How to exfoliate
September 3, 2021 by Ana
Radiant, glowing skin is something we all dream of, but sometimes this seems like a hard-to-achieve goal, especially as we age. While it is true that with years going by, cell turnover slows down, leaving behind dead skin cells that give us a dull complexion, we have great news for you.
There is something you can do to restore your healthy, vibrant glow. We are talking about removing the layer of dead skin safely and effectively. We call it exfoliation, and with a proper routine, it really works. Continue reading and find out all about it.
What Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layers of the skin. It helps your skin look better, giving it the fresh glow everybody wants to have.
However, besides brightening and improving your skin’s appearance, exfoliation also improves the health of your skin. It ensures the dead cells are completely removed, enhancing blood circulation, and helps you avoid pore clogging, acne breakouts, oily skin, and even some very upsetting skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Methods & Tools Used to Exfoliate Your Skin
There are many methods and tools you can use for exfoliation, and, when choosing, think of the type of skin you have and, of course, the area you want to exfoliate. Keep in mind that your skin type can differ from one part of the body to another, and consider consulting a dermatologist if you are unsure about what you need.
If you choose mechanical exfoliation, you will need to choose between a few useful tools. An exfoliating glove, for instance, is very helpful, especially for newbies who want to exfoliate their whole body. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can go straight for an exfoliating scrub, which can be applied directly to the skin in circular motions and washed with warm water.
For your gorgeous face, you can use an exfoliating brush. It is usually a bristle brush designed for dry or wet brushing, used with a facial cleanser. An exfoliation sponge is also an option, and you can use it for both the face and body with warm water and soap.
Once in a while, you should opt for chemical exfoliation, which will help your skin to shed dead particles naturally. Whether you go for exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids or Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like beta-hydroxy and salicylic acid, depends on your skin type and letting a professional guide you, is best. For instance, if you already know you have acne-prone skin, beta-hydroxy acids will be your best friends.
Exfoliating Your Face- A Step-By-Step Guide
When you choose to exfoliate your skin at home, you should be extra careful with the sensitive areas of your body. Your face is considered a sensitive area, and this means that exfoliating it might sometimes lead to redness, itchiness, and dryness. If done correctly, however, the process will give you the glowing appearance you aim for.
The first step is to know your skin because the type of exfoliant you will use depends on it. Then, choose the type of exfoliation you want. If you do it mechanically with a scrub, begin by applying it on your face using a finger, and continue with rubbing in small, circular motions before rinsing with water. Make sure the water is lukewarm. If you decide to pamper yourself with a liquid chemical exfoliant, apply it with a washcloth or a cotton pad.
No matter what process you choose, before you begin, make sure your face is clean. Wash it with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Then, skip drying your face and start the exfoliating routine while your skin is still damp.
Softly rub the exfoliant around your face for about 30 seconds in circular motions, and once you are done, use warm water to rinse it off. Finish by applying creams and serums that are recommended for your type of skin.
Again, before choosing the product, make sure you consult a dermatologist or skin care professional to help you determine which type of skin you have and choose the right exfoliant for you. Also, don’t forget that you have different skin types on your body, and your face and neck are more sensitive and fragile than other areas. This means you might need two different types of exfoliation.
Last but not least, to have flawless skin, you will need to add more steps to your beauty routine than exfoliation. Healthy eating habits, hydration, the use of SPF, moisturizing, proper sleep are some of the musts you should have on your list.
Also, if you want something safe and noninvasive that acts fast to improve irregular collagen structure, we recommend wearing Blumbody smoothing pads and patches. These little wonders enhance blood flow, repairing and rejuvenating your skin. And, whether you wear them during the day or while you indulge in that beauty sleep you so much need, it’s your choice. We can only tell you that they are very easy to apply, so comfortable you’ll hardly feel them, and they work wonders, eliminating compression wrinkles and those caused by facial expressions, sun damage, or aging.
