Exfoliation 101: The Ultimate Guide to Smooth, Glowing Skin – Professional vs. At-Home Treatments

Exfoliation is a word often thrown around in the world of skincare, but do we really understand what it means and why it’s so important for our skin? In reality, exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine and virtually everyone needs to learn to incorporate it into their routine. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of exfoliating, how to exfoliate at home, and why professional exfoliation is worth considering.

Why Is Exfoliation Important?

Your skin naturally exfoliates every 28 to 30 days, which is when your skin cells turn over and shed dead cells from the surface. However, as you age, this process can slow down, taking anywhere from 40 to 60 days, which can lead to a duller complexion. 

Factors like diet, environmental stressors, and skincare habits can also affect how efficiently your skin sheds dead cells causing the skin to look dull, clogged, and even lead to breakouts.  Regular exfoliation helps speed up this process and keeps your skin looking fresh and radiant.

The Benefits of Exfoliation

The benefits of exfoliation go beyond just giving you smoother skin. Here's how exfoliating can improve your complexion:

1. Prevents Clogged Pores: Dead skin cells can clog your pores, leading to breakouts and blackheads. Exfoliating regularly helps clear out the gunk that can lead to acne.

2. Boosts Skin Radiance: By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation reveals the bright and radiant skin underneath. 

3. Improves Skin Texture: Exfoliating helps smooth out rough patches and reduces the appearance of fine lines, leaving your skin feeling soft and looking even-toned.

4. Enhances Product Absorption: When you exfoliate, your skincare products can penetrate deeper into your skin, making them more effective.

5. Stimulates Collagen Production: Exfoliating encourages your skin to produce more collagen, which helps keep the skin firm and plump.

Exfoliating at Home: Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliants

When it comes to exfoliating at home, there are two main categories of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Understanding the difference between the two will help you choose the right one for your skin type and concerns.

Physical Exfoliants

Physical exfoliants are scrubs or tools that manually slough off dead skin cells. These include products with beads and granules or facial brushes and sponges. The physical action of scrubbing the skin helps to remove the surface layer of dead skin cells.

Pros:

• Immediate results with smoother-feeling skin.

• Great for rough patches and areas like elbows, knees, or feet.

Cons:

• Can be too abrasive if used too often, leading to irritation or microtears in the skin.

• Not ideal for sensitive skin types.

How to use:
The key is to gently massage a small amount of scrub onto damp skin in circular motions. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can damage the skin. Always follow with a moisturizer to hydrate the skin afterward.

Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants use active ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface, while BHAs (like salicylic acid) are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into the pores to target acne-causing buildup.

Pros:

• Provide a more even exfoliation.

• Generally gentler on the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin.

• Can help with specific concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation.

Cons:

• Can cause irritation if overused or if your skin isn’t accustomed to acids.

• Sensitive to sunlight, so sunscreen is a must.

How to use:
Apply a thin layer of the chemical exfoliant to clean skin, and follow the product instructions carefully. Some may require leave-on formulas, while others are meant to be rinsed off after a few minutes. Always use SPF afterward to protect your skin from UV damage.

Whether you choose a physical or chemical exfoliant, it is very important to never over do it. We recommend 1-3 times a week depending on your skin type and skin concerns. Always reach out to your trusted esthetician if you have any questions or concerns.

The Benefits of Professional Exfoliation

While at-home exfoliation is fantastic for maintaining a healthy glow, sometimes it’s worth stepping it up a notch with professional exfoliation treatments. These treatments are typically more intense and targeted, offering results that may not be achievable with over-the-counter products.

Treatments We Offer

1. Dermaplaning
   This treatment involves using a sterile surgical scalpel to gently remove dead skin cells and fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) from your face. Reveals super smooth and glowing skin coupled with our enzyme mask.

2. VI Peel
   A chemical peel uses specially formulated acids to exfoliate the skin at a deeper level, addressing concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. We offer a variety of VI peels tailored to your skin’s needs. A consultation is needed to determine which is best.

3. Green Sea Spicule Peel
   This unique treatment uses natural green sea spicules to stimulate the skin’s healing process and improve texture. It’s ideal for reducing fine lines, tightening the skin, and increasing collagen production for a more youthful appearance.

4. Microneedling
   Microneedling involves tiny needles that create micro-injuries in the skin, promoting collagen production and skin rejuvenation. It’s perfect for treating acne scars, stretch marks, fine lines, and overall skin texture.

Each of these treatments can be customized to your skin’s needs, providing a more intensive and professional exfoliation experience than what you can achieve at home. 

Conclusion

Exfoliation is a key step in achieving smooth, radiant, and healthy skin. Regular exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and encourage skin renewal. The best approach? A combination of at-home exfoliation with occasional professional treatments, depending on your skin’s needs. 

Click here to explore all of the treatments we offer at Mojo Aesthetics that fit your skin care needs. If you’re not sure which to choose, you can book a consultation and one of our licensed team members will help you choose the best treatment!

• Mojo Aesthetics Team