{"id":8455,"date":"2016-03-28T06:41:17","date_gmt":"2016-03-28T02:41:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/?p=8455"},"modified":"2017-05-11T22:46:18","modified_gmt":"2017-05-11T18:46:18","slug":"daily-skin-exfoliation-why-and-how","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/2016\/03\/28\/daily-skin-exfoliation-why-and-how\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily skin exfoliation: why and how"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s finally springtime! I don’t know you, but usually at this time of year, I always want to do a kind of \u00a0“skincare spring cleaning”. I want a glowy, super luminous skin. And because light is only reflected by a perfectly smooth skin, daily skin exfoliation\u00a0is the perfect gesture for effectively renewing those skin cells and to ensure the smoothest skin texture.<\/h2>\n

But before getting into the thick of it, let’s clarify a few things!<\/p>\n

I know what you thought when you read\u00a0this title. You thought: “Exfoliating DAILY! She’s mad, it’s way too much!” At least if you’re French. If you’re American, for example, this is probably something you already do, sometimes twice\u00a0a day…
\nThe French vision of skincare is more focused on the sweetness<\/strong> way of doing things ( “your skin, you shouldn’t torture it” is one of the first beauty commandments), while on the other side of the Atlantic, a deep cleansing<\/strong> is always appreciated, with a lot of exfoliating products to remove everything (even the poor natural film which is protecting your skin, known as the hydrolipidic film ).
\nPersonally, I have always been on the fence between these two visions of things<\/strong>. I don’t want to traumatize my skin by “over-exfoliating” it, but I appreciate a little boost with products that accelerate the skin renewal. And for now (I’m 37 and not a lot of\u00a0wrinkles), I think it’s worked pretty well for me.<\/p>\n

You probably understood it with this small introduction, the subject of this post\u00a0is not necessarily scrubs<\/a> or even skin cleansing (although it can be part of the subject).
\nDaily skin exfoliation<\/strong> is simply the principle of helping the skin to get rid of dead skin cells<\/strong> that are naturally produced each day in order to boost the skin renewal<\/strong>.
\nSo for me, exfoliating your skin every day (or daily exfoliation) is more an anti-aging<\/strong> gesture.
\nYou need to use some products (or tools) designed specifically for a daily use<\/strong>. Of course, if you have a hyper-sensitive skin (fine skin that easily gets red), or eczema, rosacea, allergies, with a tendency to hyper-pigmentation,\u00a0forget it<\/strong>! In these cases, the skin is too fragile and\/or too fine for this kind of treatment.<\/p>\n

Why daily exfoliate your skin?<\/h3>\n
\"Daily<\/a><\/div>\n

Daily exfoliation provides:
\n– oxygenation<\/strong> of the skin (the skin “breathes” better)
\n– better cell renewal<\/strong>,
\n– better absorption of moisturizing and\/or anti-aging ingredients<\/strong> of the cosmetics you\u00a0apply after,
\n– smoother skin texture<\/strong>, with\u00a0a luminous<\/strong>\u00a0aspect.<\/p>\n

The skin is a living organ. It’s composed of skin cells<\/strong> that are renewed and rise to the surface of the skin. When they finish their journey, they flatten and come off: it’s the\u00a0dead cells desquamation<\/strong>. The life-cycle of these skin cells is about 1 month<\/strong>, but over time (with age), the length of the life-cycle increases<\/strong> and the dead cells accumulate at the surface of the skin. The skin texture gets\u00a0thicker, creating a dull skin<\/strong> effect.<\/p>\n

Daily exfoliation allows a\u00a0regular and even\u00a0skin renewal<\/strong>. It acts as a kind of “detox<\/strong>” by ridding the skin of dead cells<\/strong> that asphyxiate and dull\u00a0its glow.<\/p>\n

A non-exfoliated skin can lead to a duller skin<\/strong>, the pores get blocked more easily<\/strong> (which can cause acne in some cases, if the hormones get involved). Pollution, sebum, impurities remain on the skin surface, asphyxiate it<\/strong>\u00a0and prevent it from keeping\u00a0its freshness and natural radiance, and therefore its\u00a0youth.<\/p>\n

The ageing skin\u00a0appears to:
\n– have wrinkles (which always seem deeper on thicker skin)
\n– be rough and dryer,
\n– be dull\u00a0and uneven skin tone.
\nWe all want glow after 30! And a dull skin makes us appear older… wink<\/span> <\/p>\n

This is why a good daily exfoliant can help you to maintain a glowy, luminous\u00a0complexion, which looks younger.<\/p>\n

