Exfoliation

Exfoliation in cosmetology is a cosmetic technique aimed at improving skin's appearance by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Removing excess dead skin cells can reveal the younger and healthier-looking skin underneath.

Exfoliation is most often achieved through either mechanical or chemical means. Mechanical exfoliants include micro-bead facial scrubs, crushed almond shells, sugar or salt crystals, pumice, and abrasive cloths such as loofahs. These facial scrubs are generally available in over-the-counter products and applied by the user.

Chemical exfoliants include scrubs containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid which may be applied in high concentrations by a dermatologist, or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products. Involves the use of producets that contain alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), betahydroxy acids (BHAS) or enzymes that act to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together which allowing them to ease away.

Benefits:
Exfoliation is also designed to aid rejuvenation of the skin and prevent undesirable conditions such as acne scarring or ingrown hairs. The term is commonly used as a part of the day-to-day skin care routine. The cosmetic procedures dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are both extreme cases of exfoliation where the surface layer of skin is removed as if by sanding.

It is important to exfoliate skin twice a week only, unless it is a daily exfoliator. Be gentle with the skin , do not press down hard, lightly stroke it across the face. Use a gentle exfoliation with smaller grains to prevent irritation, never exfoliate straight after shaving, however it is beneficial to exfoliate the beard to prevent ingrown hairs and it also lifts the beards up, providing a closer shave.

Aromatherapy Treatments:

All these recipes below are designed to exfoliate the skin.

RECIPE 1: Cleansing face and Body Scrub

12 drops Orange Essential Oil, 12 drops Geranium Essential Oil, 10ml Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, 1 cup Oatmeal, ½ cup Ground Almonds, 1 tsp Clear Honey. Mix together the oils with the honey. Add the oil mixture to the dry ingredients stirring well. To use moisten a teaspoon of grains with a little rose water and rub gently on the skin.

RECIPE 2:   Wake Up Body Scrub

2 drops Petitgrain Essential Oil, 2 drops Rosemary Essential Oil, 1 drop Geranium Essential Oil, 5 ml Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, 1 cup Oatmeal, ½ cup Ground Almonds, 1 tsp Clear Honey.

Mix together the oils with the honey. Add the oil mixture to the dry ingredients stirring well. To use moisten a teaspoon of grains with a little rose water and rub gently on the skin.

RECIPE 3: Refreshing Body Scrub

10 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil, 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil, 10ml Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, 1 cup Salt. Mix together the oils with the salt and rub gently onto the skin.

RECIPE 4: Detoxifying Body Scrub

10 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil, 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil, 10 drops Juniper Essential Oil, 10ml Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, 1 cup Salt. Mix together the oils with the salt and rub gently onto the skin.

RECIPE 5: Detoxifying Body Scrub

10 drops Geranium Essential Oil, 10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil, 10 drops Juniper Essential Oil, 10ml Sweet Almond Carrier Oil, 1 cup Salt. Mix together the oils with the salt and rub gently onto the skin.

Sweet Almond Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Sweet Almond is one of the most popular and versatile of all the carrier oils

£4.00

Geranium Essential Oil - Pelargonium Graveolens (10ml)

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£8.50

Grapefruit Essential Oil - Citrus Paradisi (10ml)

Grapefruit oil is a sunny happy oil which has valuable anti depressant qualities. It can help with oily skin and hair as well as acne. Also use it to de-toxify and stimulate the circulation after exercise.

£5.60

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Abrialis (10ml)

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£3.30

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£5.90

Orange Essential Oil - Citrus Sinensis (10ml)

Orange can help to combat the symptoms of cold and flu due to its warming properties. It is valuable in skin care for dull and oily complexions. Use Orange for constipation and stomach spasms. Also try it for stress!

£3.00

Petitgrain Essential Oil - Citrus Aurantium (10ml)

Petitgrain is useful oil for treating the "blues" and can aid sleeplessness especially where it is caused by loneliness or unhappiness. Also good for acne and oily skin.

£3.30

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£3.50