Exfoliation is an important part of any skin care regime.
Why do I need to exfoliate? Exfoliating removes the dull dead outer layer of skin cells, unclogs pores, helps reduce acne breakouts, and keeps skin clean. It also allows the new layer of cells to emerge, making your face look more healthy and radiant.
How often should I exfoliate? Once or twice a week is suffiicient depending of course on if you have dry, normal or oily skin. Two times a week for oily and once a week for normal to dry skin is good.
Should I wash my face before exfoliating? Yes, you want to remove the surface dirt first.
Will it dry my skin out? It can depending on what type of products you use. It’s important to apply a moisturizer to your face after exfoliating.
Should guys exfoliate? YES! Men need to take care of their skin, and remove dead skin cells just like women. It also helps men get a better shave by exposing the hair follicles.
There are 2 basic types of exfoliation:
1. Mechanical Exfoliation– involves physically scrubbing the skin with an abrasive. They can include such things as microfiber cloths, adhesive exfoliation sheets, micro-bead facial scrubs, crushed apricot kernel or almond shells, sugar or salt crystals, and abrasive materials such as sponges or brushes.
Professional treatments include Microdermabrasion and Micro Diamondabrasion.
2. Chemical Exfoliation– includes facial scrubs containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid. These can be applied in high concentrations by a medical professional, or in lower concentrations through over-the-counter products.
It is recommended for people with acne to use products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
One of my favorite products is Adrien Arpel’s Microderm Cleanser. It’s both a gel cleanser and exfoliator in one! It’s gentle but effective, with the same crystals used in professional micro-dermabrasion treatments. It’s enriched with vitamins A, C and E to help repair and maintain healthy skin. I love how it makes my skin feel!
Professional methods can be very costly, but there are many inexpensive exfoliators you can make yourself with household ingredients such as coffee grounds, baking soda, sugar, even asprin.
Here’s a video for a great do-it-yourself facial:
So in conclusion there are many ways to exfoliate, the main thing is to make it part of your regular beauty regime to help keep your skin looking radiant, silky smooth and refreshed.
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