WHY EVERYONE NEEDS TO EXFOLIATE…EVEN YOU!

Source: LuvScrub website

Exfoliate /ex·​fo·​li·​ate/ verb.

The process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin, often with the help of a grainy substance, exfoliating tool or chemicals.

Why should everyone exfoliate? 

The outermost layers of the skin are made up of dead skin cells that shed every 2-4 weeks; shedding slower as we age.

That means we shed anywhere between 0.001 and 0.003 ounces of dead skin a hour.

Let’s say you never assisted your body with sloughing off the dead skin…can you say ‘BUILD UP’?!

Dead skin cells built up results in itchy skin, flaky skin, dry skin, clogged pores, breakouts and a dull complexion.

This is where exfoliation comes in and why it should be added to everybody’s (EVERY BODY’S) skincare routine. 

Why exfoliation is necessary if you wax? 

When too many dead skin cells accumulate, they can clog pores resulting congested skin.  Dead skin build up creates a seal over the pores and hair follicles trapping oil, debris and bacteria inside your pores. 

If you choose waxing as a form of hair removal, those same dead cells clog the open hair follicles not giving the hair a clear path to grow to the surface resulting in trapped hairs AKA ingrown hairs. 

Routine exfoliation after waxing will help to clear those follicles allowing the hair an escape route. In turn, you’ll notice fewer ingrowns.

Now what?

EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE!!!!! But remember, too much of a good thing can be TOO MUCH!

There’s more than one way to exfoliate. Clueless about the different options?

Here’s a deep dive into exfoliation types and when they work best. You can choose which way(s) works best for your skin’s needs.

MANUAL EXFOLIATION:  

Think 'LuvScrub (our personal fav), dry brushes, loofah, exfoliating gloves, body scrub, jojoba beads’, etc.

• most commonly used exfoliators

• physically scrubbing the skin with something abrasive 

TIPS: 

• Use lightly; no need to scrub too hard.

• Helpful to exfoliate 2 days before a wax. It preps the follicle by loosening it for hair removal and ensures that skin is not overly sensitive for the treatment.

• Exfoliate 2-3 times a week

• Opt for a formula with fine particles to avoid leaving fissures (micro tears) in the skin…ground-up shells, fruit pits are common culprits. That means your favorite Apricot Scrub has got to go!

• Face exfoliators are for your face body exfoliators are for your body. The skin on your face is much thinner and more sensitive. Just because it can be used doesn’t mean it should. 

• Exfoliating gloves should be wash or replaced regularly. Once you wet something and let it dry if not cleaned hung up properly the item grows bacteria and your continuously reapplying the bacteria on your skin. Which wont aid in clearing up breakouts. Opt for an anti-bacterial exfoliators like ahem the Luv Scrub or dry brush.

CHEMICAL: 

Enzymes for skin are normally derived from fruit (pineapple and papaya are common).

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a group of acid compounds, most derived from plant-based sources; Glycolic (derived from sugar cane); Lactic (derived from sour milk; Citric (derived from lemons); Malic (derived from apples).

• both are considered resurfacing exfoliants that dissolve and loosen the cells

• Some AHAs can stimulate collagen while others have antioxidant and hydrating properties. 

• Great for clients with sensitive skin that abrasive products like manual exfoliators may cause irritation

• Chemical exfoliators with lactic acid are best for dry skin concerns 

• Pay attention to overuse and using a concentration too high that can lead to irritated and inflamed skin

• Moisturizing is especially important when using chemical exfoliants. You want to replenish your skin, by keeping it hydrated. 

TIPS:

• Start off using the high percentage chemical exfoliators in low frequency 1-2 days a week and increase to every other day or daily ONLY if needed

• When using AHAs, you may need to discontinue use prior to waxing (see Retinol & Waxing Blog and our ‘When Can’t I Wax FAQ’)

Still have questions? Reach out to your favorite brow and body waxing specialists at PRMP and we’d be happy to assist you.

In the meantime, check out our PRMP Beauties’ favorite exfoliating and moisturizing products to help combat ingrowns on the face and intimate area:

Luv Scrub (Manual Exfoliation)

Fur Oil Ingrown Eliminator Serum (Chemical Exfoliant)

Fur Oil (Moisturizer)