Exfoliation: the secret to clear, fresh, and radiant skin:
A regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin clear, fresh and radiant. In fact, it is one of the most important steps to keeping your skin properly hydrated and clear. Over-exfoliating, however, can cause irritation and inflammation, so it’s vital to find the perfect balance for your skin type.
Here’s the thing: proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells and uncovers fresh new cells below which opens the way for moisturizing products and serums to penetrate more deeply into the skin, which makes them more effective. In short, it removes the dead cells and allows the pores to absorb nutrients more effectively.
- Benefits to proper and regular exfoliation -
On the other hand, over exfoliating can cause chronic skin irritation and inflammation, which can lead to accelerated aging. The question is, how often should you exfoliate?
In general, you want to exfoliate two to three times a week depending on your skin type and exfoliant choice. Many times those with sensitive skin are fearful to try an exfoliator. For this skin type, most dermatologists recommend exfoliating no more than once per week with soothing, skin-calming exfoliants, such as enzyme-based exfoliants made with fruit enzymes.
At Peak Scents we recommend two types of exfoliators:
1. Physical: (think scrubs) like a clay mask or use of specific enzymes
2. Acids: Fruit acids and salicylic acids are the most common examples
The Green Clay Mask (our physical exfoliant) is a detoxifying gentle exfoliating scrub best to use once or twice a week. Excellent for all skin types…oily to acne prone skin, use twice a week.
However, be careful not to scrub your skin too hard or too frequently in the name of acne reduction.
- Key ingredients -
Green Clay has natural detoxifying properties, and is the best choice for naturally treating acne and oily prone skin by going deep into the pores and removing impurities from our oil glands. It also regenerates healthy skin growth and decreases the recurrence of future breakouts
Organic blue & white corn meal The finely ground cornmeal will gently exfoliate the dead skin off your face without creating micro-tears and they contain antioxidants, zinc, iron, and folic acid which are great additions to a natural skin routine.
Plants - calendula, red rose, chamomile, and lavender are Antibacterial, Anti-fungal and Anti-inflammatory as well as being loaded with skin loving antioxidants and vitamins.
Vitamin C brightens and lightens your skin, helps to heal damage, stimulates collagen production, and even scavenges free radicals to prevent the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. The best news is that our products are made with the gentlest and most effective form of vitamin C -Ascorbyl-palmitate which is more stable and less irritating to the skin and is well suited for sensitive skin.
MSM improves the foundation of skin –boosts collagen and other connective tissue proteins.
Our Fruit Enzyme Lift and Renewal Peel helps to disolve dead skin cells and exfoliate the skin gently, without creating little micro-tears in your skin, like an aggressive scrub or exfoliating brush, revealing newer, healthier skin. Depending on your skin type you can do this mask up to three times a week.
- Key ingredients -
Bromelain is a complex of protein-metabolizing enzymes (think about that tingle on your tongue after eating a lot of pineapple). This makes an effective system when it comes to sloughing off dead skin cells.
Salicylic acid works by helping the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer and by decreasing redness and inflammation.It is well known for reducing acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear while reducing dark spots from acne.
Apple Extract is a tremendous source of polyphenolic antioxidants, which lets it scavenge free radicals before they damage skin.It is loaded with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which break up and slough off dead skin cells, it has a natural tightening effect making skin look firmer while reducing the appearance of large pores.
Glycolic Acid A derivative of sugarcane, is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a group of naturally occurring “fruit acids”. AHAs work by loosening the glue-like substance that holds dull and dead skin cells on the topmost layer of your skin, lifting pigment from the skin, and increasing collagen production. it does this all without creating little micro-tears in your skin, like an aggressive scrub or exfoliating brush, revealing newer, healthier skin.
- Take note that glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun- be sure to stay out of the sun as much as possible after a treatment.
It is always important to wear sunscreen everyday and especially after exfoliating since you are revealing fresh new skin that will be more sensitive to the sun.
Anything that makes your skin cells turn over faster can cause skin purging, which may cause an initial breakout, but once your skin adjusts the results are beautiful!
Create a routine that works for you to maximize your results. We recommend washing your face first, then applying your mask of choice, let it sit anywhere from 10-20 minutes, then remove with a warm washcloth. Apply serums and moisturizer for increased absorption.
