Exfoliation Products

I'm back from a blogging hiatus! With the holidays, traveling, work changes, school, illnesses, and significant injuries to both my kids; things have been a little super crazy around here. I'm glad to report that everyone is okay and that my little family is finally getting back on track.

Now that I am back, I wanted to talk about exfoliation, and how important it is to incorporate it into your skincare routine. Surprisingly, it is one of the most commonly overlooked steps in what I consider a healthy daily skincare routine. When you exfoliate your skin, you are removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells. You will see immediate results; your skin will instantly look brighter and healthier. Aside from the instant gratification of exfoliation, it has long term effects as well. When you exfoliate you allow for additional products (ie. serums, moisturizers, etc) to penetrate your skin deeper. You will also notice that open comedones (aka blackheads) also decrease over time when you incorporate an exfoliant into your daily skincare routine.

My exfoliant of choice is the Iluma™ Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder by IMAGE Skincare. The Iluma line is new to IMAGE and is an excellent choice for those of you who wish to lighten, brighten, and illuminate their skin tone. The new line includes a cleanser, lightening serum, bleaching serum, brightening crème, brightening eye crème, hand lotion, and body lotion. The line utilizes Vectorize-Technology™ and includes active ingredients such as peptides, plant extracts, stem cells, and lightening agents.

Vectorize-Technology™ is currently only available from IMAGE Skincare, combining the active ingredients mentioned above into one molecular sphere. This sphere has many layers that are both water and lipid (oil) soluble. As the product penetrates the skin, the sphere "peels" and releases the ingredients into the skin in a time-released fashion for up to 48 hours. This is beneficial by allowing for deeper product penetration into the skin, as well as an accumulation of active ingredients which increase product efficacy.

The Intense Brightening Exfoliator Powder is a micro exfoliating powder that is good for all skin types, but especially beneficial for clients concerned with a loss of radiance or dull skin. It helps buff away dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin that is ready to absorb additional products better. It is gentle enough to be used up to twice a day, morning and evening. It can be used on both face and body as well.  To use the exfoliant, simply shake a small amount of the product into wet palms. To activate the product, rub hands together to form a light foam. Gently massage the product into the face, avoiding the eye area. The exfoliant can be left on for 5-20 minutes for added benefits, if desired. You can also mix the exfoliant in with your cleanser as well. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

This exfoliant uses many high end ingredients that nourish the skin. Coconut milk powder that is rich in protein and vitamins is used to aid in the regeneration of skin cells. Pumpkin is considered a powerful enzymatic exfoliant and is used to exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities while delivering vitamins and nutrients to the skin.  The Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder utilizes a protein peptide complex, that includes whey protein and lactic acid, which aid in cell regeneration and correct uneven skin tone. The ingredients also include licorice extract, a natural skin lightener, and green tea leaf extract, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Ethyl ascorbic acid is a stable and water soluble form of Vitamin C that has been added to increase product penetration, diminish dark spots, and nourish the skin with antioxidants.

In conclusion, I find this product to be superior to other similar daily exfoliators, due to the quality of the ingredients. Dermalogica® has their Daily Microfoliant® which is also a very good exfoliant. Both can be used daily, are in powder form, contain licorice extract, and are applied in a similar fashion. However, the Microfoliant uses a rice-based enzyme as the main exfoliating agent, while the Iluma exfoliant uses a pumpkin enzyme. The Mircofoliant uses salicylic acid, while the Iluma exfoliant uses lactic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) which addresses acne. Lactic acid, in contast, is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and is used as a skin brightener and to help increase cell turnover rate while improving texture of the skin. Both products have their advantages, and what may be preferable for one client may not be for another. For me personally, I deal with hyperpigmentation and fine lines; therefore, I am more drawn to the Iluma exfoliant. However, for a client with less mature skin that is more acneic, the Microfoliant might be preferable when considering a daily exfoliant.


Disclaimer: Exfoliating isn't for everyone. Those with skin conditions such as inflammatory acne, cold sores, and warts can make symptoms worsen by manually exfoliating the skin. Please consult your skincare professional or dermatologist. 

Sugar Scrub

I love a good sugar scrub because they are moisturizing, exfoliating, and help improve circulation. They are effective in both smoothing the skin, and helping reduce cellulite and bumps. You can use the scrubs on your body and feet to reveal silky soft skin. There are many variations of sugar scrubs, and they are amongst the most simple DIY beauty recipes to make. If you are new to making your own products, this is a fantastic one to try to get your feet wet.  It's virtually impossible to mess up a scrub, and it only takes minutes to make. Sugar scrubs are sold in stores for much more money they are worth in my opinion. Afterall they only costs pennies to make. Convinced to give it a try? Go ahead; get your scrub on! 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar, preferably organic
• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Essential Oils:

• 20 drops of essential oil of your choice (I used Orange for this scrub)

(You could also completely omit the essential oils. I only use therapeutic grade essential oils.

Please avoid using fragrance oils, as they are chemical fakes & can cause irritation & allergic responses.

For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Use 1-2 tablespoons as needed in the shower or bathtub.

I have found that while showering the water rinses the product away too quickly. Therefore I personally prefer the bathtub, because I have better control of the scrub.

After your body is wet, simply apply and scrub, scrub scrub!

I like to scrub all over, rubbing harder on the rougher parts of your skin.

Then simply rinse and admire your soft exfoliated skin.

Don't forget to follow up with a good moisturizer.

Nerdy Extras:
Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), encouraging cell turnover & exfoliation. Sugar also has natural humectant properties, thus are very hydrating. Additionally, brown sugar is softer than granulated sugar, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.

Avocado oil contains protein, fats, antioxidants, & potassium. It has antioxidants like Vitamin A, D, & E help moisturize the skin & keep it soft & supple. It helps relieve dry, scaly, itchy skin, & aids in collagen production. It's highly moisturizing making it an excellent choice for dry & aging skin, & for those with eczema & psoriasis.

Orange essential oil is antiseptic & anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to increase the ability to absorb vitamin C, aid in collagen production, & increase blood flow; all of which are essential for the skin. It is also helpful at soothing dry & irritated skin, & excellent in helping to remove calluses.  In addition it also has aromatic benefits, as it is very relaxing & uplifting.

Honey is a natural humectant loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, and healing compounds that nourish, cleanse, and hydrate the skin.

Humectants draw moisture from the air into the skin & ensure it's retained it in the layers of the skin where moisture is most needed for penetrating, long-lasting hydration.


FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."