HOW TO EXFOLIATE PROPERLY AND EFFECTIVELY
Everyday, our skin cells undergo a renewal process. It’s the process of exfoliation by which healthy and newer skin cells are produced to replace old and dead skin cells. As we age, the renewal process begins to slow down. There’s also a need to regularly slough off the dead skin cells that accumulate in our skin. They block our pores resulting in various skin problems like acne, dry skin, wrinkles and blemishes!
Experience the power of YEOUTH by discovering the best ingredients for exfoliating and how you can use them properly to achieve glowing YEOUTHful skin!
THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATING
There are ways to speed up and encourage the skin to exfoliate, especially as we grow older and skin renewal becomes slower. External aggressors like sun exposure, pollutants, bad skincare habits, and using harsh skin products can also slow down the skin’s ability to produce new and healthy skin cells.
Exfoliating the skin properly and regularly with the use of different exfoliating products and ingredients helps to speed up skin cell renewal, it encourages collagen synthesis, and unclogs pores.
It also paves the way for your serums, moisturizers and creams to penetrate deeper into the skin to do their work. The result is a visibly plump, healthier, firmer, smoother and younger-looking skin that is sure to make you look great and feel confident!
There are a lot of exfoliating products that are specially formulated to be safe, gentle and effective. Many of these provide gentle exfoliation. They do not damage the skin but instead it leaves the skin feeling healthier, smoother and hydrated!
Discover the different ways to exfoliate your skin, and the best products and ingredients that can effectively do the job at giving your skin the fresh new start it needs! The key is to choose your products wisely and use them properly.
1. PHYSICAL EXFOLIATION
Physical exfoliation uses products that contain small particles like coffee or sugar particles. The process to exfoliate involves rubbing these particles into the skin to remove dead skin cells. Some can be quite harsh on the skin and cause microtears in the skin that can cause irritation and even some damage.
Scrubbing the skin with the use of brushes or sponges is also considered a form of physical exfoliation. Exfoliating physically can produce instant results as it makes the skin feel smooth after use. However, since the exfoliation isn't skin deep, the smoothness does not last long and skin may become dull again during the day.
Read our blog: The 9 Basic Rules of Washing Your Face
2. CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION
Chemical exfoliation uses certain kinds of acids and other compounds to remove dead skin cells and encourage the appearance of healthier and newer skin cells. These are more effective at removing dead skin cells that clog the pores because they penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin and expel unwanted particles that damage our skin cells.
Chemical exfoliants are basically divided into Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). AHAs are water soluble. BHAs are oil soluble. These compounds are sourced from various natural sources.
AHAs include Glycolic Acid from sugarcane, Lactic Acid from lactose, Tartaric Acid found in fruits like grapes, Citric Acid from citrus fruit extracts, Malic Acid from apples and Mandelic Acid from almonds. While BHAs include Salicylic Acid from the barks of willow trees and other Citric Acids.
Also, don’t be scared of the word acid, chemical or peeling! Most of the exfoliating products we use now are formulated to soothe and are non-abrasive!
Read our blog: AHA vs BHA: Everything You Need to Know About Chemical Exfoliation
Feel beautiful with our gently formulated chemical peels!
OUR AHA PICK: Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel with Retinol and Green Tea ($24.95)
Our YEOUTH Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more even and smoother skin surface. You can expect visible improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and overall skin texture!
Application Procedure:
FIRST TIME USERS for Glycolic and Salicylic Acid Peel: Complete a patch test before use, apply the peel for 30 seconds while determining skin sensitivity. This is an important step in determining how much time your skin can tolerate the acid before increasing the duration of the peel. The longer the peel is left on, the deeper it penetrates and the longer the recovery time.
- Wet face and cleanse thoroughly with Vitamin C Facial Cleanser ($18.95)
- Apply peel to a cotton pad or swab and smooth over face while avoiding eye area, ears and lips.
- DO NOT leave the peel on your face for more than 8 minutes total.
- Flush and thoroughly cleanse the skin with cool water.
- Moisturize the skin with Anti-Aging Moisturizer L-22 ($19.95) or Day/Night Cream ($22.95).
- Always wear a minimum of SPF 15 to protect the skin during the day.
