Thanks to everyone who visited the blog after hearing about it on Today’s KTHV morning show!  This is a great way for us to discuss new topics as well as give me ideas about the types of issues you may have questions about.

I had some great feedback on my last post and I wanted to bring it full circle by reviewing the next major steps in any skin care regimen… exfoliation and moisturization!

I often encounter clients who are confused by these two steps.  Everyone knows they are important, but people are not sure how to avoid irritating their skin with exfoliation or how to avoid breakouts from moisturizers.  SO, unfortunately, most people opt to exfoliate only a few times a month (or never) and avoid moisturizers at all costs.

Sound familiar?

Well, let me make a few suggestions.  Today we’ll focus on exfoliation.   A key point to remember about exfoliation is that it is an essential part of any skin care regimen and can benefit all skin types if done properly.

So what exactly is exfoliation?  As a natural process of the body, we have skin cells that are born, travel to the surface of our skin, die, and slough off.  As we age, this process slows, as does the rate at which the cells slough off on their own. When you exfoliate, you “help out” this natural process.  By doing this, you encourage new cell growth to take place. Now, that is the nitty gritty… but what you see as a benefit is that your skin loses the dull look it can begin to take on and becomes bright, smooth, and soft.  This also allows for better penetration and absorption of other skin care products you use on your skin.

When choosing an exfoliant, first take a look at your current skin care regimen and think about what you actually have time to do. Think about how you can realistically incorporate this step into your routine.  For example, I must have an exfoliant that I can use daily so it becomes a part of my routine.  Otherwise, I’ll forget when I did it last or when I’m supposed to do it again.  So, think about what will work best for you.  Then, find an exfoliant that meets these criteria. Having an exfoliant intended for 2-3 times a week usage will be too much for daily use.  Likewise, an exfoliant intended for daily usage will not be enough if only used a few times a week.

For all skin types, my #1 pick is the Clarisonic brush.  This brush can be used at 3 different speeds depending on your tolerability and is intended for daily use (my fav!).  The Clarisonic does an amazing job of cleaning your skin because it uses sonic technology to gently loosen dirt and dead skin.  It’s the same technology used in Sonicare toothbrushes!  The Clarisonic can be purchased with normal, sensitive, or delicate skin brush heads so it can be customized to suite any skin type.  This brush also times your exfoliation for each area of your face so you don’t spend too much or too little time in one spot!  How awesome is that!  In my opinion, this is a must have tool because, it eliminates the confusion associated with exfoliation and deciding what scrub to use!

If the Clarisonic isn’t your cup of tea, there are other great options out there such as Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for those “daily” users, or Sonya Dakar Triple Action Organic Scrub for those who prefer the “few times a week” routine.

Remember, if you have any questions or have major skin concerns, please always seek the advice of a licensed professional before beginning an exfoliation regimen.

Check back next time when we uncover some need-to-know facts about moisturizers!