The secrets of an effective exfoliation.

Our entire body is covered with dead skin cells, which can lead to a loss of radiance, hair fall, skin eruptions, etc... if they are not removed. That's why it's important to exfoliate in order to achieve healthier and more radiant skin. However, this exfoliation process varies depending on the part of the body.

Body, face, lips, scalp... the structure, thickness, sensitivity, and hydrolipidic film vary greatly depending on the area in question. The scrubs and the way they are applied must therefore be adapted to the specificities of each skin type depending on the area to be exfoliated:

• The scalp : Even the scalp needs to be exfoliated to remove dandruff, eliminate dirt embedded in the hair bulb, and thus prevent the hair from becoming greasy and falling out. To perform a gentle scrub of the scalp, you can either use a scrubbing shampoo or a hair scrub with gentle formulas. These treatments should be done at least once a month.

• The face : While the body has a relatively thick skin texture, the face, on the other hand, can be sensitive to certain treatments and care that are too abrasive. That's why these two areas must absolutely be exfoliated in two different ways. Therefore, opt for a gentler scrub, with finer grains and less concentrated.

  Exception for acne-prone, dry, or sensitive skin : avoid mechanical scrubs and opt for a chemical exfoliant based on fruit acids such as lactic acid or glycolic acid which are gentler and do not require the friction that a grain-based scrub does.

  Don't forget to also exfoliate your lips to prevent chapping, using a moisturizing scrub specifically designed for this area.

• The body : Choose a scrub that is more concentrated in grains than that of the face and particularly effective on the roughest parts such as the elbows, heels, or knees, which require a more vigorous scrubbing to prevent the appearance of imperfections or ingrown hairs. On the contrary, the neck, groin, or armpits will require a gentler, less vigorous scrub, as these are more sensitive areas. However, for the décolletage, it is better to use your facial scrub, which will prevent the area from becoming fragile and irritated.

  Of course, it is advisable to avoid exfoliating intimate areas or highly sensitive zones such as the nipples.

Exfoliating doesn't mean stripping!

While it's true that the skin needs a boost in microcirculation and cellular renewal to fully absorb the active ingredients in skincare products, what it really demands is gentleness. It is unnecessary to scrub too hard or insist during the application of your exfoliant, as this is not a very good idea. Firstly, because the result will be counterproductive, as your epidermis has a very fragile skin barrier that protects it and will struggle to withstand your harsh movements. But also, and most importantly, this method will be of no use if you have blemishes and want to get rid of them. If you scrub the exfoliant grains too hard against your skin, you will create micro-lesions within the blemish itself and release the bacteria that are lodged there. The result is: A colony of microorganisms can develop and give rise to new blemishes.

Similarly, while exfoliation is beneficial for rejuvenating the skin's glow and eliminating dead cells and other embedded impurities, it's better not to exfoliate too often. Indeed, skin that is exfoliated too frequently will become thinner, more fragile, more sensitive, can damage quickly, and consequently, will start to produce an excess of sebum as a defense mechanism, which will inevitably lead to an acne outbreak. Performing two exfoliations per week is already too much, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin and you are using a grainy scrub. Beyond this, you risk stripping your skin.

Furthermore, scrubs should not be done at just any time. It is more prudent to do it in the evening to allow the epidermis time to regenerate during the night. Indeed, the scrubbing process can disrupt the hydrolipidic film that protects you from external aggressions. As a result, the skin is less exposed to stress and pollutants, and it won't risk being "suffocated" by makeup. Additionally, in the summer, space out your scrubbing sessions and plan them a few days before prolonged sun exposure, as the skin needs to thicken to protect itself from the sun, which can lead to the appearance of pigmented spots and wrinkles.

In order for the exfoliation to demonstrate its full effectiveness, it must be incorporated into your skincare routine. Here are the various steps to follow:

• Step 1: First and foremost, the exfoliation is a rather aggressive treatment, which is why it's better to do it in the evening, before bedtime, to allow the skin to rest afterward. To start, it should be applied to a clean skin. Depending on the exfoliant used, it can be applied either on dry skin or on wet skin, and sometimes even requires a pause time.

• Step 2: On a wet or dry face, and also applicable to other parts of the body, next apply your grain scrub or your enzymatic exfoliant depending on your skin type. Gently apply the product to your epidermis and spread it with the pads of your fingers across your entire face using circular motions to stimulate blood circulation, then rinse with clear water.

• Step 3: After your exfoliation, apply a mask to nourish and hydrate the skin deeply, repair and regenerate cells, and also help the skin restore the hydrolipidic film that has just been disrupted. For instance, a hydrating mask for normal to combination skin, a nourishing mask for dry skin, a firming mask for mature skin, and a purifying mask for oily skin.

• Step 4: Now that the skin is clean and exfoliated, it's time to apply your night serum ! Packed with active ingredients, it should be chosen based on your skin's needs.

• Step 5: After the serum, complete your skincare routine with a moisturizing cream. Whether rich or lighter, you'll need to adjust the texture based on your skin type and the season. You can also use vegetable oils, which help retain water in the skin tissues while providing a real nutritional contribution. Of course, the same hydration ritual should be done for the body and even the scalp.