Exfoliation!

It's not all about scrub, scrub, scrub!

Too much exfoliation can damage the skin, so how much is too much?

Exfoliation is the process by which you remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. By removing dead skin cells you unclog pores avoiding the build up of bacteria and allowing the skin to breath. Serums and moisturisers can penetrate to the deep layers of the skin and promote the healthy development of the cells.

 

Mechanical Exfoliation

Exfoliation can be mechanical or chemical. Mechanical exfoliation involves scrubbing the skin with sponges, salts, products containing microbeads, microfiber clothes, pumices, etc.

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation is carried out by acids, such as citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, alpha & beta hydroxy acids, and fruit enzymes.

The skin

The skin is made out of many layers and they all have a function. The outer layer of the skin protects us from the environment: the sun, wind, bacteria, pollutants, etc. Overdoing exfoliation can leave us exposed, specially in very sunny or cold climates. Without this protective layer the sun rays would penetrate more deeply causing photo aging: pigmentation, wrinkles, collagen breakdown.

How to get it right

What you want to eliminate is the pile of old skin cells on the surface, to achieve this a gentle approach is important. These are redundant dead cells that dull the skin blocking pores and causing breakouts.

Gentle masques won't affect your live cells leaving their water-proofing barrier intact. We recommend the following Environ products for a gentle exfoliation:

AVST Hydrating Exfoliant Masque
It contains Kaolin that is a very fine clay used to absorb excess oil from the skin while acting as a micro-exfoliant. It will leave your skin hydrated with a radiant glow. Use once or twice a week.

ß-Active Sebumasque
It hydrates and refines the skin, clearing impurities and removing excess oil. Suitable for congested and oily skin.

Ionzyme C-Quence Energising Masque
Specially formulated for clients with mature skin, sun damage, wrinkles and acne scars; this masque energises the skin brightening the complexion.

Peels, the ultimate exfoliation

Environ's cool peels use lactic acid to gently remove the dead skin cells leaving the skin radiant and encouraging the skin's natural exfoliation process. Peels are ideal during the Autumn and Winter to renew and re-energise dull skin while increasing hydration.

Peels are recommended in winter only because after a peel your new skin is very susceptible to the sun. It is also important to protect your skin with sunscreen everyday, even if cloudy.



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