Exfoliation is one of the essential key skincare practices which helps you looking fresh-faced. However, did you know that winter exfoliation is different from the summer version? Your skin is now getting maximum exposure to the elements thanks to rising temps, stronger sun and summertime heat. So how do you exfoliate to keep your skin happy and healthy during the summer? Check out these tips!
Exfoliation 101
The stratum corneum is the outer layer of your skin and that’s where the exfoliation takes place. Approximately every 28 days your skin regenerates, leaving a layer of dead skin cells at the top. Those dead skin cells shed naturally but sometimes they need a little help as their pace can slow down due to a slew of factors including aging, hormones, sun exposure, and vitamin deficiencies.
There are two types of exfoliation, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical uses tools (ie: beads, razors, brushes) to help with the exfoliation process and chemical are exfoliations where natural products are used such as acids like glycolic acid (from sugar) lactic acid (from milk) and fruit enzymes.
Change Up the Pace
Winter months meant your skin was drier due to freezing forecasts and exposure to artificial heat. To keep your skin healthy, exfoliating up to twice a week was ideal. Now that summer is here, your skin is now exposed to more natural elements such as the sun, the air and the humidity which helps keep your skin moist. You should still exfoliate as sun decreases the rate of skin cell turnover but doing it once a week works.
Brighten Up
Are you noticing your selfies are looking more blah than brilliant? Forget the filters, take charge of your skin with this summer exfoliating tip: Brightening! The removal of the dead skin cells, making way for newer skin cells gives your skin a proper healthy glow.
Don’t Over Do It
Your skin’s sun sensitivity can increase up to 45% from exfoliation, so if you work outside, or are planning to spend a few days taking in the outdoor cottage vibes, then you should speak to me about whether switching to mechanical exfoliation is the best choice for you. Oh, and don’t exfoliate sunburnt skin. Also, don’t forget your broad-spectrum sun protection! That’s obvious!
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