Exfoliation involves removing dead skin, the oldest layer, on the outermost surface of your skin. There are a number of ways that exfoliation can take place, either chemically or mechanically. Examples include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, facials or simply through the use of a gentle scrub. Dirt and other impurities can also be removed through exfoliation and the newer, fresher skin cells underneath are then revealed.
Exfoliation can be carried out either at home, using scrubs and special exfoliants, or at the salon, where a range of techniques can be employed to achieve a deeper level of exfoliation.
Exfoliation is important for healthy skin and should be carried out often to ensure the skin looks at its best. A softer, brighter and more even texture can be achieved through regular exfoliation.
At home
Many of the scrubs and peels which can be bought over the counter are gentle and as a result can be used on a daily basis to achieve nice, even skin and avoid the build up over time which can often happen.
The best time to exfoliate is in the morning, following or during a bath or shower. The warm water works to open the pores nicely and allow the product to be worked in. After exfoliation, it is then easy to rinse the product off, following the instructions for each individual product.
If using a more abrasive product, make sure you limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, at the very most. For those with particularly sensitive or dry skin, it is best to exfoliate just once each week to avoid irritation. Over exfoliation can cause the skin to lose its essential elasticity, so take care.
As well as over the counter exfoliants, it is possible to make your own. Everyone’s skin is different, so experiment to find the right type of exfoliator for you. To complement your exfoliating routine, check out the Avene Sensitive Skin Gift Set, http://www.lifeandlooks.com/avene-sensitive-skin-gift-set.html.
Care of the skin
To protect the skin when exfoliating your face, make sure your face is clean and damp and then use a gentle circular movement to apply the product.
Scrubs with larger grains or sharp granules may damage the skin, so avoid these. Again, choose a product best suited to your skin type.
