WHAT IS EXFOLIATING?
Although it happens at a microscopic level, our skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells. However it doesn’t always shed them evenly or properly, leaving debris behind. Combined with dirt, dust and environmental pollutants, this can cause flaky dry patches or clogged pores resulting in blackheads, whiteheads and blemishes. As we age, our natural skin cell renewal process also begins to slow down, which can also increase the build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface.
Exfoliation, or the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, can help restore dull, dehydrated and blemished skin. Speeding up the cell’s regeneration cycle means that skin appears more youthful too. The science of exfoliation is nothing new though. In fact, the ritual of deep cleansing has been around for thousands of years, even the ancient Egyptians were thought to have exfoliated!
PHYSICAL VS CHEMICAL EXFOLIATORS
Physical exfoliators, usually known as facial scrubs, rely on manual scrubbing of small granules into the skin. The result is instant as skin looks brighter and more radiant.
Chemical exfoliators, like Retinol and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), use the power of enzymes to transform skin at a deeper level. They do this in a number of ways including peeling away the surface of the skin, speeding up the skin renewal process, dissolving clogged pores and, in the case of Retinoids, promoting collagen. Regular use of chemical exfoliators ensures that results are transformative and long-lasting.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATING?
There’s no doubt that used in the correct way, exfoliators can smooth and brighten skin texture. In fact, exfoliation has a number of benefits:
- Cleans and purifies clogged pores
- Sloughs away dead skin cells
- Encourages cell turnover
- Helps with the absorption of other skincare products
- Boosts circulation
- Evens and smooths skin texture
- Promotes collagen (Retinoids)
IS EXFOLIATING BAD FOR YOUR SKIN?
Although exfoliation can be highly beneficial, there are some cautions. Aggressive exfoliation can lead to dry, red, inflamed skin and more breakouts as the natural oils and barrier of the skin are stripped. Finding the right exfoliating product that isn’t too abrasive for your skin is crucial.
Additionally, it’s vital to point out that using AHAs may increase the user’s sensitivity to the sun and especially the possibility of sunburn. When using any products containing an AHAs, always wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Exposure to the sun should be limited whilst using the product and for a week afterwards.
THE ULTIMATE EXFOLIATOR: OBAGI-C® FX EXFOLIATING DAY LOTION
If you’d like radiant, smooth skin and to target the signs of ageing, we thoroughly recommend Obagi-C® Fx Exfoliating Day Lotion. This gentle, lightweight, hydrating exfoliator is perfect for everyday use for those with normal-dry skin. To obtain optimum results, use the Obagi-C® Fx System in the following steps as your daily skincare routine:
- Obagi-C® Cleansing Gel
- Obagi-C®x Balancing Toner
- Obagi-C® Fx Clarifying Serum
- Obagi-C® Fx Exfoliating Day Lotion
Glycolic Acid, a powerful AHA, exfoliates the skin at a cellular level, dissolving dead skin cells and transforming skin from within. It also speeds up the rate of cell turnover, revealing new, fresher, younger looking skin.
Packed full of other transformative ingredients, this daily lotion also includes 10% L-ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C in its most potent form. This multi-purpose miracle ingredient brightens and evens skin tone, giving skin an instant radiance. Vitamin C also targets the appearance of fine line and wrinkles and enhances collagen production improving skin elasticity. It also plays a role in defending skin from future damage and premature ageing caused by free radicals, skin’s nemesis.
Obagi-C® Fx Exfoliating Day Lotion is wonderfully nourishing too. Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are included to improve skin’s moisture content and they also plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Chamomile Extract soothes and calms inflamed skin.
Apply Obagi-C® Fx Exfoliating Day Lotion to thoroughly cleansed skin. Apply it to the face and neck each morning following the application of Obagi-C® Fx Clarifying Serum. Gently massage into the skin until it’s fully absorbed.
This remarkable product tackles a multitude of concerns, including hyperpigmentation, dull skin and the visible signs of ageing. Even better, the dynamic formulation can be used everyday without causing dryness, flaking or irritation, giving skin a rejuvenated, healthy and younger-looking complexion. Unleash your skin’s potential today by adding this perfect anti-ageing exfoliator to your basket.
