The Importance of Exfoliation

Step into the world of skincare rejuvenation as we explore the simple yet powerful practice of skin exfoliation together. Picture this: peeling away the old to reveal a fresh, radiant glow. In this blog, we'll chat about the secrets behind exfoliation and discover the easy steps to a more vibrant complexion. Skin exfoliation uncovers the natural beauty hiding just beneath the surface of your skin, and leaves you with that coveted healthy glow. Embrace your skincare routine and invest in professional in salon treatments that are both personalised and refreshingly uncomplicated.

I think we can agree that having smooth, radiant and glowing skin is something we all strive to obtain and skin exfoliation is a step in the right direction! The benefits are endless when it comes to this necessary procedure; increase in cell renewal, unclogging of pores, prevention of acne, stimulation of Collagen syntheses and increased absorption of skincare ingredients, just to name a few. But what should you use on your individual skin, and how often should you be doing it? 

Let's first learn a little more about exfoliation..

What is Exfoliation?

Your skin naturally exfoliates itself through a process called desquamation; the shedding of the outermost layer of the skin, the Epidermis. It usually takes 28 days from start to finish during which time new skin cells develop and shed. This means that some people, with the right routine and maintenance, might not have to exfoliate at all, but of course it’s not always that simple. Plenty of interruptions can slow the skin cell turnover process; a weakened skin barrier, imbalanced oil production, pollution particles, and even age, for example. That’s where exfoliating products and treatments step in to lend a helping hand. Basically, exfoliation can deliver softer, clearer skin, when done correctly of course! 

Skin exfoliation is a great way to give your skin that extra boost, but it must be done correctly. Over exfoliating can cause unnecessary irritation and strip the skin of its essential oils. It’s all about finding the right balance and knowing what works best for you and your skin.

Let's now learn about physical and chemical exfoliating, the 2 different types of exfoliants and what products and services are available under each type. 

Physical Exfoliants in Skincare

Physical exfoliants use ingredients such as jojoba beads and cranberry seeds to gently buff away superficial redundant skin cells. Unlike traditional physical exfoliants O’Cosmedics doesn't use any harmful plastics that would create micro tears to the skin. 

Professional Physical Exfoliants

In salon treatments use tools or devices to physically or mechanically remove the outermost layer of dead skin. The following physical exfoliation treatments are available at all salon locations:

• Microdermabrasion -Microdermabrasion is an effective targeted treatment that gently removes dead skin cells while promoting cell renewal and collagen production. The procedure is very comfortable to have done and uses a diamond tip to exfoliate, resurface and remove spent skin cells. It creates a vacuum suction over the skin to stimulate blood flow and infuses water into the skin to flush the pores and rehydrate the area.  
• Dermaplaning - A dermaplaning facial is a non-invasive advanced skin treatment that uses a sterile surgical scalpel stroked against your skin to gently skim off dead skin and temporarily remove the soft vellus hair from your face to reveal smooth radiant skin.

Chemical Exfoliants in Skincare 

Chemical exfoliants use ingredients such as Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to gently loosen the bonds that hold redundant cells to our skin, these acids can travel into your pores for a deeper exfoliation. 

Professional Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical facial peels utilise a professional strength solution to deeply exfoliate and clear away old skin to stimulate the regeneration of new cells. We provide an array of peel solutions of varied strengths offering a fast and affordable way to refresh your skin. The following chemical exfoliation treatments are available at all salon locations:

• O Cosmedics Skin Peels - The O Cosmedics Peels contain specific acid or enzyme blends to suit all skin types and concerns. The solutions include proven vitamins, powerful antioxidant peptides and V8 Peptide Complex® for effective skin correction. The range includes 5 peel options as recommended by your skin therapist:
  • Pomegranate Enzyme Peel
  • Pumpkin Enzyme Peel
  • Oxygenating Enzyme Peel
  • Bio White Peptide
  • Catalyst Retinol Peel
  • Alpha Beta Peel
• Mesoestetic Skin Peels - Mesoestetic have a range of skin peels to suit all skin concerns. They are based on formulations of naturally derived acids. The potency and solution will be prescribed by your Skin Therapist to suit and address your skin concerns. Selection of treatments include Mesopeel, Acnelan and Mesoeclat.
• Cosmelan -This non-invasive treatment involves an in salon mask application followed by a strict at-home maintenance regime. A cosmelan peel is a highly effective professional de-pigmenting treatment that works to correct hyperpigmentation (dark areas on the skin), certain types of scarring plus inhibits and controls the development of new dark spots.
• Carbon Laser Peel - Also known as the China Doll Facial, a Carbon Laser Peel is an advanced, painless, non-invasive exfoliating and refreshing treatment that targets blemishes and blockages in acneic skin, offering intense skin rejuvenation to refine and reduce pore size and give the appearance of a porcelain "China Doll" complexion. A layer of carbon creme is applied to the skin and is left to dry. The Nd:YAG laser is passed over the skin, shattering the carbon and causing it to break into tiny fragments and disintegrate. The carbon fragments exfoliate the surface of the skin to remove the outer layer, while simultaneously clearing out any blockages in the pores.

In conclusion, exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine, but it’s important to find the right balance. Over-exfoliation can lead to a weakened skin barrier, increased sensitivity, and a host of other issues. On the other hand, under-exfoliation can result in dull, rough, and congested skin. 

It’s important to understand your skin type and concerns before incorporating exfoliation into your routine. Consulting with a skin therapist can help you determine the best exfoliation plan for your skin. With the right approach, exfoliation can help you achieve the smooth, radiant, and healthy skin you’ve always wanted.

If you’re unsure about what type of exfoliant you should be using or whether you’re doing too much or too little, check with your skin therapist by booking a complimentary skin consultation when you're next in.

HAPPY EXFOLIATING x