Exfoliating your skin!

Hello Naked Beauties! I want to talk about the importance of exfoliating your skin. 

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin using a chemical, granular substance, or an exfoliation tool. It is necessary because, every 30 days, your body sheds the outer layer of skin to make room for a new layer to appear. This is your body’s built in way of exfoliating. However, it’s not completely effective. Unfortunately, most of the time, there is excess left on top of your skin. 

By using an exfoliation routine, you can achieve bright skin with fewer dark spots. You can also heighten the effectiveness of all of your skincare products, as they are more likely to enter the skin if there’s no dead skin clinging to them. By exfoliating on a regular basis, you can prevent clogged pores (which most of the time lead to breakouts), and by exfoliating long-term, you can increase your skin’s collagen production. Collagen is the key to glowing and vibrant skin. It promotes skin elasticity, which then reduces the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. 

As I mentioned before, there are two types of exfoliation: chemical, and physical. 

Chemical exfoliants are usually formulated with hydroxy acids and retinol. The enzymes in these products work together to break the bonds of the dead skin. When the bonds are broken, the top layers of the skin cells shed, which reveals regenerated skin. This is a very effective way to exfoliate, but you should consult your dermatologist before use. It is easy to use them too often, or incorrectly. Incorrect use can lead to dry, damaged, peeling, and sometimes painful skin. 

A physical exfoliant is either an exfoliation tool or a granular substance. Unlike chemical exfoliants, you have to physically/manually remove the dead skin cells. They work because as you rub/apply them to your skin, they help the bonds break. This in turn leads to the skin sloughing off. Always remember to follow instructions and use in moderation. Improper use of physical exfoliants can lead to symptoms similar to the ones I mentioned above. 

Depending on your skin type, and the exfoliation tactic you choose to use, every routine should be different. It is difficult to recommend how often, and what type to use because I don’t personally know what everyone’s skincare goals are. Consulting a dermatologist, or doing some research yourself, are both great ways to figure out what you want to do. 

This month’s Naked Beauty Box Skincare Superstar is:

MODERN SKYN ALCHEMY’s SHEA BUTTER SOAP LOOFAH (Eucalyptus & Mint).  

It is exactly what it sounds like- a soap bar, infused with loofah particles. This product is a wonderful way to physically exfoliate your skin. It is formulated with: Shea butter based-Sodium Cocoate, Water, Sorbitol, Butyrospermum Parkin (Shea) Seed Butter, Titanium Dioxide, Olive Oil, Eucalyptus globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Kaolin, Eucalyptus, Mint, and Loofah.

It retails for $8 and will be included in this month’s box.

The lightly infused essential oils, alongside the loofah particles, create the perfect calming and effective shower or bath time addition. With gradual application, this product is gentle enough for everyday use. Use it as you would any other soap bar. 

Thanks for reading this week’s skincare blog! We’d love to hear from you. Comment down below if you have any questions, commentary, or would like to share your exfoliation routine 🙂