Exfoliation 101

Exfoliation is very important for the largest organ on your body – your precious skin! Every 28 days, you skin renews itself. Without exfoliating away those dead skin cells, pores can get clogged up and give a very dull appearance to your skin.

Exfoliating leaves your skin baby-smooth, prevents ingrown hairs, body breakouts, ashy ankles, knees and elbows … plus, it just makes your skin look great! Here are some of the different type of exfoliation products available on the market today, to help choose the most suitable one for you:

• Wet scrubs. This includes skin buffers such as jojoba beads, sugar, or coarse salt – all mixed into oil and skin softeners. These feel great on the skin, are fun to use and banish all dead skin immediately. Best for all over skin, especially for the rougher places like the knees, elbows, and ankles. Salt and sugar scrubs are great for dry skin since they also contain oils, which acts like an in-the-shower moisturizer. What I like about wet scrubs is that they leave no mess – once you’re done,you can just rinse it off easily since you are in the shower already!
   
• Dry scrubs. This includes towels, loofahs, and sponges that are ‘tools’ rather than product. It’s made out of natural fabric polish. The Body Shop has some great glove ones – add a bit of your normal soap and scrub up! It’s best for all over the skin, especially in the rough places. Remember not to scrub too hard though, or you will damage your skin.
   
• Enzymes. Found in fruits such as papaya and pineapple, which gently ‘eat up’ the dead skin cells with zero abrasion. This is best for sensitive skin, since they only affect dead skin – there is no chance of over-exfoliating here! Although, you should limit this to once a week. You can use them as scrubs in various DIY home remedies (which I will talk about soon) as the ingredients are readily available in your kitchen!
   
• Chemical peels. This includes ingredients such as glycolic, fruit (alpha) or salicylic (beta) acids, which dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds the dead skin cells together. These are harsh ingredients, so make sure you have asked a professional about this! Best for treating body breakouts, lightening skin scars, treating bad acne and evening out dark spots on elbows and knees.
   
• Home Microdermabrasion. I remember this was all the rage some time ago. Still, you can find these home-kits that include a machine with a rotating sponge head and an abrasive paste to slough off dead skin cells. I believe this device is one of the recent ones in the market. Although, you should avoid this method if you are prone to breakouts or have acne – this is harsh on the skin! It’s best for reducing sun damage, polishing dry elbows and knees, and smoothing feet. Finish off with a moisturizing lotion.

What do you use to exfoliate your skin? Personally, I love wet scrubs in the shower. They’re fun (and easy) to use, smell heavenly and your skin feels amazing after. :)

Original Image: Randy son of Robert