Getting rid of the bad is just as important as keeping and enhancing the good. Where skin exfoliation is concerned, getting rid of the bad is instrumental in enhancing what you have. There is a whole science to exfoliation but honestly, it is not rocket science. Exfoliation has become a crucial step in a skincare regime, for all types and ages of skin.
What’s exfoliation?
But first, what is exfoliation? It is simply the act of removing dead skin cells that the skin usually sheds, in order to generate new ones. These dead cells, if not scrubbed off, keep piling up and create a range of problems for the skin. This could range from dry, dull, rough skin to acne and blemishes, due to excess oil and clogged pores. What exfoliation does it get rid of the dead baggage, to make way for new, clearing air passages in the pores and making moisturizing creams, face packs and other applications more deep-reaching and effective. For fresh, healthy, breathing skin, this step in the skin care process is essential.
How to exfoliate?
Firstly, determine your skin type. You could have a range – dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, sensitive, and so on. Choose a natural exfoliating face wash depending on your skin. You could try Super Smelly’s Glow Latte Face Wash, the best exfoliating face wash for sensitive skin. Formulated with Coffee, Vitamins C & E and Apricot kernels, Glow Latte gently exfoliates removing dead skin, blackheads and whiteheads, evens out skin tone and brightens skin, adding a layer of hydration. The finest grains of apricot kernels provide a mild and non-abrasive exfoliation, leaving the skin smooth and soft.
You will find natural exfoliants for acne prone skin in the Good Bye Acne Face Wash, which contains Salicylic Acid that prevents sebum deposits in pores and clears away dead skin. At the same time, Tea Tree Oil soothes and reduces inflammation and redness. The perfect combination for exfoliating acne prone skin. This could also qualify as the best natural exfoliator for sensitive skin.
If you’re looking for a natural exfoliator for oily skin, check out the Activated Charcoal Face Wash that acts as a dirt magnet, rids the skin of excess oils and toxins hidden deep inside and gently exfoliates. You’re left with deeply cleansed, mattified skin. This is also a great exfoliating face wash for men.
If you’d like to create your own natural scrub for oily acne-prone skin at home, combine 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal, ½ teaspoon yoghurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply this mixture on a clean, washed face and gently finger massage in circular motion for two minutes. Wash off with water and gently pat skin dry.
If your skin is dry, then grind 2 tablespoons of rice and add honey to make a paste. Apply and massage with soft strokes. Wash with lukewarm water and apply moisturizer. This homemade scrub is a natural exfoliator for dry skin.
How often to exfoliate
Depending on the needs of your skin, type and exposure to dirt, pollution, sun and sweat, you could exfoliate 2-3 times a week. This will ensure that your skin stays free of dead skin cells, blackheads, whiteheads and other unwanted baggage.
A few things to remember
- Make sure that your exfoliant or face scrub suits your skin type. Lighter exfoliants for dry skin and gentle ingredients for acne and pimple-prone skin.
- Be mindful to be gentle so as to not irritate your skin. Choose an exfoliant with round, granular particles to avoid redness, injury and scarring. The movement of the fingers should be circular.
- Take special care of your skin post exfoliation. It’s just been through a ‘rough’ patch and needs love. After patting skin dry, smear on some moisturiser to lock in the healing hydration.
- Avoid over-exfoliation. Yes, too much of something can be bad. Keep it to once a week if you have sensitive skin, twice a week if its normal skin and more than twice for oily skin.
- When buying your exfoliant, choose one that has natural ingredients, is toxin-free, and has been dermatologically tested for efficacy and safety. It’s good to know your product inside out.
Exfoliation is an essential step for well-rounded skincare. Skin free of negative baggage aka dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, grime and toxins is skin that has breathing space to be heathy and beautiful. So, whatever age you’re at, exfoliate
