Exfoliation Tools and How To Use Them

By Ieva Bruzaite

So, you’ve impulsively bought those beauty tools you saw all over social media and are left thinking, “what now?” Most of the beauty tools and techniques that are gaining popularity date back to ancient civilisations. These tools promise to exfoliate, brighten, and clear the skin. It is important to remember that these effects are only temporary but could have a positive impact on the appearance of your skin with frequent use and if done correctly. Here is how to use those infamous beauty tools.

DRY BRUSH

Dry brushing, also known as body brushing, is a method of physical exfoliation for your body. This practice is carried out using a natural firm-bristled brush.

There are said to be many benefits of dry brushing with it helping achieve smoother skin, detoxify, and clean the skin. Dry brushing helps stimulate normal lymph flow within the body as most of the lymph vessels are found just below the skin; this action helps to naturally detoxify the skin. There is not a lot of science-based evidence that it does what people claim so some of the said benefits like the reduction of cellulite is anecdotal. However, most dermatologists would agree that this form of exfoliation is actually very beneficial if not for reducing the appearance of cellulite but cleaning the pores of oil, dirt and built-up residue on your face and body – not to mention the benefits of taking some time out of your day to show some self-love.

HOW TO

It is recommended to practice dry brushing for no more than one to two times per week as it is a form of total body exfoliation and if overdone could result in irritation and in some cases, breakouts.

It is best to dry brush before a shower. We recommend starting with a gentle brush and light pressure and then once comfortable, you can increase the pressure. Be mindful of how your body reacts – if it is causing you any pain or discomfort, be gentler.

1. First, start with brushing the bottom of your feet and then continue up the legs in long, circular movements in the direction of your heart/chest

2. You should brush each section of skin around 10 times before moving onto another section

3. Move onto the arms, start brushing from your palms and then through your arms towards the heart

4. Then, brush in circular clockwise motions on your stomach and armpits

5. Repeat the same movement on your back

6. You can then move on to brush your neck and décolletage, here you want to start at your jawline and brush gently towards your heart. You should be mindful of the pressure used in this area because the skin is much more delicate

7. To finish your routine, brush gently in a circular clockwise motion over your heart

8. Hop into a shower and then apply moisturiser to leave your skin feeling silky smooth

SILICONE FACE BRUSH

This tool is a softer, gentler, and more hygienic alternative to other facial brushes or wash cloths. The silicone bristles are non-porous which means they are resistant to bacterial build up and are found to be 35 times more hygienic than standard nylon brushes. This brush is designed to be used daily so if used correctly, there is no risk of overstimulation or inflammation. It is a method of gentle exfoliation; the bristles grab onto the dirt and oil on your skin and draw them out in a non-abrasive way.

Be gentle with it and let it simply glide on your face, there’s no need for any vigorous scrubbing – let the bristles do all the work.

HOW TO

1. Cleanse the silicone brush with a bit of lukewarm water to ensure that it is clean

2. Avoid any physical and/or chemical exfoliants as that could lead to over exfoliation

3. It is recommended that you use a creamy and moisturising cleanser

4. Pat dry your skin and follow with moisturiser and sunscreen

5. To clean your brush, you can use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser before setting it out to dry

ELECTRIC FACE BRUSHES

Much like the manual face brushes, the electric brushes are specifically designed to cleanse your skin and remove any dirt, oil or sebum that sit on your face. The benefit of using an electric face brush is the thorough yet gentle exfoliation thanks to the repetitive vibrations that push out that buildup providing an arguably better overall appearance of pores.

Cosaint’s Compact Ultrasonic Skin Peeler promises to lift, tone and cleanse your face all at the same time. This tool has dual function – the Cleansing Mode uses ultrasonic vibrations to push out the dirt and oil from your pores then use the spatula to extract clogged pores around the nose. The Lifting Mode stimulates circulation to give your face a little bit of a lift leaving your skin looking fresh and healthy.

HOW TO

1. Prep the spatula tool by cleaning it with warm soapy water

2. Wet and cleanse your face

3. Turn on the device to Clean Mode

4. Hold the device with your thumb placed on on/off mode and have your spatula facing diagonally

5. Gently glide the spatula tip across the skin to exfoliate

6. The device will automatically turn off after 5 minutes

DERMAPLANING

Dermaplaning is a method of removing the build-up of dead skin cells and sebum, it is also used to remove facial hair often referred to as ‘peach fuzz’. Since the start of the pandemic, sales of dermaplaning tools have risen by about 58%. Dermaplaning helps with the application and appearance of makeup. It is important to note that the tools you can buy for personal use at home are not as sharp and ultimately will not provide you with the same results as a salon would. With that being said, it is still a sharp tool that is being used on very sensitive and thin skin and if not careful, dermaplaning could result in permanent damage.

It is not recommended that you try dermaplaning if you have acne, an infection, or cold sores as this could lead to the potential spread of bacteria which can cause pigmentation, irritation and even scarring.

HOW TO

1. Cleanse your face first – it needs to be completely dry and free of any oils before starting

2. Hold the tool with your dominant hand and pull the skin taut behind the blade with your supporting hand

3. Hold the dermaplaning tool at a 45-degree angle to your skin

4. Work in small stroked going downwards starting at the cheekbones

5. Continue until you have finished the entire cheek and jaw

6. Repeat the light strokes on the chin and above the lips

7. Move onto your forehead ensuring to not dermaplane your hairline

8. Do not go over the same area of skin more than once

9. Nor should you ever use the tool over eyelids, eyebrows, hairlines, sides of nose or lips

10. Once finished, be sure to nourish your skin with moisturiser and/or serum(s)