Different Body Exfoliators
The path to healthy, radiant skin inevitably includes our beloved body care ritual: body exfoliation. Ready to unveil the secret to smoother, rejuvenated skin that shines from head to toe? Dive into our BSE-approved guide on body exfoliation below!
WHY SHOULD YOU EXFOLIATE YOUR BODY, ANYWAY?
A regular exfoliation routine also helps prevent ingrown hairs; remove the dead skin cells that can make the skin appear dull and uneven; improve the effectiveness of skincare products; and encourage the skin’s renewal process. By enhancing circulation and promoting better absorption, body exfoliation contributes to a more youthful, glowing complexion.
PHYSICAL METHODS
Physical exfoliation involves mechanically helping to slough away dead skin cells. Physical exfoliators and dry brushing are both popular methods of physical exfoliation, but they differ in their techniques and purposes.
- Physical exfoliators contain “abrasive” particles, such as sugar, salt, microbeads, or other types of beads that break down. They are designed to scrub away dead skin cells and impurities from the skin's surface. When using a physical exfoliator, you gently massage the product onto damp skin in circular motions before rinsing it off. This mechanical action helps improve skin texture, promote circulation, and reveal smoother skin.
Some of our favorites include:
SOTHYS SILHOUETTE EXFOLIANT
SOTHYS DELICIOUS SCRUB - CINNAMON & GINGER ESCAPE
C & THE MOON MALIBU MADE BODY SCRUB
- Dry brushing involves using a firm, natural-bristle brush over the body. This tool is designed to be swept over dry skin in upward motions, typically before taking a shower. Unlike physical exfoliators, dry brushing is done without water or any products. This method is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system, improve blood circulation, and help remove dead skin cells. Dry brushing is also a form of light exfoliation.
Our personal favorites? The Nelly De Vuyst Body Brush feels incredible and gets the job done like no other, while the Dr. Barbara Sturm (Soft) Body Brush is a great alternative for those novice to dry brushing.
- Similar to dry brushing, exfoliating mitts are also designed to gently scrub away dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant. We love the results from the Gant Renaissance Deep Exfoliating Kit, AKA the #1 selling exfoliating glove in Canada––made with natural vegetal fiber woven in microscopic loops, this glove offers a highly professional experience with the utmost respect for your skin.
CHEMICAL METHODS
Don’t be alarmed: Chemical exfoliation has nothing to do with toxic chemicals. Chemical exfoliation instead involves the use of chemical compounds, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes, to dissolve or loosen the bonds between dead skin cells and the surface.
Chemical exfoliation is often gentler and can penetrate deeper into the skin––hence why it is a common technique for the face.
Here are some chemical body exfoliants that we love:
JAN MARINI SKIN RESEARCH BIOGLYCOLIC RESURFACING BODY SCRUB
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE GOMMAGE P50 CORPS
IN CONCLUSION
All in all, while both all these options aid in removing dead skin cells and enhancing skin texture, choosing between them depends on your preference, skin type, and the specific benefits you're seeking.
Questions about where to start? You can book your virtual consultation with one of our medical aestheticians right here and get the answers to all of your body exfoliation questions!
Until next time,
The BSE Team
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