Ask an Expert: What's the Deal with Exfoliation?

Brandi Gregge smiling while standing in front of a shelf with M&N products.

For all things exfoliation, we turn to our in-house expert, Mint & Needle Founder, Trainer, and Aesthetic Injector Brandi Gregge, MSN, FNP-BC. Read below for her advice!

By definition, exfoliation is to “come apart, or shed, from the surface.” In skincare, it is described as a granular substance to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. My favorite way to describe it is simple: creating a clean slate or start with a blank canvas.

If you feel like your skin isn’t as smooth, radiant, and even as you’d like it to be, and you aren’t exfoliating, adding this crucial step in your skincare routine just might be your fix. 

Why Exfoliate?

From my experience, and professional knowledge, here are five of the top benefits of incorporating exfoliation into your routine:

  1. Brightens Your Complexion: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that dull your skin, aiding to reveal a fresh, radiant glow underneath.
  2. Unclogs Pores: Regular exfoliation helps prevent breakouts and blackheads by unclogging pores, keeping your skin clear and healthy.
  3. Smooths Skin Texture: Exfoliating softens your skin, promotes cell turnover, and collagen production, giving you a smoother and more refined texture.
  4. Enhances Product Absorption: AKA provides a clean slate. By removing the layer of dead skin cells, exfoliation allows your other skincare products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
  5. Evens Skin Tone: Exfoliating helps fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, resulting in a more even skin tone.

How to Exfoliate: Tips for Success

To get the most out of your exfoliation routine, follow these tips:

  1. Exfoliate Gently: Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can damage your skin. Instead, use gentle, circular motions to exfoliate your face.
  2. Don’t Overdo It: Exfoliating 2 - 4 times depending on your skin type. Over-exfoliation can lead to irritation and dryness, so it’s important to find a balance.
  3. Moisturize Afterward: After exfoliating, be sure to hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer to protect and nourish it.

Tools of the Trade: 

Finding the right exfoliator for your skin is a personal preference. One of my favorite products is Mint & Needle’s Exfoliating Scrub. It has powerful ingredients that remove dead skin cells and debris, while pumice granules smooth out dull, dry skin, leaving it fresh and radiant. 

Also, our Mini Peel Pads are my essential go-to, perfect for on the go or travel. They are pre-soaked and deliver a mild micro peel to gently exfoliate the skin's surface, addressing clogged pores and helping to prevent future breakouts. They exfoliate and unclog pores, resulting in cleaner, clearer, and blemish-free skin. Personal note: Remember, if you want your makeup to go on smoothly, you need to exfoliate to remove those dead skin cells—otherwise, your foundation won't settle well.

Incorporating exfoliation into my skincare routine was a game-changer, and it can be for you, too. Remember, the key to healthy skin is consistency, and choosing the right products that work for your unique skin type. Our team at Mint and Needle is here to offer support if you need it. Happy exfoliating!

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