Does everybody have to exfoliate their skin daily?<\/h3>\n

For a young skin<\/strong> that renews itself quickly well, no, it’s not really necessary. But from 30 years old and older<\/strong> (approximately, it all depends from\u00a0a person to another\u00a0and also your\u00a0lifestyle), the cell life-cycle slows down and it needs to be a little “re-motivated”.
\nA daily skin exfoliation\u00a0will indeed remove dead cells on the skin surface and it will push the skin to renew itself quicker<\/strong>: it’s the famous “new skin” effect<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If the skin is very thin<\/strong> and\/or very sensitive<\/strong>, daily skin exfoliation is not essential. In these cases, the skin doesn’t really need to be boosted, but rather needs to be protected<\/strong> with soothing, nourishing and protective products.<\/p>\n

Which products can you use to exfoliate your skin every day?<\/h3>\n

There are of several types:<\/p>\n

– “tools<\/strong>” or “devices<\/strong>” which exfoliate\u00a0mechanically<\/strong> by rubbing slightly the skin for\u00a0a light polishing<\/strong> effect.<\/p>\n

In this category, you will find Clarisonic<\/a> vibrant brushes, Konjac<\/a> sponges, washingcloths\/ flannel\/ muslin clothes<\/a>, toilet gloves… generally used with a face cleanser (or used to rinse it) once a day<\/strong> (I personally wouldn’t advise using them more than that).<\/p>\n

\"Clarisonic,<\/a>\"Oskia<\/a><\/div>\n

Clarification:\u00a0washing cloths\/ flannels\/ muslin clothes are\u00a0kinds of squares of very soft fabric, very common in the United Kingdom or the United States and Canada. They’re used wet to remove your face cleanser or your makeup remover.\u00a0They are washable and reusable.<\/span>
\nThe ones I use at the moment are by Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, the Bamboo Muslin clothes<\/a>, very soft and antibacterial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Aurelia<\/a><\/div>\n

– exfoliating or clarifying lotions<\/strong>,\u00a0or\u00a0acid toners <\/strong>according to the brands.<\/p>\n

These are liquid lotions or pre-soaked cotton pads. In this case there are 2\u00a0combined exfoliating actions: the chemical exfoliation from the fruit acids<\/strong> (glycolic, salicylic, malic, lactic acids…) and the slight mechanical friction of the cotton pad<\/strong> on which the product is applied. Depending on\u00a0the acid concentration, the exfoliation is more or less important.
\nI\u00a0generally use them once daily or 3 times maximum per week <\/strong>for the most concentrated, preferably in the evening<\/strong>. Indeed, during the night, the skin repairs and regenerates itself. So you want to exfoliate\u00a0when the skin is the most active to be more efficient.<\/p>\n

I haven’t tried these lot, but lately, I’ve been used Pixi Glow Tonic<\/a>, an exfoliating lotion without alcohol, based on plant extracts and a little bit of glycolic acid, that I use after I have cleansed my face. This lotion is very soft, it can be used every night without a problem. There are many other brands but the formulas are often very alcoholic, which I avoid on my skin (because it is too aggressive).<\/p>\n

\"Pixi<\/a><\/div>\n

– twice a year (usually in spring and autumn), I do a treatment with\u00a0a fruit acids concentrated product<\/strong> I\u00a0apply this only in the evening<\/strong> after cleansing my\u00a0skin, instead of my night face cream.<\/p>\n

It exists\u00a0in a lot of different forms: gels<\/strong>, lotions<\/strong> or even face<\/strong>\u00a0creams<\/strong>. It’s better\u00a0to apply it in the evening<\/strong> and to use a good SPF\u00a0during the day<\/strong>. They are highly concentrated products that refine the skin, so your skin will need more protection during the day.<\/p>\n

I have tried\u00a02 that I find very effective, to use as treatment\u00a0for 1 to 2 months per year.
\n– Yon-Ka Alpha-Complex<\/a>, a gel I use instead of my night cream every night for one month<\/strong>. It tingles a little when you apply it but nothing too bad and after 1 month of treatment, the skin is smoother and even and as an added bonus less of those fine lines! smile<\/span>
\n– Alpha H Liquid Gold<\/a>: a lotion used in the evening instead of the night cream, 3 times a week for 1 to 2 months<\/strong>. You just need to simply soak a cotton, pass\u00a0it on the face and neck (avoiding the eye area) and that’s it! Same here, you may feel a little tingling during the application but it doesn’t last. This product is the best to clarify the skin and works wonders on my pores and my old acne scars! smile<\/span> <\/p>\n

