Exfoliation Tips for More Beautiful Skin

Our skin is the largest organ of our body, and the one that is visible to everyone. It just makes sense that we would want to keep it looking it beautiful - especially our face! That is the part ourselves that everyone looks at first. Exfoliation is an important part of the beauty regime, but don’t think that you have to do expensive peels and spa treatments to get the results you want.

Maybe you have heard of exfoliation, but aren’t quite sure what it is. I didn’t used to know, either, but it has been a lifesaver now that I do it! Exfoliation is the process of “scrubbing” the dead cells off your skin to reveal the healthy new cells underneath. This gives your face (or arms, back, etc) a definite healthy glow since the dull cells are scrubbed off.

Exfoliating can be done at home or in a spa setting. When doing it at home, you have the choice of using microdermabrasion tools or scrubs. Knowing your skin type and not skimming on producing will help you find the perfect dermabrasion tools for you.

EXFOLIATION AT HOME TOOLS

With the increased emphasis on dermabrasion, manufacturers have come to meet the demand. One of the more popular tools is the Clarisonic Face Brush. Developed by the makers of the Sonicare toothbrush. This product is a tool that has two attachments that are used in or out of the shower to gently scrub the dead cells off. It works in a circular motion, and can be used for men and women.

While the reports have come back with glowing reports of a reduction in the appearances of blemishes, oily skin and flaky patches, some have even reported a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and smaller pores.

I have not yet tried this facial brush, as it comes with a fairly big price tag for my make up bag - around $200. But comparing the cost of professional treatments, this little tool seems to pay for itself.

PEELS/SCRUBS

Chemical exfoliation uses mild acids to clean the face. These will generally contain ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy or salicylic acids. When deciding to exfoliate at home, keep in mind a few things so that you don’t irritate your skin.

• Use products designed for the part of the body you are exfoliating. Face for face / body for body.
• Use exfoliates on WET skin.
• When applying, use circular motions to scrub off the skin with the sponge or loofah (be gentle).
• Make sure to follow with a good moisturizer.

When using at home products, remember that if you use lower end scrubs that have bigger grains, you can actually tear your skin and cause more harm than help for your complexion. There is a delicate balance when dealing with your skin.

After exfoliating, you might experience some tingling, but your face should not feel raw.

HOME MADE EXFOLIATING

For those who are a little experimental, you can try mixing your own exfoliation kit at home. I have tried a few of these, and frequently use the first mix. It is an inexpensive alternative to the pricey store tags. While there are definitely great products, I’m always looking for the natural route. At the very least, make sure your beauty products employ some of these products.

1. Olive oil and sugar is a great natural scrub. Simply take a tablespoon of sugar and a few drops of olive oil and rub into a paste. Gently exfoliate and rinse. This one works well for dry skin, but if you are predisposed to oily skin, I don’t need to tell you what olive oil will do!

2. Corn flour scrub works on oily skin. The same as the olive oil, take one or two tablespoons of corn flour and a few drops of apple juice. Remove it with warm water, and then use cool water to close pores.

3. Oatmeal face scrub is a safe alternative for sensitive skin. I suggest grinding the oatmeal up into a powder (so it doesn’t clog drains), then use ½ cup with about 1 tablespoon of honey. This one is different than the others… leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

Once you have exfoliated, you will never feel better. Experiment and find the perfect combination of ingredients for you!