Do I really need to exfoliate my face?

We hear this question from our natural beauty community almost daily. We totally get that it can seem like a hassle that adds another step to your beauty regime and therefore time & effort. But face exfoliation is one step that will pay dividends when it comes to your skin's health & appearance! Lets tell you more about face exfoliaton.

 

Why use a face exfoliant?

You see the skin on your face is similar to the skin on your body, it is made up of three layers, the outermost being the epidermis. This layer consists mainly of cells called keratinocytes, which are made from the tough protein keratin (also a component of  hair and nails).

New cells are constantly formed at the bottom of the epidermis, and the existing cells are pushed up toward the surface & die. These dead cells remain at the surface of the skin creating an outer layer of the skin called the stratum corneum. Eventually though, as new cells are pushed up and die, the top layer of dead cells flake off. This process is continuous and the regenerative capacity of the epidermis is such that it replaces itself every 30 days!

Unfortunately as we age that natural exfoliation process slows down and rather than the outer layer of dead cells efficiently shedding, they hang around creating dull, flaky & even scaly skin, reducing your skin’s ability to regulate oil production and excrete toxicity. BUT here is the kicker… when these dead cells hang around they also prevent you from being able to absorb that expensive serum and moisturiser you invested in!

So if you ask us, the answer is Yes. You do need to exfoliate your face. IF you wish to ensure healthy, glowing skin and get the most out of your beauty products. We recommend adding facial exfoliation to your routine 1 - 3 times a week depending on your skin sensitivity.  

 

How to exfoliate? 

Wondering how you exfoliate your face? We recommend using a natural facescrub that you have either made yourself or purchased from a reliable natural brand. Our favourites are:

+ Sans [ceuticals] - Bio Active Body Exfoliant: made with facial-grade bamboo grounds, ginseng and shea butter to gently yet effectively smooth your skin

+ Wildcrafted Organics - Native Hibiscus Active Enzyme Polish. Is a naturally active enzyme powder that acts as a gentle exfoliate AND deep cleansing masque in one. A multifunctional product when activated with water. The unique selection of Botanicals, Clays and Vitamins offer a two part, multifunctional process that rewards you with immediate skin brightening results.

+ Inika Phytofuse Renew Caviar Lime Exfoliator - combines natural exfoliating elements and fruit alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) to create a clarifying formula that offers both physical and chemical exfoliation to effectively purify pores and remove dead skin cells for a clear, fresh & bright complexion.

+ Nourished Daily Coffee - Scrub Cleanse Bar made with upcycled coffee grounds, this scrub bar will kickstart your skin and your day! It has a bit of a bigger grind but can still be used gently on the face. 

But we have many more face exfoliators in store for you. Check your favourite and best face exfoliator of choice. 

Expert tips for face exfoliation! 

Our tips for exfoliating success:

+ Don’t over use a facescrub! You only want to gently slough the top layer of dead skin cells away! Stop if your skin becomes red or starts to flake.
+ Avoid sensitive areas like the eyes, don't use a facescrub on this area.
+ Don’t forget to exfoliate your lips! The key to a perfect lipstick pout is well exfoliated & well hydrated lips.