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Exfoliate! Exfoliate! Exfoliate!

Why & How

By Beata Noelle LaforestPublished 3 years ago 5 min read
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As an aesthetician of 20 years, I've seen a lot of skin! I've worked on all types of skin and solved numerous issues caused by many different problems. Good news: I'm here to let you know that skin care is actually more simple than you probably think it is.

From oily to dry, mature to acne prone, and sensitive to just congested, there is one recommendation I will often make across the board: exfoliate.

Do you feel your skin has a rough texture? Exfoliate. Angered by acne? Exfoliate. Bad blackheads? Exfoliate. Is our skin dry and dull? Exfoliate. What about mature skin, are you worried about fine lines creeping up on you? Exfoliate. Do you wear make up regularly? Then you better be exfoliating!

Of course there's more to bright healthy looking skin than just exfoliating. Cleansing and hydrating are also big players but the common answer to most issues includes a good exfoliation.

What exactly is exfoliation? To exfoliate is to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the body or face. There are 3 ways to do this. A physical exfoliant is a product that has a coarseness to it and is used by rubbing it on the skin to create friction; much like sandpaper. As you rub, it sloughs off the top layer at the crust and the more you scrub, the more it works. The second and third types of exfoliants are chemical peels and enzymatic peels. These two types both utilize ingredients that eat off the surface layer of dead skin cells as it sits on the skin, but the enzymatic is derived from a natural source (such as pumpkin). They take time to work and are usually left on anywhere between five to twenty minutes, depending on the strength of the product.

All three types have their benefits and uses. A physical exfoliant, I would recommend anybody use once to two times per week, depending on the skin type and how gentle the product is. I would use an enzymatic peel once or twice a month, and a chemical peel I would not recommend anybody getting more than once in a calendar year (if you need to get one at all).

Did you know exfoliating is something your skin does naturally on its own? When we are young, our cells are replaced quickly and on a regular basis. Anybody that has seen a baby with “cradle cap” has seen how excess skin cells can pile up when they are being replaced faster than they can slough off on their own. Babies are growing so fast that their skin can get backed up and some regular exfoliation with a soft bristle brush almost completely solves the problem.

As we reach puberty, our skin has to now deal with excess sebum (oil) and an influx of hormones it didn't have before. This is another time where exfoliation is our friend. Using a physical exfoliant two times a week will help prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.

When we become adults and leave adolescents behind we often experience less sebum output; and with less oils to lubricate the surface with, we can end up with dry skin. Sometimes it is all over, sometimes it is in patches, either way: it can be itchy, it can be red, it can be flaky. Yes, hydration is an issue with dry skin, however there's no reason to try and hydrate the top layer of dry crust. First we need to get rid of those dry dead cells with a good exfoliation. This is a good time to use an enzymatic exfoliant because chances are it will leave a bit of hydration in its path as well.

When we progress into our 40's and older, our skin does mature. The natural replacement of the cells is slowed down. Giving skin a regular exfoliation stimulates the process and keeps it fresh and supple. It's much like hitting the refresh button on your screen.

Here's more good news: from my experience I have to say that the simplest products are usually the best. You don't have to spend a fortune on skin care products or own an entire regiment at home to have great skin. In fact, I'm going to tell you how to make your own face and body scrub at home with things you may already have in your house!

Ever heard of baking soda? Most people already have that in their cupboard. Guess what? The granuals are small and gentle and it's alkaline: and you can use it to make an exfoliating paste for your face! Just mix it in your current cleanser with a bit of water, or even just on it's own with some water. Mix enough water that it is spreadable. Once you are scrubbing you can always add a touch of water to keep it going. Just be careful if you have any cuts because it does contain sodium (salt). If you have acne or black heads you can use this up to twice a week. Make sure to moisturize afterwards.

Would you like to give your whole body a good scrub and leave yourself silky smooth? Get yourself some quality oil such as: almond, grapeseed, holly, jobjoba or even coconut (you will need either fractionated coconut oil or you will need to warm it til it is in liquid form). Then mix in your physical exfoliant. You can use epsom salts, white sugar, brown sugar (smells the best!) and you can even add some sea salt or baking soda. Again, a word of caution if you choose to use any salts. Also, larger granuals like sugar and epsom salts should not be used on the face as the skin is much too delicate. You can even add blackberries or raspberries with their seeds into the mix. Adding some lime can give it an enzymatic element. It can be as runny or as thick as you want it to be. Now you just stand in the bathtub or shower (water off) and give yourself a body scrub from neck to toe! Rinse, dry and moisturize and you will feel like you just came from the spa. Your welcome!

So remember: Exfoliate! Exfoliate! Exfoliate!

skincare
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About the Creator

Beata Noelle Laforest

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