Hey friend! Welcome back to “Ask an Esti” - a forum where we discuss all things skincare! In the last article, we talked about using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to keep the cell renewal process moving like normal, but did you know that they can have similar benefits on the body as they do on the face? Let’s discuss.
For a lot of us, we can usually try different body washes, scrubs, lotions, butters, oils, etc. without the same concern for sensitivity as we may have for our face. This is because the skin on the body is thicker with less oil glands, slower cell turnover, and less exposure to environmental stressors. This means that exfoliation is an important step in a shower routine to speed up cell renewal and reveal a more even tone, smoother texture, and radiant glow.
My body tends to get dry, so I have been enjoying including the 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Soothing Body Scrub into my shower routine about 2-3x/week. It has a soothing pearl texture that does not leave my skin feeling stripped. It is formulated with upcycled olive seed powder + jojoba oil beads that physically exfoliate to remove dead cells and smooth texture without causing microtears in the skin. It is suitable for those who may be dealing with keratosis pilaris (KP) or rough texture and bumps. The 10% AHA blend of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids assist by dissolving bonds holding dead cells together to allow them to be physically sloughed off. This increases cell turnover to reveal a brighter, more even tone. The Yerba Mate and caffeine are antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage while energizing the skin and reducing the appearance of fatigue and dullness. While all of these are wonderful, I think my favorite part is the scent of black pepper, ginger, and velvet woods. It creates a beautiful sensorial experience in the shower, especially after using the Superfood + Niacinamide Body Cleanser.
I recommend only exfoliating between 1-3x/week because while the skin on the body is thicker, it is still possible to over-exfoliate if done too often. I recommend following with the Hydrate + Glow Dream Body Butter post-shower to give your skin optimal hydration and enhance your glow. Fun fact, exfoliation also improves product penetration. If you’re a person who shaves, I also recommend exfoliating before shaving for a smoother shave, as well as 24-48 hours after shaving to remove dead cells and prevent clogging of pores or forming of ingrown hairs.
As always, make sure you’re protecting the skin, body included, with a broad spectrum SPF30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours if you’ll be exposed to UV rays through outdoor activity, windows, or driving, regardless of weather, but especially this summer.
I hope you’ve been enjoying “Ask an Esti”, and you’re continuously leaving understanding the “why” behind the “what”. Join me next time to discuss why you need SPF for more than just the summer months. Until next time, remember, Healthy skin starts with Superfoods!
If you have additional questions and would like to chat through your skincare routine, please book a Skin Session here.