Wait at least 4 weeks before applying another peel, this applies to Glycolic and Salicylic Acid Gel Peels. Continue this for 6-8 weeks. Then apply the peel once a month as maintenance to attain maximum results. If you experience negative effects such as redness or burning, discontinue use.
Read our blog: Glycolic Acid: The Star of Alpha Hydroxy Acids
OUR BHA PICK: Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel with Tea Tree Oil and Green Tea ($24.95)
Our YEOUTH Salicylic Acid 20% Gel Peel regulates problematic skin by decongesting pores to achieve overall skin clarity. This peel effectively dissolves dirt and oil trapped in the pores that cause acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. It is combined with Tea Tree and Green Tea to balance and soothe the skin.
Application Procedure:
- Wet face and cleanse thoroughly.
- Apply peel to a cotton pad or swab and smooth over face while avoiding eye area, ears and lips.
- Leave on for 1-5 minute or less, DO NOT leave the peel on your face for more than 5 minutes total.
- Flush and thoroughly cleanse skin with cool water.
- Moisturize the skin with Anti-Aging Moisturizer L-22 or Day/Night Cream as often as needed.
- Always wear a minimum of SPF 15 to protect the skin during the day.
Read our blog: How to Use a Salicylic Acid Face Peel
3. RETINOL, THE GENTLE EXFOLIATOR
If you desire a gentle way of exfoliating your skin, retinol formulations are the best products to use. They can be safely used everyday and incorporated in your skincare routine regularly.
Retinol enhances collagen production, and it stimulates the growth of new skin cells by gently exfoliating dead skin cells over time. It also helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and is an effective acne treatment!
OUR PICK: Retinol Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea and Ginseng ($19.95)
YEOUTH Retinol products are to be used only at night. Start by using the products every other night to determine skin sensitivity. If skin is not irritated after one week, increase use every night. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Our YEOUTH Retinol Moisturizer provides intense hydration while smoothing and softening visible signs of aging for a more rested and youthful appearance. It gently exfoliates skin to reveal a smoother, more even skin tone!
Application Procedure:
- Wash face with Facial Cleanser and pat dry.
- Spritz face with YEOUTH Balancing Facial Toner ($15.95)
- While the face is still damp, dab a pea-sized amount of YEOUTH Retinol Moisturizer on skin, avoiding the eye area.
- Follow up with Anti-Aging Moisturizer L22 or Day/Night Cream.
- If used along with other serums or creams, layer all the products while skin is still damp. It does not matter in which order they're applied.
OUR PICK: Retinol Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Tripeptide Complex ($18.95)
Our YEOUTH Retinol Eye Cream is formulated to deeply penetrate the delicate skin around the eyes to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!
Application Procedure:
- Wash face with Facial Cleanser and pat dry.
- Spritz face with Balancing Facial Toner.
- While the face is still damp, dab a pea-sized amount of Retinol Eye Cream all around the eye area and allow it to absorb.
- Follow with moisturizer.
You can also use acids and retinol together in your skincare routine to achieve the maximum benefits from these two exfoliating products! Find out how you can mix and match them up correctly in our blog - How to use Acids and Retinol Together in your Skin Regimen!
THE TAKEAWAY
Gift your skin with the fresh new start it needs! The key is choosing the right products that truly deliver and can exfoliate skin effectively, safely and gently. Re-discover your YEOUTH and start feeling beautiful all over again!
This gentle retinol serum lightly exfoliates to reveal healthy, new skin. It’s a powerful wrinkle-fighting serum that will deliver dramatically visible results while hydrating and brightening the skin at the same time. Think smoother, firmer skin, less lines and wrinkles and smaller pores!
Application Procedure:
- Wash face with Facial Cleanser and pat dry.
- Spritz face with Balancing Facial Toner.
- While the face is still damp, dab a dime-sized amount of YEOUTH Retinol Serum onto skin and allow it to absorb.
- Follow with Moisturizer.
- If used with Hyaluronic Acid Plus Serum ($29.95) OR Anti-Aging Super Serum ($29.95) in addition to YEOUTH Retinol Serum, apply both products back-to-back while the face is still damp. It does not matter in which order the products are applied.