The Benefits of a Good Exfoliator

As you know, we shed skin all the time - our epithelium (the outside layer of skin) regenerates regularly which leads to dead skin being discarded by our body replacing it with newer cells. Nature does this work very subtly and often without us even being aware of it.

So far so good, there is no harm in leaving it as it is, except that over time your skin begins to look dull because dead skin cells are sitting on top of the fresh skin layer. If not removed regularly, they can give an appearance of dry skin as flakes of skin become visible. If you have combination or oily skin, these dead skin cells can clog your pores. They can result in spots or sporadic breakouts because the surplus sebum has nowhere to go as it’s not being removed regularly.

A good exfoliator helps to break this cycle by removing the dead skin cells. It is a process of cleansing and removing dull-looking skin cells, a bit like preparing walls before painting, if I may use an analogy to DIY!

When I was formulating the scrub I wanted to make a robust product, something that not just exfoliated but also moisturised because otherwise the process can leave the skin feeling dry, damaged or sensitive.

My scrub has Peach Kernel oil in it, which helps to lift out impurities from the skin as well as leaving it hydrated. It also contains Coconut oil, which is a very light emollient that binds together with the third component, Red Clay. Red Clay is a wonderful ingredient; not only does it cleanse but it also mops up surplus sebum, a common culprit of causing spots; it also reduces irritation of the skin and leaving it soothed and supple, giving a youthful complexion. For the exfoliating factor, I use Bamboo and Rice grounds to remove dead skin cells. I chose these for a couple of reasons; one was to have a varied texture in the product; the other (and this ties in with the first) is so that they provide sufficient exfoliation on the face as well as the body. So the rice and bamboo work together to form noticeable granules that work hard to remove dry, flaky skin and dirt. The two exfoliating grounds are also of different sizes – the larger grounds help remove harder skin whereas the rice polish the skin.

Will it suit sensitive skin?

This particular scrub is ideal for those who want an exfoliator that really does the job. I would advise, if your skin tends to be dry and sensitive that you start with a very small amount of scrub just once a week, to see how you get on. You may find that your skin responds well to the natural oils and granules, which is great! If, on the other hand, your skin remains sensitive I recommend just using the cleanser and muslin cloth, which exfoliates the skin very gently and you can use this as often as you want (even twice a day, as some of our customers do!). Important note: if your skin is already broken, damaged or irritated do not use any type of scrub as this will only further irritate the skin. Stick to a highly moisturising routine using plenty of cleanser, toner and moisturiser until your skin is healed, then gradually introduce the scrub.

So how often should I use the scrub?

In colder temperatures we are more likely to slather on creams. Although this seems like we’re keeping our skin hydrated and moisturised, we are actually clogging up our pores and causing a build up of dirt and oils to gather on the skin’s surface. This can lead to spots and dull-looking skin. Contrarily, in warmer weathers our skin produces a higher quantity of natural oils which helps the skin to get rid of toxins, but dead skin cells still build up. What we really want to do is periodically remove any products, excess oil or flakiness off the surface allowing us to get to the fresher skin. By scrubbing we deeply clean our skin, encouraging its regeneration and an increase blood flow leading to a healthy, glowing complexion. After using the scrub you can really see a visible difference – your face will be much softer and more radiant as the scrub removes all those dead skin cells and smoothes out fine lines.

So if you have normal, combination or oily skin apply a small amount onto your hand (we recommend that you start with half a pea size) and rub between your fingers to warm and spread out evenly. Then apply to your face using gentle and upward circular movements. Massage into the skin with a light pressure. You may want to massage with a medium pressure if you skin tends to be on the oily side. Then pay more attention to the T-zone, rubbing evenly across your forehead, nose and chin. Rinse off using warm water. Repeat this routine 2/3 times a week and see how you get on. If your skin becomes less moisturized, reduce to 1/2 times a week. Alternatively, if you feel your skin is still oily, clogged or blemished you can increase to briefly scrubbing every other day.

For your body, take a generous amount of the scrub and massage onto the skin paying particular attention to stubborn skin patches, like your elbows or feet. Using the scrub up to a couple of times a week will help your skin to rejuvenate healthily.

What will the result be?

Whatever the season this process requires regular practice like other things in life to achieve the results you desire. Little and often is key. Frequent scrubbing helps to detoxify your skin, improve circulation to your body & face and cleanse your pores. All this makes a huge difference to your skin leaving it smoother and softer. Once all the dead skin cells are removed, your skincare products work more effectively. It is also easier for makeup to last, meaning you are much less likely to top up during the day. All in all, scrubbing makes your skin cleaner which leads to a healthy, radiant complexion.

You’re done! After exfoliating, you are now ready to apply your cleanser, toner, moisturiser and/or make up. May I also say, enjoy a new you - a bit like a newly decorated room!