The Number One BEST Thing You Can Do for Your Skin

From applying sunscreen on a daily basis to removing your makeup before you go to sleep at night, a good skincare regimen usually has a number of steps, each of which is equally important. But if we had to pick the number one BEST thing you can do for your skin, it would be…EXFOLIATION! The removal of dead skin cells will yield a number of results, all of which will make your skin appear more youthful and fresh. If there ever was a skincare process you should absolutely not skip, this is IT!

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is defined as removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using chemical or granular substances or an exfoliation tool. While that might sound a little unnecessary or intimidating, exfoliation just so happens to be one of the most natural things in the world. Trees do it when they lose their bark; snakes do it when they shed their skin; and we humans do it too! Your skin naturally turns over on a regular basis, usually every 28 – 30 days. But sometimes nature could use a little catalyst to speed up the process. That’s where exfoliation products or tools come in!

When should I exfoliate?

Take a good, long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. Does your skin appear dull? Is it flaky? Go ahead and touch your skin too. Is the texture rougher than normal? Any of these could be signs it’s time to exfoliate. The process will renew your appearance by sloughing off old, dead skin cells and bringing newer, fresher ones to the surface. It will also help other products like serums and moisturizers to absorb into the skin better, making them more effective and giving you a beautiful, more radiant glow.

If you’re really looking for the best possible results, we recommend daily exfoliation, especially on the face.

How do I exfoliate?

Before you start scrubbing, know this…exfoliation does NOT mean rough! The skin is a sensitive organ and you should be gentle with it. Go easy, listen to your skin, and look for signs of irritation.

To begin, start with a dry facial brush, like the Tulasara Radiant Facial Dry Brush from AVEDA. Make sure your face is dry and free of any product and sweep the brush in upward, circular motions. Repeat this process every morning or evening.

Next, try a biochemical exfoliant. One of our spa’s FAVORITE products is AVEDA’s Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant. Because it contains salicylic acid, it’s a powerful liquid but is still gentle enough for daily use. It works by helping to dissolve your skin’s surface cells more quickly. Using a cotton ball or pad, apply it in the evening after cleansing but before toning. BONUS TIP: For a soft, supple kisser, give your lips a quick swipe too!

Every so often, you have to call in exfoliating reinforcements, so to speak. Once or twice a week, bring out the big guns with a mechanical exfoliant like AVEDA’s Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner. Mechanical exfoliants like scrubs and microdermabrasion treatments are a bit stronger because they use movement to slough off old skin. They are naturally a big more aggressive, but you should still use them gently – applying gentle pressure but never scrubbing! Let the granules do the work!