Bothy Bootcamp – Week Two EXFOLIATION

Exfoliation has to be one of my favourite things to talk about and most important steps in a facial. In the treatment room we’re able to use professional strength exfoliators that are salon exclusive due to the high concentrations, which means we can achieve amazing results with your skin. However, at home there are different options available for you to achieve the next best thing during lockdown.

We exfoliate to remove the top layer of dead skin, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath. If you’ve got any surface pigmentation from recent sun exposure or any pesky spots, strong exfoliation can be like a magic eraser for you!

Ensuring your skin is hydrated means it’s easier to exfoliate. Dry dehydrated skin wants to hold onto everything, including those dull dead skin cells. Often when our skin feels dry, we apply a thicker lotion or more cream. However, if you were to exfoliate it would mean the products would be able to soak into the new skin better, providing more benefit and relief.

The older we get our cell turnover slows dramatically, meaning our skin doesn’t naturally exfoliate itself as quickly. This can be why you feel as you get older your skin changes and becomes drier. I would suggest using a stronger exfoliator for more mature skin and changing up your products from time to time. A birthday is a great reminder AND time to treat yourself!

Choosing the right exfoliator for you can be a minefield, there are so many to choose from. The main difference to look for is CHEMICAL vs PHYSICAL. Physical exfoliators contain small particles that ‘physically’ buff the dead skin. This can feel like you’re doing good but often its very superficial and can sometimes upset your skin. If you’re prone to sensitivity or break outs I would stay clear. The only time I’d recommend a physical exfoliator is for men with beards (but make sure you use it in the shower so can ensure that you’ve rinsed away all the particles).

My favourite form of exfoliation is chemical, AHA’s, BHA’s, fruit enzymes, glycolic acid, salicylic acid are the main ingredients you’ll come across. Chemical exfoliators predominantly come as a mask. What quite a lot of products WON’T tell you is the percentage of the ‘chemicals’ in their products. This is often protected information so that other companies can’t copy them. You can often tell when you’ve found a stronger product because you’ll experience a tingling sensation on your skin. I’d recommend trying different products and see which one suits your skin. If your skin is sensitive opt for a ‘daily’ chemical exfoliator as this will be milder. Or if you feel your skin is tougher you can boost your exfoliation by wiping a toning exfoliation over your skin FIRST to break down the top layer of skin meaning the exfoliating mask can work deeper.

Exfoliation can also be found in your moisturiser. RETINOL was definitely a hero ingredient of 2020. If applied on a night time, they speed up cell turn over and boost collagen production. Retinol is widely known for its anti-aging properties, however it’s also a great exfoliator for any age. It works while you sleep and with the right product, you really do wake up with super smooth skin. Retinol is also great if you’re short on time as it requires no extra steps. However, some people can be sensitive to it, so you either have to only use it 2-3 times a week or dilute it with your current night cream.

As we exfoliate, we want to make sure we protect the fresh new skin underneath so it’s vital to wear SPF 50 during the day, even on a cold winter morning as the sun is still there behind the clouds.

Join me on WEDNESDAY 12th Jan at 7pm on Instagram where I’ll be sharing more tips about EXFOLIATION in the second Bothy Bootcamp.