mature skin, and sensitive skin. This however doesn’t mean you can’t use scrubs. It’s a matter of choosing the right scrub for your skin. Scrubs can be great for those with oily, combination, and normal skin types.

Are scrubs good for the skin?

Depends on the scrub. Some scrubs have very large or rough granules. Yes, we’re talking about St. Ives. These scrubs can cause tears in the skin. Instead of removing dead skin cells, they are simply damaging your skin and causing abrasions. It’s important to find an exfoliator that’s gentle on the skin. Bamboo, Bora Bora Sand, or jojoba beads, for example, are gentle on the skin, and won’t cause any damage, but will help remove dead cells from the skin. Jojoba beads are also moisturizing, so they exfoliate while moisturizing! It’s a matter of finding the right scrub.

Nancy’s Recommendations:

Here are some of Nancy’s favorite scrubs, for different skin types!

Skin Script Retinol Exfoliating Mask/Scrub:

Skin Script is a spa favorite brand. Their Retinol exfoliating mask is a wonderful product that’s not only exfoliating but also antiaging. Retinol or Vitamin A boosts collagen production, and it’s been shown to be the best anti-aging ingredient. Retinol not only helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it also keeps the skin healthy, and it breaks down blackheads and clears up congested pores. It contains jojoba beads which gently exfoliate the skin, clean, soothe and help the skin retain moisture. It also contains kojic acid, which helps lighten any hyperpigmentation or signs of sun damage. It’s a wonderful scrub that works for all skin types, but it’s especially wonderful for those with sun damage.

Bella Reina Spa Bamboo Sand Scrub:

The BR Bamboo Sand Scrub is the perfect multitasking exfoliator. It gently exfoliates the skin using all-natural ingredients. Bamboo is rich in silica and it strengthens the skin and it boosts collagen production while exfoliating the skin gently. Bora Bora Sand eliminates impurities that cause infection, and it’s an excellent exfoliant. The skin will be glowing, smooth, and soft. It’s also safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Biodroga Microdermabrasion Peel:

The Biodroga Microdermabrasion is a gentle exfoliant that helps regenerate the skin and remove dead skin cells. Your skin will look radiant, and it helps reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. It’s great for all skin types! Biodroga’s products tend to be very gentle and perfect for sensitive skin.

Skin Script Glycolic Pads:

Another wonderful product by Skin Script! Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), gently exfoliates. It dissolves oil and unclogs pores. It’s suitable for all skin types and conditions. The pads are practical too! They are great for oily skin, and acne-prone skin. It also lightens dark spots, and it’s wonderful for mature and aging skin.

Dr. Grandel Sugar Scrub:

This scrub is wonderful and can be used for both the face and the body. It exfoliates and moisturizes at the same time. It has jojoba oil, that’s super moisturizing for the skin, and it’s perfect for dry skin. It’s also cleansing and has soft sugar crystals that gently exfoliate the skin. It’s super gentle and can be used all over the body, and it’s perfect if you want a multitasking product.

Skin Script Raspberry Refining Scrub:

The Skin Script Raspberry Scrub is another gentle scrub, that uses blue cornmeal and jojoba beads to gently exfoliate the skin. It also helps reduce inflammation and soothes irritated skin. It helps with hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. It’s gentle enough for acneic skin. It soothes breakouts, and it’s safe for eczema and psoriasis. Your skin will be soft, clean, and glowing.

About Me

I’ve been called Nancy Reagan, the First Lady of Skin Care. And if you are old enough to remember former President Ronald Reagan, I’m also known as “NOT THAT” Nancy Reagan.

I believe strongly that the outer skin glow comes from within and that nutrition is an integral part of great skincare. Based on that philosophy, I started Bella Reina Spa, which is recognized as the Best Day Spa in North America with a team of 17 estheticians, massage therapists, and natural nail technicians. The Bella Reina website offers extensive knowledge on products, spa services, and beauty shopping, with a strong focus on vegan and cruelty-free beauty. Welcome to Bella Reina Spa! We look forward to helping you look and feel your best. 

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