Want to Amp Up Your Glow? Exfoliate!

Now that warmer weather is finally here, it's time to switch up your skincare routine. Warmer weather provides an opportunity for lighter products, less makeup and sunscreen, of course!

But first, let’s eliminate those flaky areas, clogged pores, or debris that can contribute to dull looking skin.

Let’s exfoliate!

What is exfoliation? It is literally "the removal of dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface". Skin naturally sheds dead cells every 30 days or so, and if you do not exfoliate regularly, those skincells stick to your skin's surface, making it dull and break-out prone.  

Once reserved for estheticians' offices, quality exfoliation products can now be used at home. Dead skin cells can be dissolved chemically, with a liquid or pre-soaked pads, buffed away with granular scrubs, or removed with creams or gels which slough off skin cells when spread over skin. 

South Korean exfoliants found at Sharon Lee's BEST work gently to reveal brighter, smoother, softer skin, unclog pores, which in turn stimulates collagen production and minimizes the effects of aging. 

The key word is gentle. I am not, I repeat, NOT talking about the likes of St. Ives Apricot Scrub or stripping, drying Sea Breeze. Down with harsh exfoliants that damage your skin barrier!

Here are some ingredients to look for:

• AHAs, (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), like glycolic and lactic acid. AHAs are ideal clearing away impurities and are for anti-aging, like softening wrinkles and improving skin's reslience.
• BHAs, or beta hydroxy acid, is oil soluble, and best for unclogging pores, making it ideal for oily or combination skin. 
• PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) are very similar to traditional AHAs and BHAs, but they break down dead skin cells a little more gently and work mainly on the skin’s surface. Great for dry or sensitive skin.
• Fruit acids or plant-based cellulose in liquid/gel form, which gently lift dead skin cells when rubbed off of skin (known as gommage)
• Fine plant powders or particles to physically rub off dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. 

I personally like NEOGEN's pre-soaked Gauze Wine Peeling Pads. They are a generous size, with enough liquid for your entire face, neck and décolletage. Your skin is glowy and smooth afterwards. Plus, they smell like grape candy! 

My sister Laurie loves the Eqqualberry Swimming Pool Toner, that contains protease and is ideal for light, daily exfoliation. It dissolves dead skin cells and debris on skin's surface, to keep skin clear and glowy. 

Or you can try the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice Honey Glow Mask, a gentle exfoliating scrub that is very pampering to use. 

Or take a look at my selection of exfoliants, located here.  

One last thing – while all skin types benefit from regular, gentle exfoliation, don’t overdo it. Once a week is enough for most of us, unless you are using a product that is formulated for gentle, daily use. 

So why not welcome warmer weather by exoliating your skin? And incorporate it as a regular part of your skincare routine. 

Here's to your glow!