Despite the rather changeable weather, summer is just around the corner, and there is no reason to forgo a healthy summer tan whilst we patiently wait for sunshine! With so many ‘safe tanning’ products now available, offering a gradual, make-up enhanced or richer colour for face and body, it’s vital that the canvas of your skin is in tip top condition to maximise the results.
If you’re unsure how to prep your skin for tanning application or if you would just like to revitalise a rather lack lustre, dull skin......the key is EXFOLIATION
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the gentle sloughing away of dead skin cells that sit on the top layer of the skin (epidermis) to allow for the fresh new skin cells (from the dermis layer) to come through. The skin produces fresh new skin cells every 28 days and exfoliation allows our skin cells to be replenished more regularly.
Why should we exfoliate?
Dead skin cells can give a dull, lack lustre appearance to the skin and in some cases, for those of us with more oily skins, can lead to blocked pores, increasing the opportunity for infection and blemishes to occur. As we age, cell renewal slows down so regular exfoliation helps to oxygenate the skin, stimulate cell regeneration and keep it healthy.
When should we exfoliate?
We recommend exfoliating your skin at least once a week, up to 2-3 times a week depending upon your age and skin type. This will ensure you revitalise and stimulate your skin regularly.
If you wish to apply a tanning product we’d always recommend you exfoliate first. This will make sure that you are applying your tanning product to fresh, supple new skin cells which will extend the life of your tan and ensure product goes on evenly without streaking or creating dark patches. Those of you who have used self tan products before will know that it is the patches of the skin that tend to be more dry – elbows, knees, feet that tend to hold the tan and therefore these definitely need a good exfoliation in advance to create an even looking tan.
Which exfoliators are the best for the face?
There are lots of exfoliator options available however most tend to fall into three categories.
1. Gentle everyday exfoliation – as part of your daily cleansing regime choose a two step cleanser with a muslin or cleansing cloth. Once you have applied your cleanser, the textured cloth will provide a very gentle removal of dead skin cells without sensitivity as well as wiping away your makeup and daily grime. Cloths are brilliant for getting into the small crevices around the nose where blackheads or dry skin can develop and are very easy and quick to use to maintain your skin.
Try - Honey & Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser
2. Weekly facial exfoliator scrub – these tend to be coarser in texture using physical grains to provide a deeper exfoliation than a muslin cloth. By the nature of their application, they will also stimulate the skin. Apply these exfoliators with a gentle massage technique and remove with warm water. These are perfect for anyone who enjoys the texture of a granular scrub, and for men they can easily be worked into facial hair to remove dead skin cells and washed away. We’d suggest you test these first somewhere other than your face, if you are prone to skin sensitivity and use once a week.
Try - Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator
3. Enzymatic exfoliators – use as often as desired – using active enzyme ingredients such as fruit acids to naturally dissolve the dead skin cells, enzyme exfoliators are gentle and very effective. They don’t involve any scrubbing or massaging and once applied will get to work breaking down the dead skin cells to reveal fresh new skin. As with any other exfoliator, you simply remove them with warm water.
Try - NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask
TOP TIP!
Using an exfoliator will allow you to have super soft skin and maximise the effectiveness of all the other products in your skincare regime
....and for body exfoliation?
When we created NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask we wanted to combine an enzyme exfoliator with a treatment mask that you can use from scalp to toe. This is a UK first!
NectaPerfecta Beautifying Mask restores and revitalises challenged, hormonal, dry or ageing skin and provides skins of all ages with an easy route to glowing, vibrancy.
NectaPerfecta is a real 4-in-1 multi-tasker that will prep and prime your skin anywhere on your face and body..... making it the perfect companion for a super summer tan...... whatever the weather!
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