Scrub-a-dub-dub

Why exfoliate?

The process of exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells. This is considered one of the most important skincare techniques. Without exfoliating you will be encouraging the skin to feel dry, to look dull and pores will be more prone to blockages which can lead to blackheads and spots and pimples.

Obviously the amount of times you exfoliate will depend on the type of skin you have. More oily, combination skins should carry out this technique more regularly as their skin is more prone to oil or sebum production.

The science part

When we exfoliate the skin cells away that are dead, we are removing these from the top layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. This sits on top of the dermis. The skin cells travel from the dermis up to the top layer of the epidermis on a 20-30 day cycle (depending on your age) if you are older, say 35 years your skin will take longer to travel up and therefore need more encouragement to shed itself, than say a teenager. Hence why younger skins can look more glowing and radiant.

As the skin cells travel up to the top layer they will become more flattened and start to die off. As they sit on the top layer they can make the skin feel rough, and dry. When you apply your moisturiser, you want to be applying it to the new plump radiant skin cells right? Not those dry, flat old ones??
So remember the skin you see, the skin you spend all that time creaming and washing is the epidermis and needs lots of care and attention as its the one area that everyone sees. All the new cells are busy working in the layer below in the dermis. The layer below the dermis is the fat and energy store known as the hypodermis. 

Effective exfoliation

Exfoliators come in all shapes and sizes and range from gels, lotions, creams and oils. It is really down to your personal preference and what works best for your skin type.

The main ingredients that give the action of removing dead skin cells can come in lots of forms from poppy seeds, nut shells, oats, clay, and synthetic micro-beads. All of which should provide a gentle action when applied on to the skin to remove the dead cells without causing trauma to the skins surface.

Once you have effectively exfoliated, you should apply a suitable moisturiser to the area as you have removed the dead skin cells and exposed fresh skin underneath.
The action of exfoliating not only helps to remove the dead, dry skin. It also increases the blood supply to the area therefore aiding circulation which also brings fresh blood and nutrients.
So you see, it is so much more than just removing dead skin. The over all impact, is great for the skin and your bodies.

Ideal way to exfoliate

The best way to exfoliate is to apply your scrub onto slightly damp skin and work in small circular motions working towards the heart, so you are pumping the blood in the right direction. Don't over work the product too much into one area as this will make it sensitive. But also remember to work it into all the nooks and cranny's such as around the creases of the nose, on drier areas such as knees and elbows. Once you have worked it into the area, move onto the next area and repeat until you are done. Then rinse off the excess product with warm water. The skin will probably feel slightly tingling, which is normal.

This process should be quicker rather than slow and should result in the skin being a little pink in appearance. This is a good thing as it shows all the lovely fresh blood that you have pumped and circulated around the body.

As a rule this process should be repeated twice a week depending on skin type and time of the year.

Remember exfoliate + moisturise = happy radiant skin

I hope you have found this educating? Now you are ready to get your largest organ, the skin. Prepared and radiant looking no matter what time of the year it is.

Until next time...

Love & sparkle

Caroline King
Beauty geek