Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin
Exfoliation is a wonderful way to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion, even for sensitive skin. The key is choosing methods and ingredients that won't disrupt the skin's delicate protective barrier. Here, we share how to exfoliate sensitive skin in a gentle yet effective two-step protocol based on Tammy’s renowned facial treatments, available at our Spas.
How to Exfoliate Sensitive Skin
When exfoliating sensitive skin, or any skin type, you want to remove dead skin cells without harming the underlying living layers. This is where natural AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and clay work so well. The 100% botanical formulas of Epi-Peel and Restorative Radiance Masque are powerful but never aggressive on the skin, which is highly delicate
Not all types of exfoliation are suitable for sensitive skin. Some skincare products based on chemical exfoliation, even when blended with naturally derived AHAs like glycolic acid, can be too strong and leave skin stripped and vulnerable, as can harsh physical scrubs.
Here's how to use a gentle yet effective approach to exfoliate sensitive skin:
Step 1: Epi-Peel
A true powerhouse, this award-winning formula, made with invigorating Moroccan Rosemary and Far West Native Spearmint, Epi-Peel works as a micro-exfoliator, a facial mask, and a natural peel all-in-one. It deeply cleanses, while a gentle resurfacing action whisks away dullness, refining the pores and illuminating the complexion.
Exploring the Ingredients
Great Burdock, a powerhouse detoxifier in traditional herbal medicine, helps treat skin imbalances caused by environmental stressors while delivering vital nutrients like folic acid, vitamins, and minerals.
Kaolin Clay, the gentlest of clays, preps skin for exfoliation by drawing out impurities and refining pores.
Rosemary, an ancient skin renewal stimulant, boosts circulation for a warm, nourished complexion while activating a sense of clarity in the mind.
Spearmint, energizing and purifying, enhances nutrient flow and oxygenation, acting as a natural astringent with antimicrobial properties.
Together, these potent botanicals work in harmony to cleanse, revitalize, and protect skin. The particles used in the blend are just right, buffing the skin without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier and causing damage. The skin's outermost barrier protects it from irritation and infection—which causes acne—as well as from rapid dehydration.
How to Use Epi-Peel for Sensitive Skin
Apply Epi-Peel to freshly cleansed skin and use the gommage technique to help stimulate circulation and slough away dead skin cells. Using fingertips, very light pressure and small circular motions works really well. Using less pressure and investing the extra moment or two in light, repetitive exfoliation is more beneficial than fast, aggressive buffing, and will help maintain the skin's integrity.
Make small flickering motions to brush the dried mask from the skin; it will begin to ball up and peel away. This light, repetitive whisking helps maintain the integrity of the underlying living layers of the skin by bringing circulation and oxygenation into the tissues.
On days when you'd like a super-gentle cleanse, blend a little Purifying Cleansing Gel with a small amount of Epi-Peel in the palm of your hand, creating a nice exfoliating wash to buff the skin clean.
Step 2: Restorative Radiance Masque
This lavish and lightly creamy bisque pink treatment mask is made from a sumptuous blend of exquisite flower waters and nutritive exotic extracts.
Whether the mask is worn for 10 minutes or overnight, the skin drinks in the benefits of these revered plant remedies to stimulate cell turnover.
Restorative Radiance Mask replenishes skin with bountiful nourishment and hydration while lifting and toning for renewed elasticity. Mineral-rich clays and natural AHAs further purify and refine pores, leaving the complexion radiant and revitalized.
Exploring the Ingredients
Lotus, an ancient symbol of regeneration, revitalizes skin with antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids, while its proteins help restore elasticity and enliven the complexion.
Baobab, a therapeutic moisturizer brimming with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and a super-dose of Vitamin C, is known to replenish and restore luster to dry, depleted, or mature skin.
Jasmine, revered for its rejuvenating properties, rebuilds elasticity, promotes rejuvenation, and protects against environmental stressors, all while uplifting your spirit with its serene essence.
White Hibiscus, a natural source of AHAs, gently exfoliates to reveal a smoother, polished complexion, while its soothing properties and antioxidants defend against free-radical damage.
How to Use Restorative Radiance Masque for Sensitive Skin
After priming the skin with Epi-Peel's gentle exfoliation, apply a thick pack of Restorative Radiance Masque to help completely replenish essential nutrients.
Allow the skin to drink in the goodness, and then 10 minutes later, remove with a warm cloth. If you have an extra moment or two, soak the washcloth in a basin of warm water, adding one drop of a favorite herbal essence—such as Ylang Ylang or Lavender—before removing the mask.
After removing the mask, massage Plant Milk Serum into the skin. Warm between the fingertips, then work in a circular motion. Start at the jawline and really let sensation be your guide, releasing any tension as you work across the cheekbones, around the orbitals of the eyes and lightly up along the forehead.
If you can, commit to this two-step process up to three times a week. It takes skin 28 days or more to renew, and during that time, all your care will nurture your complexion and leave your skin feeling fresh and energized. This continuous process helps remove dull surface cells before they build up and encourages the body's natural renewal process.
Exfoliating and eliminating surface dullness is one goal, but it's secondary to restoring the skin on deeper levels, quenching and restoring the complexion's bright, lush luster.
The “glow” we all seek comes not only from recent exfoliation and the removal of dead skin cells from the surface but also from skin replenished at the depths. With this in mind, it is important to remember that topical treatments are only one piece of the puzzle. Drinking more water and eating food that is deliciously high in essential fatty acids, like avocado, is a great way support the benefits of exfoliation for a true glow from the inside out.
