EXFOLIATION Any technique or process that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin Second only to massage in popularity Can be considered a type of hydrotherapy treatment

EXFOLIANTS & EXFOLIATION TOOLS Exfoliant: any product applied to the body in order to achieve exfoliation Exfoliation tool: loofahs, gloves, cloths, skin scrapers, & other instruments used to exfoliate the skin

THE WORD “EXFOLIATE” From the Latin exfoliare, which means “to strip of leaves,” from ex + folium

EXFOLIATION HISTORY Egyptians used soda ash to scrub the skin Romans used skin scrapers called strigils

EXFOLIATION HISTORY In Turkish baths, a rough canvas wash cloth was used to exfoliate. Finns exfoliated by beating the skin with birch branches in their saunas. Native Americans exfoliated with sand, grasses, herbs, and animal bones.

PURPOSE OF EXFOLIATION To cleanse the pores and prepare skin for absorption of products To help the skin perform its natural processes To leave client’s skin texture and appearance improved

EXFOLIANT TYPES Two main categories of exfoliation treatments are used in the spa setting: mechanical micronized buffing beads, crushed nut shells or seed pits, sugar or salt crystals, pumice stones, abrasive cloths, & loofahs chemical compounds containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid

THE SKIN Deeper – dermis Superficial – epidermis nerve endings capillaries sweat glands sebaceous glands hair follicles Superficial – epidermis < 1/200th inch thick

EXFOLIATION MAJOR CONTRAINDICATIONS Sunburn Cuts, abrasions, & sores Eczema Recent shaving Allergies Delicate skin

EXFOLIATION TECHNIQUES Wet room shower used Dry room wash cloths, towels, loofah mitts, & sponges used Wet Table Draping Protocol is used

EXFOLIATION STROKE Circular motions do not pull delicate skin fibers Palms and fingers open & flat Fingertips used for smaller areas “Gentle but firm” pressure pleasurable sensation effective exfoliation stimulates circulation

DRY ROOM EXFOLIATION

DRY ROOM EXFOLIATION PROTOCOL Preparation use protective cover on table place bottom sheet atop this, then large towel or bath sheet, & finally draping towels wet 4 hand towels, wring out, & place in insulated container or towel warmer warm exfoliant & body bath soak loofah pad in bowl of hot water

DRY ROOM EXFOLIATION PROTOCOL Procedure moisten back of body with wash cloth apply exfoliant to back left leg, right leg, & back wipe exfoliant from back, then left leg & right leg scrub same areas with moist loofah & body bath wipe away body bath with another towel client turns supine – moisten front of body

DRY ROOM EXFOLIATION PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.) exfoliate right foot, leg, left leg, abdomen, left hand and arm, upper chest, right hand and arm towel off – abdomen, shoulders, arms, hands fold towel in half & wipe right leg, then left scrub same areas with moist loofah and body bath wipe areas w/ towel, pat dry w/ clean bath towel

DRY ROOM EXFOLIATION PROTOCOL Procedure (cont.) apply lotion to front of body, starting with right foot & following same sequence as exfoliation ask client to turn – pull bath sheet from underneath client lies face-down on clean sheet for lotion application to back of legs, shoulders, triceps, & back

DRY ROOM EXFOLIATION PROTOCOL Clean up launder sheets & towels, disinfect table cover wash bowl & utensils with soap & hot water dispose of loofah or offer to client wipe up excess water or exfoliant from floor to avoid slippery surfaces