Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, revealing the fresh, healthy skin underneath. Regular exfoliation can make your skin smoother and improve your skin texture. By clearing away dead skin, exfoliation also allows serums, moisturizers, and treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective.
Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants involve manually scrubbing the skin to remove dead cells. We use ingredients like pumice, crushed buchu leaves and volcanic ash that gently buff away dead skin cells without damaging your skin.
Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to slough off more easily. We use fruit enzymes, azelaic acid and hydroxy acids (AHAs like glycolic acid and BHAs like salicylic acid) in optimal concentrations to exfoliate your skin without irritation.
When to Exfoliate & How Often?
Over-exfoliating can cause irritation, so it's important to find the right balance. If you have normal or oily skin, you can exfoliate up to 3-4 times a week. If you have dry or sensitive skin, 1-2 times per week is often enough. While you can exfoliate at any time of the day, exfoliating in the evening is often the best option because exfoliation can increase photosensitivity. Plus, it also gives your skin time to repair more effectively because your skin naturally regenerates overnight.
Our range of exfoliants
At African Botanics, we offer a range of products that exfoliate and refresh your skin, both for the face and body.
For the Face:
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Buchu Botanical Enzyme Polish: This gentle facial exfoliant uses crushed Buchu leaves, Lactobionic acid and fruit enzymes to effectively renew the skin, leaving it smoother and brighter.
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Commiphora Face Cleanser: This refreshing face cleanser contains Lactic, Mandelic and Salicylic acids, Commiphora extract and other natural ingredients to exfoliate and cleanse the skin without irritation.
- Pure Marula Cleansing Oil: A gentle cleanser suited for all skin types including sensitive skin, Pure Marula Cleansing Oil has the secondary benefit of containing Salicylic acid which provides mild chemical exfoliation. Lipid-rich botanical oils like Marula and Baobab bring you supple, softened skin whilst cleansing. Fresh and aromatic notes of Blue Chamomile, Patchouli and Bergamot help create an uplifting experience.
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Rooibos Glycolic Booster: This glycolic acid-based product provides chemical exfoliation to brighten and improve skin texture overnight. The key to this unique formula is its efficacious blend of exfoliating acids (12%): Glycolic, Lactic, Fruit AHA, Lactobionic, Mandelic, Malic, and Salicylic. These acids allow skin to experience an exfoliating turnover, yielding a glowier, tighter, more even, and remarkably refreshed complexion.
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Commiphora Radiance Facial Mask: This brightening and purifying face mask designed as a powerful reset for the skin. This unique mask instantly sweeps away dead skin cells, visibly refines the skin texture and evens the complexion - revealing radiant skin in just 5-10 minutes. It contains powerful actives such as Glycolic + Salicylic acids, and brightening Azelaic acid to refine the look of skin texture and provide a radiant boost to skin.
For the Body:
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Clay & Volcanic Ash Exfoliating Body Treatment: This powerful body scrub combines volcanic ash and two types of clay to exfoliate and detoxify, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
- Forest Bathing Invigorating Body Wash: Infused with natural exfoliants like Willow Bark, this body wash revitalizes the skin while gently cleansing and promoting circulation. It also includes a medley of botanical oils, including Frankincense, Guaiac wood and Cypress - that promote calmness and wellbeing with a warm, grounding aroma.
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Hydrating Floral Body Wash: This gentle body wash hydrates and exfoliates, and it’s perfect for prepping the skin before applying your favourite moisturizer.
