Exfoliation

© 2007 Anne E. Williams

Exfoliation


Mechanical Exfoliation

A physical process in which the body is rubbed with an abrasive product or with a coarse hand-held item such as a loofah

Examples

Dry Skin Brushing

Wet Skin Brushing

Salt Glow

Sugar Glow

Body Polish

Body Scrub

Loofah Scrub

Friction

Buff and Bronze


Enzymatic or Dissolving Types of exfoliation used only by

estheticians or physicians

Rely on their biological action rather than physical abrasion

These products dissolve keratin in the skin

Dissolve dead skin cells

Support the skin in natural turnover

The use of these products is out of the massage scope of practice


Broaden Your Understanding

Facial Exfoliation (E) Usually part of a facial

Enzyme Exfoliation (E) Enzyme such as papain

used

Skin Peels (E) High concentrations of

AHAs and BHAs

Chemical Peels (P) Trichloroacetic acid (a

vitamin A derivative) used

Dermabrasion (P) Controlled surgical scraping

Microdermabrasion (E) Skin “sandblasted” with

microcrystals of aluminum oxide

Exfoliation treatments offered by estheticians and physicians in the spa industry

(E) = Esthetician, (P) = Physician


Treatment Considerations Scope of Practice

Massage Focus Relaxation Lymph flow Stimulation of circulation Decrease muscle tension Increase the vital energy

of the body

Esthetician Focus Skin care

To avoid confusion, massage

therapists focus on the body-oriented benefits of the

treatment in the promotional

description rather than focusing on the skin


Dry Skin Brushing

The body is brushed in a particular pattern to

Stimulate lymph flow

Boost immunity

Stimulate circulation

Revitalize the body


Dry Skin Brushing Technique


The Salt or Sugar Glow

Salt or sugar are used with oil, water, body wash, or other wet or oily product in a mechanical exfoliation


Dead Sea Salt The Dead Sea is

an ancient landlocked sea whose water has been slowly evaporating over the centuries, producing a concentrated natural salt solution that has a velvety texture

Salt formations at the Dead Sea


Bearn Salt Bearn salt, from

springs in the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France, has well known restorative and antistress properties

The salt dance—traditionally danced at the Bearn Salt Festival


Epson Salt & Table Salt Epson salt

Inorganic mineral salt

Often used as a soaking aid for sore, tight muscles

Drying

Best used on oily skin types

Never use table salt in a spa treatment


Sugar Gentler than salt

Emollient

Humectant (moisturizing)

Used granulated for exfoliation

Used as a body glaze in a cocoon

Table sugar Brown sugar Honey Molasses Raw sugar Sugar cane


The Full-Body Polish An elegant four-step exfoliation treatment

that often includes a well-designed smell-scape

Steps Cleanse Exfoliate Tone Moisturize


The Body or Loofah Scrub

Vigorous

Foaming body wash and hand-held loofah, mitts, or rough-textured cloths

Well-suited to wet-room delivery


Review Exfoliation Treatments Place a C by conditions that are

contraindications and an I by conditions that are indications

for a full-body salt glow

_____ Inflamed skin_____ High blood pressure _____ Stress and tense muscles _____ Eczema_____ Sunburn _____ Serious circulatory condition _____ Low energy


Exchange: The Salt or Sugar Glow

Wet-Room Outline Go through medical history if

cleared of contraindications explain treatment.

Move the client to the Vichy Room

Client Supine

Apply salt or sugar in a bath gel

Rinse the salt or sugar from the body

Turn the client and repeat

Move the client to a massage table for a full–body massage and rehydration

Dry-Room Outline Go through medical history if

cleared of contraindications explain treatment.

Start client supine

Apply salt or sugar and exfoliate the area

Remove with a hot towel

Apply aroma mist or skin toner

Apply aloe gel

Pat dry with a hand towel

Redrape the area and move on to the next area

Documents

Exfoliation