We all want silky smooth skin. It makes us feel good – to ourselves and others, and helps our skincare products work more effectively, but more on that later.

When we’re young and our skin is still naturally springy, it sheds itself of dead skin cells (self-exfoliates) every ten to twelve days.  But by the time we’ve reached our 40s, self-exfoliation occurs every thirty to forty days, which is why we become prone to dullness, sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness.

By getting into a regular exfoliation routine, you can help the process along.   As new skin cells grow, skin that hasn’t been properly exfoliated can appear dry and dull and have flaky patches. A twice-weekly exfoliation is something you can easily fit into your morning or bedtime routine when showering of bathing. It really doesn’t take that long, but the effects can be long-lasting.

Are There Benefits To Exfoliating?

• Regular exfoliation stimulates cell renewal, helping with the production of collagen and elastin, the structural components that help to keep wrinkles and sagging at bay.  As we age, our collagen levels can drop so stimulating the production of new collagen cells can only be a good thing!

• Exfoliation will help to produce hyaluronic acid, which improves moisture and hydration.

• Gentle exfoliation on problem skin can help to break down bacteria and encourage the growth of new, healthy skin in its place.

• Acne-prone and blemished skin can benefit from exfoliation as it will unclog pores, minimising blackheads, and whiteheads.

• Better blood flow and removal of toxins occurs when you exfoliate. Improved blood circulation can help to reduce cellulate.

• Exfoliating your skin will make it more absorbent, meaning that moisturisers, body butters, serums etc can get into your pores and work much more effectively. This also works wonders if you’re preparing for a spray tan or a week on the beach: removing all those dead skin cells gives a nice, even, and absorbent silky surface for the spray tan or your moisturising SPF cream to penetrate into your skin.

• Note: never exfoliate broken skin, open wounds, or sunburnt skin as it could cause further irritation.

What Do I Need To Exfoliate? 

Firstly, you need to be gentle. We’re not scrubbing the pots and pans after a Sunday roast! Your skin is a living, breathing organ so treat it with respect.

There are two types of exfoliants: mechanical, such as scrubs with beads in them, buffers and body brushing which remove loosened dead skin.  The other type is chemical which de-glue layers of dead skin increasing exfoliation, collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production.

At Tonic Day Spa we’re all big fans of the Spongelle range of buffers.  The anti-antibacterial buffers provide a good all-over exfoliation in the shower as part of your morning routing once or twice a week – and the infused range smell heavenly!  Body brushing is also an easy habit to get into and can also be incredibly relaxing – a great way to unwind after a stressful day.  One of our top face exfoliants is Ageless Overnight which contains retinol.  An easy way to achieve new skin overnight as you sleep!

If you want to treat yourself to a salon exfoliation we offer a Revive Sugar Body Scrub which exfoliates and hydrates.  And for all-over face and body experience in one, our Himalayan Salts work wonders!

If you would like any further advice on exfoliating, or which products to use, our team of skincare experts are always on hand.