The one thing all beauty therapists should know about exfoliating

When we’re young, our cells typically take 28 days to complete the cell turnover cycle. This begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis – the stratum germinativum – where the stem cells are housed. From here the skin cells migrate through each layer of the epidermis until they reach the outermost layer – the stratum corneum. 

This process takes about 14 days, after which the cells stay in the stratum corneum for approximately another 14 days for a 28 day total cycle. At this point, the skin begins to slough off these dead skin cells, which will be replaced by new ones – a process known as desquamation. 

As we age, the desquamation cycle naturally slows down and leaves us with a build-up of dull, dry and dehydrated cells. Exfoliation helps speed up desquamation, making it an essential part of every client’s skin care regimen. 

Chemical and physical exfoliants both remove the dulling, dead skin cells that accumulate on skin’s surface, revealing brighter, fresher-looking skin. Regular exfoliation can also help stimulate skin cell renewal, encouraging the cells to come to skin’s surface more quickly. 

Additionally, removing dead cells serves to increase the penetration of hydrating ingredients and other targeted treatments. 

What is the key to effective exfoliation?

While this is common knowledge among beauty therapists, clients are often unaware of this benefit. For example, if you’ve ever heard a client say that their skincare products “aren’t working anymore”, it’s likely that a build-up of dead skin cells is preventing active ingredients from being absorbed and acting effectively on the skin. The solution: regular exfoliation. 

If your clients suffer with dull, flaky skin, dryness or dehydration, then you may reach for a hydrating masque in treatment to remedy these symptoms, but if you haven’t exfoliated first, then dead cell build-up can act as a barrier, stopping hydrating ingredients from being effectively absorbed. 

The quickest way to smooth and renew your skin is with an exfoliant. However, did you know that it’s critical to replenish lost moisture in the barrier within 60 seconds after exfoliating or skin will become dehydrated? With Dermalogica’s Hydro Masque Exfoliant you don’t need to worry about applying two separate formulas as it combines both regimen steps in one.

How does Dermalogica's Hydro Masque Exfoliant work? 

Dermalogica’s Hydro Masque Exfoliantis a hydrating and exfoliating five-minute masque that smooths and renews for healthy looking skinand offers a personalised way to exfoliate via unique touch-activated bamboo spheres. 

The spheres can be moved to the areas you think clients need more exfoliation – where the skin is drier or rougher in texture. The ultra-fine bamboo filled spheres dissolve upon application of light pressure, delivering a gentle level of physical exfoliation. The spheres also contain a hydrating polysaccharide and glycerin to protect the skin’s moisture barrier, usually depleted by exfoliating. This allows a customised exfoliating experience in contrast to dual action formulas that have no isolation of the exfoliating actives. 

Another unique aspect of the product is that it delivers instant and long-lasting hydration immediately as you exfoliate. The hydro-cream base of the masque contains lots of hydrating ingredients to deliver moisture and barrier restoring properties. 

Snow mushroom holds 450 times its weight in water, infusing skin with hydration, and it is also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin D. The masque also contains jojoba ester and amino acids derived from sugar beets to hydrate and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, with cucumber extract providing a soothing, refreshing finish.

In clinical studies, Hydro Masque Exfoliant is proven to give a smoother feeling and more hydrated skin after just one use, with 80% of consumers saying their skin felt smoother and they liked the appearance of their skin. 

Exfoliation is an important regimen step for healthier, more luminous skin, just don’t forget to hydrate too.

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