Exfoliating Your Face

Mechanical exfoliation

Mechanical exfoliation manually removes dead skin cells from your skin with gently rubbing, with a washcloth, for example.

• Scrubs are creams, gels or milks that contain small particles. When massaged over the whole face, they remove dead cells. Choose a gentle exfoliator with fine granules, and use circular movements with your fingers to get it to penetrate the pores. Scrubs are great for those looking for a full beauty routine, a more radiant complexion and tighter pores. But those with sensitive skin should abstain!
• Microdermabrasion “sandblasts” the skin with abrasive microparticles (aluminum oxide microcrystals, sodium bicarbonate crystals, etc.). It’s best for people with dull, rough skin who are looking for an instant boost.

Did you know?
The words scrub and exfoliation are synonyms that refer to the same treatment.

Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation peels the skin's surface using a concentrated solution of AHA (or fruit acids) or BHA (e.g. salicylic acid). Since the natural regeneration of the epidermis starts to slow around age 25, this technique will help eliminate dead cells and bring new healthy cells to the surface more quickly and evenly.

Did you know?
Peeling is a chemical exfoliation treatment using a highly concentrated acid solution. This procedure should only be performed by a dermatologist.

Because it works more deeply than microdermabrasion, chemical exfoliation is for people who have:

• thick or acne-prone skin
• dilated pores
• oily skin
• a dull complexion
• wrinkles and fine lines

When should you exfoliate your face?

Do you have sensitive skin? If so, you can gently exfoliate once or twice a week. Ideally, use a warm, moist washcloth or a mild chemical exfoliator with a low percentage of active ingredients.

Is your skin oily? You can exfoliate your face up to five times a week. Oily skin is generally more tolerant. Massage your face with a washcloth in the morning and use an exfoliating scrub or serum in the evening.

Do you have normal or combination skin? The choice is yours! You can opt for a chemical or mechanical exfoliation method, up to three times a week.

Avoid at all costs!
If you have cystic or chronic acne, broken skin, infections or sunburn, your skin is already inflamed! Exfoliation could cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is when dark spots appear on the skin. These are more common in people with dark complexions and can be long-lasting.

How to exfoliate your face?

For mechanical exfoliation

• Use a washcloth or the scrub of your choice. Put a small amount of product on your clean, wet face.
• Gently massage your skin, moving your fingertips in circular motions, from the inside to the outside. Avoid the area around your eyes!
• Gently rinse your face with lukewarm water. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
• Finish by applying your moisturizer.

For Chemical exfoliation

• Apply a small amount of your favourite chemical exfoliator to your face.
• Gently massage your skin, moving your fingertips in circular motions.
• Are you using a product that requires a wait (e.g. exfoliating mask)? Follow the instructions on the package.
• Have you chosen an exfoliating cleanser? Remove it with a little warm water.
• Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.
• Finish your routine by applying your moisturizer.

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A few tips and tricks

• Exfoliate at night. Your skin repairs and regenerates while you sleep. If your skin gets red easily, don't worry! It will be back to its normal colour before you wake up!
• Moisturize your skin after exfoliating. Well-oxygenated skin is more receptive to treatments. Take this opportunity to nourish your skin with moisturizing agents and beneficial ingredients (anti-aging, plumping, etc.).
• Protect your skin from the sun. Exfoliation can make your skin more fragile and vulnerable to UV rays. Apply SPF 30 or higher sun protection every day.

Pharmacy services

Do you have questions about face exfoliation? Don't hesitate to ask your beauty consultant, who will help you choose the right products for your skin type and lifestyle.