1. 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

2. 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

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

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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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

12. DRY ROOM EXFOLIATION

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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