Why Exfoliation Is an Important Part of Your Beauty Regimen #WomenTalk
Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, or epidermis. It is an important part of both facials and body treatments, and when done correctly, it leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher looking. It also makes it easier for facial products like serums to penetrate the skin.
Many women exfoliate their faces but forget to do the rest of their body. In the summer, when you are getting ready for the beach, you should exfoliate all over, especially before applying self-tanning products or when you are trying to rejuvenate winter-weary skin.
Why is exfoliation and important part of your beauty regime.
The skin is constantly renewing itself and generating new skin cells at the lower layer - the dermis. These get sent to the surface - the epidermis. As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinised skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protection. But they are constantly shredding to make way for younger cells.
As we age this process of cell turnover slows down and cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface. This is what gives your skin a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation removes those cells that are clinging on and dulling your skin to reveal fresher, younger skin cells below.
How to exfoliate
Body: before stepping into the shower, brush your dry skin with your body brush or exfoliating gloves. This will help remove the loose skin and prepare your skin for the exfoliating process. Get into the shower and make sure you are wet from head toe. Use a pumice stone on your feet to eliminate rough spots and calluses, and then apply your exfoliating cleanser to your body brush and scrub your body in a circular motion - working your way up from your feet. Rinse your body with lukewarm water, and follow with the coldest water you can stand. Once out of the shower and dry, apply a moisturising body lotion all over. Exfoliation is drying to the skin, so you must keep your skin hydrated.
Face: Wet your face and apply your exfoliating cleanser. Rub gently into the skin, avoiding the eye area and then wash off gently with luke warm water. Apply your favourite serum and moisturiser.
Things to note about exfoliation
1. Don't exfoliate your skin if you are sunburned or have any open cuts or wounds.
2.It is possible to over exfoliate, especially on the delicate skin of the face, so only do it once or twice a week. Women with oily skin should exfoliate more often than those with dry skin.
3. Be especially careful with the delicate area around your eyes.
4. Never use a body scrub on your face - it will be much too harsh.
Source: Jackie Plant @SkinClinc
