Exfoliation: A Crucial Step In A Beauty Routine

Dull complexion? Rough skin and clogged pores? It’s time to pamper your skin and most importantly, give importance to a crucial step in your beauty ritual: exfoliation!

Aware of the importance of regular exfoliation, we have researched the different types of exfoliation to help you choose what’s best for your skin. Druide® Laboratories have created exfoliating products in their image using active, organic and natural ingredients such as charcoal, dried rooibos leaves or lemon for clean, hydrated skin and a radiant complexion.

The Necessity of Regular Exfoliation

The skin, the body’s largest organ, consists of three layers of tissues and its primary function is to form a protective barrier with the outside. The three layers of tissues are the hypodermis (deep layer), the dermis and the epidermis (superficial layer). The epidermis itself divides into five layers: the basal layer, the spinous layer, the granular layer, the clear layer and finally, the outermost layer, the stratum corneum.

To fulfill its primary function, the skin constantly regenerates through cell division. Cells produced in the basal layer gradually migrate to the upper layers up to the stratum corneum and then detach as scales, a process known as desquamation. It is a completely normal process but can also occur due to direct damage to the skin (sunburn, detergent use) or be a sign of an immune system disorder (allergy, eczema, infectious disease).

However, scales accumulate on the surface of the skin over time and with age, the desquamation process slows down. Therefore, regular exfoliation is necessary. Exfoliation removes dead cells from the epidermis, cleanses pores of pollution, sebum and other impurities, allowing the skin to breathe again. The result is better penetration of active ingredients and skincare products, softer skin, and a radiant complexion.

Different Types of Exfoliants

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation involves the use of small granules with abrasive properties found in many everyday natural products, such as sea salt, cane sugar, coffee, or ground dried leaves like rooibos. However, caution is advised for sensitive skin, as some physical exfoliants can be too abrasive.

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation involves dissolving dead skin cells without friction. This can be achieved with AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHA (beta-hydroxy acids) derived from plants or milk. AHA works on the skin’s surface, while BHA works on the surface and penetrates through the pores. The choice depends on the skin type.

Enzymatic Exfoliation

Enzymatic exfoliation uses natural enzymes present in some fruits for a deep yet gentle exfoliation, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Enzymes like bromelain from pineapple, papain from papaya, or ficin from fig dissolve the protein keratin in dead cells, causing them to detach.

Mechanical Exfoliation

Mechanical exfoliation involves using objects with more or less abrasive surfaces in addition to regular soap or cleanser. This can include brushes, kessa or horsehair gloves, pumice stones, or Konjac sponges.

Druide® Laboratories offer various exfoliating products for different body parts and needs:

• One-Step Exfoliating Cleanser: A complex of absorbent and abrasive ingredients, including activated charcoal, kaolin, and bamboo silica tears, removes sebum, oil, and dead cells, cleansing pores deeply. Recommended for the face once or twice a week.
• Passion Fruit Exfoliating Body Soap: With dried rooibos leaves, this soap cleanses and exfoliates deeply, especially effective on the legs due to the abrasive power of rooibos leaves.
• Purifying Face and Body Soap with Clay and Tea Tree: Rich in purifying and exfoliating actives like clay or lemon, ideal for oily and combination skin prone to acne.
• Refreshing Face and Body Soap with Algae and Mint: Formulated with exfoliating algae extract and oxygenating mint, this soap ensures clean, soft, and healthy skin every day, leaving a refreshing sensation.
• Karité Vivifying Face and Body Soap with Shea Butter and Citrus: Specifically designed for dry and dehydrated skin, this soap combines nourishing ingredients like shea butter and oat bran with invigorating and exfoliating elements like poppy seeds and lemon.
• Konjac Sponge: A soft sponge infused with bamboo charcoal and Konjac (Asian bulb) that removes oil, attracts dirt, and excess sebum for smoother, softer, and brighter skin.

Usage Tips:
Regardless of the exfoliant chosen, carefully read the instructions. Over-exfoliation, or using an unsuitable exfoliant for your skin type, could damage your epidermis and have the opposite effect. In general, it is recommended to use a face and body exfoliant 1 to 2 times a week as needed. For better efficacy, exfoliation should always be preceded by makeup removal and skin cleansing and should be followed by proper hydration. Explore our various cleansing and moisturizing products from the BioLove Face Care, BioLove Body Care, Pur&Pure or Goat Milk Collections.

It’s important to note that exfoliating products are not miracle products and results may not be visible without a good lifestyle. Remember to stay hydrated, drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily, avoid excessive consumption of fatty, sugary, and salty foods, remove makeup daily, and refrain from smoking.