HOW TO EXFOLIATE: OUR HEAD-TO-TOE GUIDE
Face scrubs, body scrubs, hand scrubs, foot scrubs ... It seems there's a scrub for every part of the body! We give you the lowdown on exfoliators, so you'll know which one to use – and how to use it – for softer, purified skin.
What Do Exfoliators Do?
Exfoliators are great for sloughing away dead cells, flaky skin and excess sebum, lifting away impurities, and buffing away rough skin. They help to stimulate cell renewal, prevent ingrown hairs, cleanse deep down, and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother. What's not to love?
In particular, the benefit of a face scrub is that it unclogs and reduces the appearance of pores. This is because, when pores are clean they appear smaller and less obvious. Another benefit of exfoliation is the skin’s improved ability to retain moisture. Exfoliating will enhance the other elements of your skincare routine, as moisturisers work more effectively on a smoother surface. Be careful though, the benefits of exfoliation are only plentiful as long as you don’t over-exfoliate…
How To Exfoliate Your Face?
- To exfoliate your face, start by wetting your skin.
- Then take a small amount of face scrub and apply with circular movements. Avoid the eye area but pay attention to the T-zone.
- Rinse with clean water then admire your fresh, bright complexion!
You can follow with a face mask for a moisturising, soothing or purifying effect, or simply apply a facial serum.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?
The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you use, for example, for physical exfoliants or scrubs, we recommend 1-3 times per week as they can be abrasive.
Body Scrub
L'OCCITANE body scrubs are ideal for exfoliating any part of your body – but shouldn't be used on your face. They're made with bigger exfoliating granules, which come from a plant or mineral source (sugar crystals, Camargue salt, crushed almond shells and cereal flakes). These scrubs act immediately and help to stimulate blood flow.
Our Almond Shower Scrub is enriched with almond oil and crushed shells to help eliminate dead cells, while preventing skin from becoming dehydrated. The scrub's texture melts into the skin and leaves behind the delicious scent of Almond for skin soft and smooth.
How To Use A Body Scrub & How To Exfoliate Your Body?
Our body scrubs can be used in two different ways:
- If you're looking for some serious exfoliation, begin by wetting your skin, then take some product and massage over target areas. It's best if you use circular or upward movements, to stimulate microcirculation. Once you've finished, simply rinse with clean water.
- If you want exfoliation to be all about well-being, relaxation, scents and sensations, we suggest combining the Almond Delicious Paste with our Almond Shower Oil. Put a small amount of the scrub in the palm of your hand (or in a small container), then mix with a little Almond Shower Oil. Apply the mixture to wet skin, then rinse. Bliss!
Now that you've removed all dead cells and your skin feels smooth and squeaky clean, you can apply a body butter, cream or lotion to nourish deep down.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Body?
Exfoliating your body 2-3 times per week is generally recommended for most people. However, the frequency may need to be adjusted based on your skin type and sensitivity. For example, we recommend for dry and sensitive skin to be done no more than once a week.
Try Our Exfoliating Body Scrubs
Hand Scrub
Our hands are exposed to everything! Changes in temperature, pollution, dirt, UV rays, hot water, harsh cleansing agents, etc. These can all take their toll, leaving your hands feeling rough and dry – and in need of a little TLC! It's important to pamper your hands with a scrub that will help to soften and repair the skin, and keep your nails looking beautiful.
Have you met our Shea Hand Scrub? It's ingredients include 10% Organic Shea Butter, ground walnut husks, apricot oil and allantoin, and it can even be used if you have dry skin. So, what does this product promise? There's a clue in the name... In just one minute, it smoothes and nourishes your hands. You can also use it to exfoliate your feet and any rough areas on the body, such as elbows and knees.
How To Exfoliate Your Hands?
Apply this hand scrub directly to dry hands. Then slowly massage the back of the hand, the fingers and around the nails. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Apply your hand cream immediately afterwards: its moisturizing effect will be optimized by using the scrub. To take care of your nails, take a look at our Shea Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil.
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Hands?
Exfoliating your hands 1-2 times per week is generally sufficient to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and enhance the absorption of hand creams. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may want to exfoliate less frequently, such as once a week or even less. If you have oily or normal skin, you may be able to exfoliate more often, up to 2-3 times per week.
Try Our Exfoliating Hand Scrub & Treatments
Foot Scrub
Our feet spend much of their time stuck inside shoes, so it's no wonder that the skin of the feet can become dry, hard or damaged. By using a scrub, your feet will be smooth and soften. Because the skin on your feet is thicker, there's no need to be extra gentle, so you can use body scrubs with large exfoliating granules. Sometimes you have to be a little rough to get rid of roughness!
The Shea Butter Body Scrub is also ideal for exfoliating your feet. Enriched with apricot oil and finely ground nutshells, it seems to melt on the skin the moment you apply it. Gentle yet effective, it's excellent for softening dry, rough patches. You'll love its subtle, delicate scent.
How To Use A Foot Scrub
Use body scrub in the shower to exfoliate your entire body. When you get to your feet, pay particular attention to heels, the top of your feet, and around the nails. Rinse well, dry your skin, then apply moisturiser.
We recommend exfoliating your feet once or twice a week (unless you have very sensitive skin). Scrubs help to reveal the skin's natural beauty, so they make a great gift for someone – or treat for yourself!
Try Our Exfoliating Foot Scrubs
