Scrubs? Sponge? Chemical/ Acidic exfoliants? Exfoliation is an important part of your skin care regimen.  While our skin naturally sheds dead cells during every skin cycle, a dedicated exfoliation routine leads to ‘desquamation’ which augments and accelerates the process further by peeling off dead skin cells, stimulating circulation and encouraging faster and more complete cellular turnover.

Proper exfoliation is not only a deep cleansing ritual, but also is the key to brighter, smoother, and healthier skin in every season. It unblocks pores, accelerates cellular regeneration, allows better absorption of intensive skin care formulas, minimizes pore size, heals skin, and results in a beautifully flawless complexion over time.

The question is how often should you exfoliate the skin? What exfoliants are best for your particular skin dosha? Is Ayurvedic exfoliation better than others?

Here are some do’s and don’ts of exfoliation recommended by dermatologists to all our clients…

Dos of Exfoliation

• Always start with an Organic Cleanser to remove superficial dirt and debris.
• Use a small amount of the exfoliating formula on damp skin and massage in circular motion to gently exfoliate the facial skin.  Our masks may be left on the face for up to an hour for extra effect.  A tingling sensation is normal but should not be uncomfortable.
• Exfoliate 2-3X times a week with our Papaya & Honey Exfoliation Mask & Scrub for Normal/Dry/Oily Skin (or SBR Mask for Sensitive or Rosacea-prone skin and contains no walnut shell microbeads used for abrasive effect).
• Make sure your skin is well hydrated before and after exfoliation.
• Do not rub the exfoliator too hard on skin. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin.
• Choose an abrasive-free mask for Sensitive, Blemished, and Rosacea prone skin.
• It is better to exfoliate the skin in the evening. This is because right after exfoliation, the younger layers of the skin are exposed and are more sensitive and vulnerable to damage, especially to the sun’s UV rays and pollution. Exfoliation in the evening on the other hand, gives your skin enough time to recover before being subjected to environmental pollutants.

• For those who have undergone a skin treatment (such as bleaching, laser, fillers, etc) do not immediately exfoliate the skin post-treatment and follow your dermatologist or estheticians advice on when to resume.
• If you have acne-prone skin, exfoliate very gently or apply our 2-in-1 exfoliating formula as a ‘Masking’ treatment.  The formula can be applied as a mask for 5-60 minutes. A slight tingling is normal. However, if the same persists, you may remove the product.
• The best ingredients for natural exfoliation are – Fruit-based enzymes from Papaya, Lactic Acid, Neem, Eyebright, Lemon, and Micronized Walnut Shells (remember, for sensitive skin, do not use physical abrasives). Remember to choose a formula that is also infused with moisturizing agents like Honey, Yucca Root, and Glycerin.
• After application, rinse with lukewarm water. Finish the pampering session with BioScience Peptide Complex and a Serum of Choice.

Don’ts of Exfoliation

• Harsh exfoliators like mechanical abrasives and chemical peels are extremely damaging for the skins protective barrier. A damaged barrier exposes the skin to free radicals and environmental elements, which eventually causes breakouts, aging, faster breakdown of collagen-elastin matrix, loss of nourishment, and skin hydration.
• Don’t forget to use the exfoliating treatment on the neck and decolletage area.
• If your skin is inflamed or oversensitive, decrease the frequency of exfoliation until your skin has returned to its normal state.
• Never use synthetic or chemical-based exfoliants. Many synthetic exfoliants also contain plastic microbeads which not only cause micro-abrasions on the skin, but are one of the biggest sources of pollution in our waterways and oceans.