Exfoliation is an essential skincare routine for both the face and body. This treatment offers numerous benefits to the skin. It primarily helps to get rid of dead cells accumulated on the skin's surface, thereby restoring soft and radiant skin. However, the question is, how much product should one apply? Indeed, if we use too little, we may not see any results, and if we use too much, we also run the risk of not only seeing no effects but also causing the skin to react (redness, irritation, excess sebum, etc…). We reveal the ideal amount of exfoliant to use.
Exfoliation: How much should you apply?
Summary
Published on September 7, 2021, updated on February 20, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min of reading
Themes:
What is an exfoliation?
The exfoliation is an essential part of any beauty routine. Composed of micro-grains (apricot powder, cranberry powder, etc...), this treatment primarily serves to remove dead cells present on the skin's surface. It also helps to deeply unclog pores by eliminating excess sebum, thus preventing the appearance of imperfections. Exfoliation is also capable of reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented spots and stimulating cellular renewal, helping to prevent skin aging. The skin then becomes smoother, the complexion uniform and radiant, and the skin texture refined. Finally, the exfoliant prepares the skin to benefit from the active ingredients contained in the subsequent treatments for better effectiveness.
A Small Clarification : While mechanical exfoliants are generally not recommended for dry and sensitive skin due to the abrasive action on the epidermis, our facial scrubs and body scrubs can, on the other hand, be used by all skin types. This is largely due to the presence of fine fruit kernel grains and its 3-texture formula: gel, oil, and milk.
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Face and Body: What is the Right Amount of Exfoliation to Use?
To avoid potentially damaging the epidermis and causing discomfort, such as itching or dryness, it is crucial to use the correct amount of exfoliant. Therefore, the ideal is to apply a product dose comparable to a hazelnut on the face and neck. For the rest of the body, the recommended product quantity depends on the individual's size, but the equivalent of 2 to 3 walnuts ofexfoliant is sufficient to scrub the entire body of a person of average build, or up to a hazelnut of product per area.
How to proceed with exfoliation?
Before any exfoliation, ensure that you thoroughly remove makeup and cleanse your skin. Then apply your exfoliating treatment on dry skin, performing gentle, circular massages. These small movements help to activate microcirculation, invigorate the skin, and better oxygenate the cells, without stripping or irritating the skin. This step should be performed preferably in the evening and once or twice a week depending on your skin type.
Furthermore, it is recommended to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine in a specific order. It should always be done before the application of the face mask and any other treatments. After you have just removed the hydrolipidic film, which functions to maintain a good level of skin hydration, the application of a face cream or a care oil is strongly advised after exfoliation to protect the skin after dead cells have been eliminated. The same applies to the body, always remember to apply a body moisturizing cream. During the day, don't forget to use a sunscreen cream.
