Renewal and rebirth are often toted as part of the cycle of life - To shed the old to make way for the new. Snakes shed their skin a few times per year to allow for new growth. This sloughing helps reveal fresh, new skin underneath. Humans also naturally slough away dead skin to make way for the new, and the purpose is the same – promoting new skin growth.

Beyond the natural methods, we can also help this process along by exfoliating our own skin. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the face and body using different methods, such as scrubs and washcloths. Cosmetologists will perform deep exfoliation treatments, such as microdermabrasion, to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

But why all the fuss about exfoliation?

Does it really matter?

Absolutely. There are several benefits of exfoliation that make it well worth your efforts.

The Benefits

• Exfoliation helps remove dead, dry skin and allows your moisturizer to reach the skin beneath. When you slough off the dead skin, you allow newer skin to be visible and access the lotions, oils and other moisturizing products you use.
• Exfoliation helps release trapped in-grown hairs. By removing dead skin that is trapping the hair, you are allowing the hair to break through the skin naturally. Doing this will also help with the shaving process because you are less likely to develop more in-grown hairs by exfoliating on a regular basis and preventing yourself from nicks and cuts.
• Exfoliation helps reduce the appearance of existing dark spots or light scarring to encourage new, healthy skin growth. Your skin will look fresher, smoother and healthier.
• Exfoliation helps remove dirt and debris in clogged pores that can cause black heads and break outs. Dried, dead skin also traps oils below the skin, which can further cause clogged pores.

When to Exfoliate

It is recommended that exfoliating occur before shaving. This prevents your razor from getting clogged by the dead skin cells often present when skin is not properly exfoliated and allows you to have a closer shave. Also, exfoliating during a hot shower before shaving, helps to open the pores allowing your exfoliant to clean even deeper.

How to Exfoliate

• Soften Skin Before Exfoliating. It’s important to soften the skin so that exfoliating is easier. Try our Peppermint Facial Wash to moisturize skin, as well as wash away dirt and debris.
• Use a Facial Scrub. Sand-like exfoliating ingredients help to gently remove dirt and debris from the skin. We recommend trying our Peppermint Facial Scrub for a rejuvenating exfoliation experience. Plus, it smells good and gives you a burst of energy too!
• Try a Power Brush. When used with our Pre-Shave Gel and the 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave regimen, the power brush reduces the occurrence of razor bumps by 69%*. When used with our Peppermint Facial Wash, it exfoliates as well to remove dirt and debris.
• Shave. Shaving with a razor blade is a form of exfoliation. The blades help lightly remove dead skin.

Exfoliating is a clear path to revealing a new(er) looking you. It is a key essential to your shaving and grooming routine. We all need to shed our old skin to make way for new, and not just in life but in your skin routine too!

*After 12 weeks of daily shaving using a regimen of The Art of Shaving Power Brush with Pre-Shave Gel, ProGlide Flexball Razor and TAOS 4 Elements Regimen, compared to shaving with shave cream alone.