Exfoliate Skin
Aside from cleansing and toning, Organic exfoliation is the second most important step in skincare. Exfoliating the skin is very beneficial, and should be done at least once a week. Exfoliating actually helps your skin so much, you will find yourself moisturizing less. It allows the body's oils to surface and moisturize the skin naturally. During skin regeneration, the epidermis is able to replace itself completely in 45-74 days. Sometimes, the old cells form a united front and stick around longer than they should. Especially in the summer time, because our sweat acts like glue. (It clumps the dead cells together and inhibits the skins natural ability to shed like a snake.) Gentle, consistent exfoliation is essential to aid cell turnover, revealing a fresher, plumper, smoother tone, and allow for skins hydration.
Here are some of the many benefits to exfoliating:
- Gets rid of dead skin cells.
- Sweeps away dirt.
- Moisturizers and oils go on smoother and penetrate & absorb better. Allowing your skin free to absorb oxygen and other nutrients into your body.
- Improve circulation stimulating blood flow.
- Unclog pores and prevents ingrown hairs.
- Skin look more evened toned, shiny, & smoother.
- Gets rid of flakiness, and relieves itchiness.
There are many different methods and recipes for exfoliation:
- Washcloths
- Jojoba Beads
- Loofahs
- Sea Sponges (Be sure to wash & dry sponge well after each use, dead skin and soap collect easy in sponges, its also important to replace them every 2-3 months)
- Silk Mits (Gentle for sensitive skin)
- Dry Brushes- (Most effective exfoliation)
- Even Cheesecloth or a Gauze Square
Techniques vary, but the purpose of exfoliation is well worth the indulgence brought forth by the many different materials and ingredients used, the effects on the spirit and skin will be equally rewarding!
Salts, scrubs, peels, polishes, are also great ways to exfoliate the skin. Using alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or gylolic acid are more alternatives. These substances are found in many foods, and fruits. Lactic acid is from sour milk, and glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. They may tingle, and irritate the skin a bit, (after all- they are acid), but this is a rare instance where an irritating product can actually help your skin. These great acids cause a gentle exfoliation of dry, dead skin cells and create a softer, smoother texture. Many dermatologists consider glycolic acid also to be effective in helping acne prone skin. AHA’s really should not be used unless you have ance, or mature skin (sun damaged). Over use of AHA’s can cause your skin to become thin and rubbery.
TIP #1: When using AHA’s, make sure you apply an organic sunscreen before exposing your skin to the sun.
TIP #2: If your skin is sensitive, you may want to make sure you are testing your product before you go on a full-body scrubbing mission. Make sure you don't apply your exfoliating regimen to your face, the tools and products used for "body" exfoliation are much to harsh for the skin on our face, this is because the skin on our face is much thinner and being to abrasive with it can cause damage and broken capillaries. Sensitive skin users should also be leery in purchasing an organic scrub that contains minty ingredients such as tea tree oil, and eucalyptus because it could be irritating for your skin.
TIP #3: After you exfoliate, make sure you rinse very well, and don't forget to pay extra attention to your elbows, knees and heels when exfoliating (and with your moisturizer).