\"Alpha<\/a>\"Alpha<\/a><\/div>\n

Clarification: during the month where I use my more concentrated\u00a0products, I don’t use my exfoliating lotion\/acid toner. I put it aside and I use a classic soft toner instead (my favorite Yon-Ka lotion<\/a> or a floral water such as those of Sanoflore lotions<\/a> with lavender or orange blossom for example).<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And what about daily scrubs?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Personally, like I’ve already explained in my post\u00a0on scrubs<\/a>, I’m not a big fan of grain exfoliants, I find them too abrasive. So using them every day, I recommend this even less! It’s too harsh for the skin<\/strong>.
\nAlso, they are less effective than chemical exfoliants<\/strong> that act deeper on the skin layers and are\u00a0more stimulating for cell regeneration.<\/p>\n

How do you\u00a0know if you over-exfoliating<\/b>?<\/h3>\n

Simply by\u00a0“listening to your skin.” A well-exfoliated skin, as we’ve seen, is supposed to be soft, radiant, fresh and glowy.<\/p>\n

If your skin becomes:
\n– red<\/strong> persistently, and\/ or with visible small blood vessels,
\n– irritated<\/strong>, uncomfortable, or even painful<\/strong> (the intense tingling burning sensation)
\n– dehydrated<\/strong> or with dry patches<\/strong>,
\n– acne-prone<\/strong>\u00a0(especially if it wasn’t the case before),
\n– sensitive to hyperpigmentation<\/strong>,
\nThis is probably because the products or tools you use are too much<\/strong> for your skin.<\/p>\n

Should you\u00a0keep on\u00a0using a scrub if you exfoliate your\u00a0skin every day?<\/h3>\n
\"Peter<\/a><\/div>\n

Because technically, a scrub<\/a> is also an exfoliating product! smile<\/span> So,\u00a0it really\u00a0depends on the daily exfoliant you use:<\/p>\n

– if you use an very concentrated exfoliating product daily or 3 times a week<\/strong>, no need to do\u00a0scrubs, there are no more dead cells to remove, for sure! wink<\/span> If you still want to use one, you can try a very soft one (without grains!), but once a month max.
\n– if you use a Clarisonic brush, or a Konjac sponge or washcloth\/ muslin cloth with your face cleanser every day<\/strong>, a gentle scrub (preferably without grains) once a week or once every 15 days is more than enough.
\n– if you use\u00a0an exfoliating lotion every day<\/strong>, same thing: 1 scrub\u00a0per week or once every 2 weeks is a good routine.<\/p>\n

Personally, and especially since I’m in my 30’s, I’m a big fan of daily exfoliation. Well managed (without exaggeration and paired with a good SPF during the day<\/a>), it works wonders on my skin. It smooths my wrinkles, my pores (bye bye blackheads!) and even helps me with my hormonal acne.<\/p>\n

And you, are you a fan of daily skin exfoliation or do all these acids scare you\u00a0(I swear,\u00a0they can good for your skin\u00a0;) )?<\/h5>\n

Photo credit: bonniegarner.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s finally springtime! I don’t know you, but usually at this time of year, I always want to do a kind of “skincare spring cleaning”. I want a glowy, super luminous skin. And because light is only reflected by a perfectly smooth skin, daily skin exfoliation is the perfect gesture for effectively renewing those skin cells and to ensure the smoothest skin texture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8573,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"wide-image-layout","iawp_total_views":41,"footnotes":""},"categories":[900,265,266],"tags":[1619,1621,1623,1624,416,1625,1628,1626,1629,1635,1622,1616,1627,1617,1618,1630,907,1634,1631,1620,1632,1633],"class_list":["post-8455","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ask-bonnie","category-beauty","category-skincare","tag-acid-malic","tag-acids","tag-aha","tag-alpha-h-liquid-gold","tag-anti-age","tag-bha","tag-chemical-exfoliation","tag-clarisonic","tag-daily-exfoliation","tag-daily-skin-exfoliation","tag-fruit-acids","tag-glycolic-acid","tag-konjac-sponge","tag-lactic-acid","tag-malic-acid","tag-muslin-cloths","tag-peeling","tag-physical-exfoliation","tag-pixi-glow-tonic","tag-salicylic-acid","tag-washcloths","tag-yon-ka-alpha-complex","entry","override"],"acf":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8455","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8455"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8455\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8573"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8455"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8455"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonniegarner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8455"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}