What has the power to prepare, restore and refresh your skin? Exfoliation!

Exfoliation: A summertime must!

Exfoliation offers a variety of benefits in every season. It rids skin of impurities, promotes cell renewal, stimulates blood flow, prevents ingrown hairs and boosts the effectiveness of dermo-cosmetics. In the summer, it does all of this, plus it prepares skin for sun exposure and prolongs your tan.

Exfoliating products and accessories

If this list of virtues has convinced you to try exfoliation, let’s discuss some practical details, such as which exfoliating tools and products you will need.

Physical or mechanical exfoliants. This type of product contains particles, such as finely ground nut shells, synthetic microspheres or sugar designed to loosen dead cells when used with a gentle scrubbing action.

Chemical exfoliants. These contain fruit acids (AHA), glycolic acid or salicylic acid that dissolve dead skin. They are generally formulated for use on the face.

Exfoliating accessories. Some are made with animal fibres (exfoliating glove = horse or goat hair), botanical fibres (louffa = gourd) or synthetic materials (washcloths) and their texture ranges from rough to soft.  There are also exfoliating brushes.

Exfoliate from head to toe

Some exfoliants are designed for use on both the face and body, while others are specifically formulated for one or the other. The important thing to keep in mind is that you should never use a product made for the body on the delicate facial area. Depending on the product you choose, you will want to exfoliate your face once or twice a week.

•          Remove your makeup.
•          Apply a small quantity of exfoliant to your entire face and neck.
•          Use a small circular motion, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Move from the inside to the outside of  your face.
•          Important! Do not exfoliate the eye contour area. It is much too delicate.
•          Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently dry your skin.

Want an extra tip? For beautiful, soft lips, exfoliate your mouth. You can use a product formulated for this purpose or make your own version. Simply apply a thick coat of lip balm to your lips, wait a few minutes and gently massage with a cotton pad to remove flakes of dry skin.

As for body exfoliation, it can be done two to three times a week.

•          In the shower, wash away all traces of body lotion.
•          Apply exfoliant to your massage glove. For more softness, use a washcloth.
•          Start at the ankles and work your way up to the shoulders using a small circular motion.
•          Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.

Some women prefer exfoliating without water, before getting in the shower. To do so, run a glove or brush over the surface of the skin – gently to avoid damage – and rinse off in the shower.

Quick tip!

Since cell regeneration is at its peak at night and given that skin needs at least two hours to regain its pH level, it is better to exfoliate in the evening.

The final touch

Exfoliation will leave you with a radiant complexion, skin that breathes freely and a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Finish off with a good dose of moisturizer to protect your skin. Its effects will actually be enhanced by the process.

Pharmacy services

Want to pamper your skin? Your Uniprix beauty consultant can suggest products that suit your skin type. Just ask!