Best exfoliants to prepare your skin for winter
Autumn brings different colours to our life; the temperature becomes colder, the days grow shorter, and everything in nature seems to slow down. The most visible and universal sign that winter is upon us is that trees shed their leaves.
Skin is a biological system and its rhythm follows the seasons. Where most people find that summer skin glowed from natural sunlight and increased Vit D, they also report that autumn skin is often rougher and dryer. Autumn is an ideal time for adopting a gentle but thorough skin exfoliation routine.
For those unfamiliar with biological processes, here is a little bit of background on exfoliation. Your skin is continually producing new, healthy skin cells to replace the old, damaged and dead cells. As we age, the skin natural exfoliating process slows down, resulting in a rougher, dryer complexion. The good news is that with little effort, we can accelerate this natural biological process. We can help increase cellular turnover, which in turn will result in a glowing, younger-looking complexion.
Phyt’s face exfoliants are a gentle yet effective part of a healthy cleansing routine. They help free the upper skin layers from impurities and dead cells and help moisturisers or serums penetrate deeper for maximum effectiveness. Different skin types may require a different intensity in this mechanical exfoliation process, and that is possible thanks to 2 products: Gommage Contact+ and Activ’Peel Scrub.
PHYT’S EXFOLIANTS:
1 – Gommage Contact+ – this exfoliant is particularly gentle. So gentle in fact that it can be used on all skin types but it is particularly recommended for dry skin or skin that is slightly sensitive. The main exfoliating ingredient is plant cellulose with added Ylang-Ylang and Clove essential oils.
ABOUT GOMMAGE CONTACT+
Gently removes impurities & dead skin cells. This creamy texture is applied like a mask: a thin layer that you let dry up for a few minutes before rubbing it away with small circular motions. The result: a smoother, brighter & refined complexion without stripping the skin.
Main active ingredients:
Exfoliating ingredient: Plant cellulose. This ingredient adheres to dead skin cells. When you rub the exfoliant away, the dead cells are lifted and removed. The pores are decongested & impurities are drawn out without causing irritation. Your complexion is smoother and brighter.
Ylang-Ylang essential oil – This oil is extracted from the flower of the Cananga tree. It aids in reducing inflammation and has antiseptic properties. It helps brighten the skin for a more radiant look.
Clove Oil – Extracted from dried flower buds of clove. This oil has potent antimicrobial properties. Eugenol, found in clove oil, has also rejuvenating and stimulating properties, which help increase blood flow to the skin and make it look radiant. It is known to lessen the effects of ageing, like wrinkles, sagging skin, and blemishes.
Sunflower oil: Oil extracted from the seeds of sunflowers. A great source of Vitamin E, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and is useful for combating skincare issues like acne, inflammation, general redness and irritation of the skin. Sunflower oil has also emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture.
2 – Activ’Peel – This exfoliant presents a different texture and is more like a gentle scrub. It can be used on all skin types and is particularly great for combination skin or those with a tendency to oily skin, or those who like to exfoliate under the shower. The main exfoliating ingredient is Bamboo extract with added Aloe Vera and Grapefruit, Rose Geranium and Lemon essential oils.
ABOUT ACTIV’PEEL SCRUB
A gentle exfoliant to remove impurities & dead skin cells. Best used under the shower as it needs to be applied on wet skin and removed with water. The result: a smoother, brighter & refined complexion.
Main active ingredients:
Exfoliating ingredient: Bamboo extract. A finely powdered ingredient mixed with Aloe Vera leaf extract helps lift and remove impurities and dead skin cells. The pores are gently decongested for a smoother and brighter complexion.
Aloe Vera: Extracted from the leaves of the Aloe Barbadensis plant. Well-known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to help alleviate skin dryness and irritation. Aloe vera contains vitamin B complex, folic acid, vitamin C and carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Perfect ingredient to hydrate and soothe the skin.
Grapefruit and Lemon essential oils – These oils are extracted from the peel of the grapefruit and Lemon. They have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help in the management of oily skin issues. They are astringents and help minimise pore size. Also, perfect to brighten the skin for a more radiant look.
Rose Geranium Oil – Extracted from dried geranium flowers. Thanks to its qualities as an astringent and all-round healer, Geranium Essential Oil is a highly active anti-ageing ingredient with potent cellular regeneration properties. It is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial to help purify and soothe the skin.
Exfoliation is best done once or twice a week. There is no need for more as over-use of exfoliants can weaken or damage the skin’s barrier and cause sensitivity as well as increased sebum production. Finish your ritual with one of our moisturisers. For a more in-depth treatment, use a serum in combination with the moisturiser.
Enjoy the experience and feel confident about your skin feeling fresh, healthy and ready to meet the colder months ahead.
