Product of the Week: Guinot Gommage Grain D’Eclat

Featured Product: Gommage Grain D’Eclat

Ideal Skin Type: All Skin Types

Guest Blogger: Francis Vergara

Most people are familiar with the term exfoliation, but are not aware of the many benefits it has or even how to use it to achieve the best results for their skin.

New skin cells are generated in the lower layer, the dermis. And over a period of about 30 days, these cells develop and mature as they move to the surface of the skin. At the end of their journey, they flatten out, die, and become saturated with keratin, which serves as a basic protection to the more delicate layers of the skin. There are several negative effects of this buildup of dead cells, and there are healthier, more esthetic methods of protection.  We always recommend some type of exfoliation routine, depending on individual skin conditions.

What is Exfoliation and Why Should I Exfoliate?

This is the process of removing the dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin’s surface. The benefits of exfoliation include:

• Minimizes clogged pores from oil and impurities, thereby minimizing breakouts
• Results in softer, more radiant and glowing skin.
• Increases the reproduction rate of skin cells
• Allows moisturizers, serums, and other treatment creams to penetrate deeper into the skin
• Creates a more even skin tone, preventing and minimizing the visible effects of sun damage (hyper pigmentation)
• Exfoliation for men keeps the hair follicles clear which allows for a more effective and less irritating shave
• Increases the skin’s metabolism, boosting circulation

How is Exfoliation Performed?

There are two basic methods of exfoliation: Mechanical Exfoliation and Chemical Exfoliation. Mechanical methods involve creating friction with some type of abrasive material. Chemical methods generally contain some type of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA), or fruit enzymes, all of which act to loosen or dissolve the substance that holds the dead skin cells together (intercellular cement). 

For most skin types, the in-home exfoliator that I recommend is Guinot’s Gommage Grain D’Eclat. It contains polyethylene micro-particles which provide gentle friction to smooth the skin while freeing the pores of dirt and impurities. Another key ingredient is jojoba micro spheres, which act to smooth, soften and moisturize.  For dry skin, I recommend doing a thorough exfoliation once a week; for oily or combination skin, twice per week.

How to use an exfoliator?

For best results, cleanse the skin and pat it dry. Apply a thin layer to the entire face and neck, avoiding the contour of the eyes. Let it sit on the face for about ten minutes. During this time, excess oil and impurities are absorbed by kaolin and the cream will begin to dry. Once it has completely dried, gently rub the cream with your fingers in circular motions over a sink. Allow the small particles to fall off your face and into the sink. Once most of the product has come off, rinse off any excess and follow with a toner/moisturizer.

Some things to keep in mind regarding exfoliation:

• While many exfoliants on the market can dry and irritate the skin, Gommage Grain D’Eclat is gentle enough to ensure that these negative effects do not occur.

• Avoid exfoliating while in the shower, because the exfoliating cream will not dry sufficiently for the necessary friction to occur.  

• Gommage Grain D’Eclat is appropriate for most skin types. For those with extremely sensitive skin, Gommage Biologique would be an excellent alternative. And for those with moderate to extreme acneic conditions, even gentle rubbing/friction is not recommended. For these conditions, the Pure Balance Mask is recommended.

• After exfoliation, the skin is very receptive to the nourishing, hydrating, and stimulating ingredients of a facial mask. Applying a mask after exfoliating is a great way to enhance the effects of your exfoliator, giving the skin more radiance, glow, and energy!

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding exfoliation or any other type of skin care issue.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the skin’s natural process for shedding dead skin cells is known as desquamation? This type of shedding however is uneven and incomplete, so we use exfoliation techniques to accelerate desquamation and give us optimal results!