How do I use a facial scrub?
The skin of our body keeps on regenerating: cells die and are replaced by new cells. Day after day, minute after minute, our epidermis renews itself. This process would be perfect if dead cells did not remain stuck to the surface of the epidermis. To get rid of them, our skin needs a little help: an "exfoliation" or a "scrub", which is a treatment that consists of rubbing off the dead cells on the surface of the epidermis.
- Exfoliate to awaken your complexion!
Everybody wants to look good: a luminous complexion, a clear, visibly soft skin. But dead cells on the surface of the skin dull the complexion like a grey veil! If you remove this thin layer, you’re likely to discover a beautiful skin and a more radiant complexion. This is what facial exfoliation is about: removing dead cells from the surface of the skin helps to awaken the complexion. The skin immediately appears clearer and softer.
Exfoliation has other important benefits: it helps to unclog pores and thus triggers sebum removal. It helps to fight against the small irregularities of the epidermis, which can be the cause of unsightly pimples and blackheads. Finally, facial exfoliation stimulates cellular regeneration, which tends to slow down over the years. Exfoliation helps face skin to breathe better.
- How to exfoliate?
Gently! The skin on your face is fragile, so do not mistreat it. On the contrary, pamper it with appropriate gestures and well-chosen skin care products. Before you start exfoliating your face, keep in mind that the aim is to remove dead cells from the surface of the epidermis and above all not to damage your skin!
There are two types of exfoliation, depending on your skin type:
Mechanical exfoliation designates using a product composed of small abrasive grains (usually crushed fruit seeds, sugar or seeds) which, when rubbed into the skin, polish its surface. This type of exfoliation is suitable for normal skin, but also for combination skin with an oily tendency.
Chemical (or enzymatic) exfoliation, is the new trend for more sensitive skins. It uses active ingredients, such as fruit acids or salicylic acid, to dissolve dead cells and detach them from the epidermis without abasing the skin. Enzymatic exfoliation is best suited to sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin, which must be protected from external aggressions.
- Exfoliation: the essential steps
Wet your face to make it easier to apply the product.
- Place a small amount of exfoliating product on your fingertips and start applying. Gently rub your skin in light circular motions over the area you wish to treat, avoiding the delicate eye area. Favor the T-zone (nose, forehead, chin): this is the oiliest area.
- Be brief: the treatment should not last too long, so as not to damage the skin.
- Rinse preferably with cold water to tighten the pores.
- Moisturize! Once the facial scrub is finished, do not stop there: it's just a step of your skin care routine for a clean and radiant skin. Your epidermis is momentarily weakened because it lacks its natural protective barrier. Indeed, the hydrolipidic film, whose function is to maintain a good level of hydration in the skin, helps to provide softness and suppleness. Since you have just removed this protective film, you must apply a moisturizer right after exfoliation, whatever your skin type. It will help your epidermis regain softness and elasticity.
- Exfoliate: how often?
On average, a weekly exfoliation is recommended for all skin types. But this is only an average. Those with sensitive skin will be able to make do with a less frequent treatment. They will choose a gentle treatment, a chemical exfoliant without abrasive particles, specially adapted to their skin needs. Those with normal or combination skin with an oily tendency can exfoliate two to three times a week to remove excess sebum from the pores. Those with very oily skin who prefer daily care will choose a particularly gentle exfoliation.
Here are two pieces of advice:
Choose a facial scrub specially designed for the face: do not use a body scrub, which is too abrasive for the more delicate facial skin.
Do not use a washcloth: it will absorb the product and make it less effective.
