Exfoliation is an essential treatment for the skin of the face and body. This treatment offers numerous benefits to the skin. It notably allows the removal of dead cells accumulated on the skin's surface, thus revealing soft and radiant skin. But the question is, how much product should one apply? Indeed, if we use too little, we risk seeing no results, and if we use too much, we also run the risk of not only seeing no effects but also causing the skin to react (redness, irritation, excess sebum, etc…). We reveal the ideal amount of exfoliant to use.
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Exfoliation: How much should you apply?
Summary
- What is an exfoliation?
- Face and body: what is the correct amount of exfoliant to use?
- How should one exfoliate?
Published September 7, 2021,
updated on February 20, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
4 min read
What is an exfoliation?
The exfoliation is an essential part of any beauty routine. Composed of micro-grains (apricot powder, cranberry powder, etc...), this treatment primarily serves to remove dead cells present on the surface of the epidermis. It also helps to deeply unclog pores by eliminating excess sebum, thus preventing the appearance of imperfections. Exfoliation is also capable of reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented spots and stimulating cellular renewal, helping to prevent skin ageing. The skin then becomes smoother, the complexion uniform and radiant, and the skin texture refined. Finally, the exfoliant prepares the skin to benefit from the active ingredients contained in the subsequent treatments for better effectiveness.
A small clarification : While mechanical exfoliants are generally not recommended for dry and sensitive skin due to the action of rubbing the epidermis, our face scrubs and body scrubs can, on the other hand, be used by all skin types, particularly due to the presence of fine grains from fruit kernels and also its formula with 3 textures: gel, oil, and milk.
Face and body: what is the correct amount of exfoliant to use?
To avoid the risk of damaging the epidermis and causing discomfort, such as itching or dryness, it is important to use the correct amount of exfoliant. Therefore, the ideal is to apply a dose of product comparable to a hazelnut on the face and neck. For the rest of the body, the recommended amount of product depends on the size but the equivalent of 2 to 3 walnuts ofexfoliant is sufficient to scrub the entire body of a person of average build, or up to a hazelnut of product per area.
How should one exfoliate?
Before any exfoliation, ensure you thoroughly remove makeup and cleanse your skin. Then apply your exfoliating treatment on dry skin, performing gentle, circular massages. These small movements help to activate the microcirculation of blood, revitalise the skin and better oxygenate the cells, without stripping or irritating the skin. This action should be performed preferably in the evening and once or twice a week depending on your skin type.
Furthermore, it is recommended to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine in a certain order. It should always be done before the application of the face mask and any other treatments. As you have just removed the hydrolipidic film, which functions to maintain a good level of skin hydration, the application of a face cream or a care oil is strongly advised after exfoliation to protect the skin after dead cells have been eliminated. The same applies to the body, always remember to apply a body moisturising cream. During the day, don't forget to use a sunscreen cream.
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