It’s Time to Scrub Off 2020 – Here Are Your New Favourite Exfoliation Products

To say 2020 was a challenging year is putting it lightly. Say au revoir to 2020, and bonjour to 2021 with a new exfoliation routine to help you feel refreshed and ready to face the new year. We’re going over all of our favourite products, how to use them, and what works best to leave your skin with a healthy glow.

The Benefits of Exfoliation

Simply put, exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin. In fact, your skin will shed dead skin cells naturally about once a month. So what is the advantage of exfoliation?

For one, over the years our bodies take longer and longer to achieve this skin cell turnover and may require an extra helping hand. Exfoliation can also improve the appearance of your skin, help to prevent clogged pores, and may increase your collagen production. Collagen is a protein that increases skin elasticity and can help minimize the appearance of fine lines or sagging.

How often should you exfoliate?

Some people exfoliate daily, and others only once a week. How often you exfoliate largely depends on your own skin. Remember to also consider external factors like the weather. For instance, you may want to only exfoliate once or twice a week during the winter to avoid compounding the effects of dry skin in low humidity.

Normal or combination skin types are more likely to be able to exfoliate regularly without any irritation. Meanwhile, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to talk to your dermatologist before starting any kind of routine.

No matter your skin type, you need to remember to listen to your body. Over-exfoliating can leave your skin red and irritated. So pay attention to any negative changes in your skin, and modify your exfoliation schedule accordingly.

Join us as we break down some of our favourite natural exfoliation products so you can find the right product that works best for you and your skin.

Pumice Stones

A pumice stone is a light, but abrasive, stone that is great for removing tough dead skin on areas like hands and feet. Be sure to soak your skin in lukewarm water for at least five minutes to soften your skin before using the stone.

After soaking, towel dry your skin, and then dampen your pumice stone. Rub the pumice stone with light pressure in circular motions across your skin for a few minutes. Rinse your skin and repeat if you still notice a few flaky patches of dead skin.

Scrubbing Belts

Scrubbing belts are great for giving yourself a full body exfoliation. The belt allows you to get to hard-to-reach places like your back easily. Choose from natural woven fibers like sisal or jute to buff away dead skin and stimulate blood circulation.

Best used in the shower, be sure to soak for a few minutes before using your belt. Holding onto both handles in either hand, simple tug the fabric back and forth for a gentle exfoliation. Scrubbing belts work great to achieve a complete and total scrub all over your body.

Body Brushes

Touted by lifestyle gurus like Goop, body brushes are typically used dry before you shower. Brushing in circular motions, it is advised that you start at your feet and work your way up using light pressure. It will gently buff away dead skin, and the cleansing sensation can become an integral part of your morning routine to prepare for the day ahead.  

You can find body brushes with varying handle lengths to accommodate your reach, and they are also made in different natural fibers so you can choose what feels best on your skin.

Exfoliating Soaps

A quick and easy way to integrate exfoliating into your routine is to have it built right into your soap. Use a classic, triple-milled vegetable-based soap like Verveine et Potager as a simple daily solution. Crafted in Grasse by perfumers, enjoy a floral and green fragrance as your skin is refreshed, scrubbed, and cleansed.

Don’t forget to Moisturize

Dermatologists agree, no matter what product you use, you need to moisturize after exfoliating. Exfoliating can be drying to the skin even when done well. You need to make sure that you use a quality moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy looking following exfoliation.

Bonus, your skin will absorb your moisturizer much better after exfoliating so your skin will feel extra soft.

What are you most looking forward to in 2021? Let us know in the comments.