THE EXFOLIATION GUIDE

Exfoliation is an important step in any skin care regimen. It helps to prevent pores from becoming blocked, decrease the visibility of fine lines, and can help your skincare products penetrate more effectively into the skin [1].

By removing that layer of dead skin you’re allowing the light to reflect off a smooth surface rather than refracting off jagged dead cells that make the skin appear dull. Those dead cells and oil can also be a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria, making exfoliation one of the most effective methods for treating acne [2]. Some studies also show that exfoliating ingredients like glycolic acid can address visible signs of aging by both removing the creasable dead skin layer but also by stimulating new cell turnover.

The two ways to exfoliate are through physical exfoliation, where you’re using an abrasive substance to buff away dead cells, and chemical, where acids or enzymes break apart the bonds that hold dead skin cells to your face. We typically recommend physical for the body and chemical for the face. The skin on the body is thicker and can tolerate friction without damage [3]. Skin on the face on the other hand can be subject to over-exfoliation and sensitivity. It’s also important to avoid physical exfoliation products that use hard and coarse particles like coffee beans or fruit pits, as they can cause micro-tearing in the skin and create irritation.

We recommend the following 100% natural Consonant exfoliants to complement any regimen. The suggested number of uses assumes you are not using anything else to exfoliate. If you are using a number of different exfoliants you should adjust accordingly.

Facial Chemical Exfoliant:
Maximum Glycolic Meta Serum
1-7 nights/ week
 
Facial Chemical/Physical Exfoliant:
DHE Mask
1-2 days/week (or as spot treatment)
 
Gentle Face and Body Physical Exfoliant:
20% Clay Bar
1-2 days/week on face
5-7 days/week on body 

Buffing and Hydrating Physical Exfoliant for Body:
Skin Perfecting Body Scrub
1-3 days/ week on body
 

References:

[1] Packianathan, N., & Kandasamy, R. (2011). Skin care with herbal exfoliants. Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology, 5(1), 94-97.

[2] Baldo, A., Bezzola, P., Curatolo, S., Florio, T., Guzzo, L., Presti, L., ... & Pimpinelli, N. (2010). Efficacy of an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)-based cream, even in monotherapy, in patients with mild-moderate acne. Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia: organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia, 145(3), 319-322.

[3] Draelos, Z. D. (2005). Concepts in skin care maintenance. Cutis, 76(6 Suppl), 19-25.