put the glow back in ageing skin
Has your skin been dull, flaky or uneven lately? It could be related to environmental changes, allergies, sun damage, even stress -
Has your skin been dull, flaky or uneven lately? It could be related to environmental changes, allergies, sun damage, even stress — or it could just be because of skin ageing. (Don’t worry, it happens to everyone.) Fortunately, there is something you can do about it: exfoliate!
As we age, our skin can lose its glow because the natural cell turnover process slows down. This can cause dull, dead skin cells to cling to our skin’s surface longer. By removing dry, dull debris and revealing the softer, smoother skin underneath, exfoliation helps bring our inner glow back to the surface.
Exfoliating also helps targeted treatments and moisturisers better penetrate the skin, reduces breakout-causing congestion, helps smooth rough, hardened areas, and helps prevent ingrown hairs.
choosing the right exfoliant
There are many forms of exfoliants, but the most common categories are physical and chemical.
The following products contain physical exfoliants, which tend to be relatively mild, quick, and easy to use.
Chemical exfoliants take powerful ingredients to a new level by using a skin-friendly blend of exfoliating acids and enzymes, making them gentle enough to use daily or weekly.
quick tips
- avoid abrasive scrubs
Skip scrubs made with sugar, salt or nuts, as they can tear and irritate the skin. Instead, look for scrubs with Jojoba, Corncob, or Rice Bran in them. When used as scrubs, these ingredients aren’t gentle enough for dry, ageing, sensitised or genetically sensitive skin. (If you have oily skin, consider an oil-absorbing scrub made of clays such as Kaolin or Diatomaceous.)
- exfoliate in the a.m.
When exfoliating at home, it’s best to do so prior to applying moisturiser, anti-ageing treatments, sunscreen or makeup. (Tip: exfoliation can also help makeup last longer.)
- everything in moderation
When it comes to exfoliation, more is not better. Over-exfoliating can cause dehydration and make the skin more susceptible to sensitisation, irritation, accelerated ageing and UV damage. Most people only need to exfoliate their skin a few times a week. If you prefer to exfoliate more often, use a mild exfoliant that is designed to be used daily.
