Skin Exfoliation: What to Know, When to Do It, & What Products to Use

Skin exfoliation is a must if you want glowing, radiant skin and to unclog pores. However, it’s important that exfoliation is done the right way in order to see the results you want. Otherwise, you could be left with red and irritated skin, or worse.

To ensure you’re getting the most out of skin exfoliation routine, this post has all the basics you need to know in order to get started. Keep reading and you’ll be well on your way to a glowing complexion…

What You Should Know About Skin Exfoliation

Before we get into the details, let’s talk about what skin exfoliation is. Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. You see, your skin is constantly restoring itself, which leaves behind layers of dead skin all over your body. In fact, studies show that humans shed their entire outer layer of skin every 2-4 weeks at the rate of 0.001 – 0.003 ounces of skin flakes every hour. The buildup of this dead skin also leads to a buildup of environmental elements, bacteria, and more. All of these can cause lackluster skin and acne to form.

The reason you want to exfoliate your skin (on your face and your body) is because it helps to shed the dead skin cells that are left behind. When you do this, it reveals the healthier, glowing skin hiding underneath. Not only that, but having a build-up of dead skin cells makes it difficult for your skincare products to penetrate the skin and do their job as efficiently as possible.

When You Should Exfoliate Your Skin

Before you start exfoliating all the time, you should know that there’s a right way and a wrong way to exfoliate your skin. In fact, it’s possible that you can exfoliate too often if you aren’t being careful. Signs of over-exfoliation include red, irritated skin and peeling. If your skin is starting to peel, that’s not a sign the products are doing their job, but rather that you need to take an immediate step back in the frequency you’re exfoliating.

When it comes to any skincare routine, the last thing you want is to cause damage to your skin. This is why you need to be cautious about how many times per week you’re exfoliating. The general recommendation, based on how the skin naturally renews itself, is two or three times per week for normal or combination skin. However, if your skin is sensitive, you may find that you need to keep it around one or two times per week. Those with oily skin may be able to increase exfoliation, but don’t exceed more than four times per week.

Pay attention to how your skin is feeling and behaving before you start exfoliating though. If you are already dealing with irritated skin and angry blemishes, you definitely don’t want to add fuel to the fire by scrubbing your face or using manual exfoliation tools. Let your skin calm down before you begin exfoliating again or start with a gentler, non-granular option like gommage.

Exfoliation Products You Should Try

Now that you’re educated on exfoliation and you’re ready to make it part of your regular skincare routine, you’re probably wondering which products will help you see results. Yon-Ka Paris has a variety of exfoliants, both facial and body, to help you meet your skincare goals.

For those looking to enliven their dull complexion, Guarana Scrub is the perfect blend of both exfoliating and detoxifying. This cocktail of 11 active plant extracts exfoliates the skin using two types of organic particles — Amazonian guarana seeds and Organic rice bran powder. Working together they gently buff away impurities, leaving your pores unclogged and your skin invigorated and oxygenated.

For a gentler, non-scrub option, we recommend Gommage Yon-Ka. This light facial peel has exfoliating, clarifying, hydrating, and balancing effects. If you have dry, red, or sensitive skin, it’s the perfect way to bring back a healthy glow.

Also, remember that exfoliating isn’t just limited to your face. Yon-Ka Paris offers a variety of exfoliating body products that are specific to your unique needs…

• Gommage Doux: This cream scrub combines the exfoliating action of Bamboo and Apricot kernel powder with the hydrating and restructuring properties of Mango butter, Sesame oil and vegetable Glycerin. It removes dead skin cells, leaving a light hydrating film on the skin, and is infused with the essential oils of lavender, everlasting and petitgrain.
• Gommage Sucre Jasmine: You won’t resist the magical effect of this scrub with two sugars that turns into milk when in contact with water. Its exquisite texture gently exfoliates the skin, leaving subtle floral fragrances for a relaxing moment.
• Gommage Sucre Mandarin: This scrub with white and brown sugar enhanced with Sunflower oil gently exfoliates and nourishes the skin. It melts onto the skin and changes into a milk upon contact with water. A wonderful invigorating experience.
• Gommage Doux Silhouette: This cream scrub combines the exfoliating action of Bamboo and Apricot kernel powder with the hydrating and restructuring properties of Mango butter, Sesame oil and vegetable Glycerin. Infused with the essential oils of Cedar, Cypress and Rosemary, it removes dead skin cells, leaving a light hydrating film on the skin.