What is exfoliation ?
Our skin sheds dead skin cells on a periodic basis, removal of the dead skin cells from the topmost layer is called exfoliation. This removal is done by using granular products or chemicals. Each one of these has its own effects.
Benefits of exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin by removing the dead skin cells results in clearer and brighter skin. Skin exfoliation helps to unclog pores and remove the dry flaky skin that is caused when skin doesn’t shed completely. There is no use of applying skincare products on skin that is not exfoliated. Only when the dead cells are removed, it paves way for good absorption of skincare products.
Breakouts can be minimised when you do not have any clogged pores due to regular exfoliation.
Reduction of fine lines, sagging are what we want to keep skin healthy and for anti-ageing. Collagen is the key for the spotless and younger looking healthy skin. This protein helps in skin elasticity. If you need glowing skin, collagen is the secret ingredient behind it. Long term exfoliation, helps in increasing collagen production the natural way.
How often to exfoliate ?
If you are person with normal skin, you should do this thrice a week.
But if you have acne-prone skin, it is best to do it everyday. This should be done before using your cleanser since that will not completely remove the accumulation.
If you have sensitive skin, stick to exfoliating once a week.
When to exfoliate?
The ideal time would be morning, since at nights the skin goes to the repair and rejuvenate mode. This can soak up all the benefits. Make sure to use a good moisturizer post exfoliation.
Types of exfoliator
Manual exfoliators which can be the scrubs available OTC or DIYs at home. They can be abrasive so you must be careful while choosing them.
Chemical exfoliators are those with AHAs, BHAs and salicylic acid. They’re chemicals with acid which react with skin to remove the dead skin accumulation. They give you a uniform exfoliated look compared to the manual one’s.
Don’ts of exfoliation
1. Exfoliate very often if you have normal skin. Twice or thrice a week should be fine.
2. Exfoliate broken or irritated skin. Especially if you have shaved or waxed.
3. Use random exfoliators that you get.
4. Rub the skin or use rough motions to exfoliate.
5. Use body scrubs for face. They are harsher and apt only for body. The facial skin is delicate and requires specific product.
Do’s of exfoliation
1. Pick the right exfoliator that suits your skin.
2. Apply moisturizer generously post exfoliation.
3. Exfoliate in the morning and stick to the time. Not alternating day and night.
4. Invest in a good gentle scrub if you place to do it daily.
5. Wash off with cold water and pat dry.
DIY scrubs at home
- Salt scrub – One tbsp of salt, half a tbsp of almond, coconut or sesame oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
- Sugar scrub – One tbsp of salt, half a tbsp of almond, coconut or sesame oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
- Oatmeal scrub – Two tbsp of oats, two tbsp of sugar, one tbsp of oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
- Coffee scrub – Two tbsp of coffee powder, two tbsp of sugar, one tbsp of oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
These are readily available ingredients at home that can help you with exfoliation and also ones with which you can alternate. If you find any irritation or redness post exfoliation discontinue using it.
It is widely said that chemical exfoliators are better since they are less abrasive. The acids react with the skin and peel of the dry and flaky skin. But these exfoliators need to sit on the skin for a longer duration for the reaction to happen. However in a physical exfoliator do not rub and perform circular motion for more than three minutes.
I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa
Image source : pixabay.
That Madras Mom 