How To Exfoliate
Exfoliating will:
- Remove dead, dulling, surface cells
- Stimulate circulation in the deeper layers of the skin
- Clear pores of debris and irritants
- Reduce eruptions
- Leave skin with a youthful glow
How to Exfoliate with a Natural Scrub
1. After you wash, leave your skin moist and put some of the scrub over your face, neck, and chest, taking care to keep it out of your eyes.
2. Gently massage your skin with your fingertips in a circular motion, always moving the circles upwards, never downwards. The circles should be about an inch or so across – small circles. And did I say “massage gently?”
3. Continue for about 30 seconds (if you go longer, you are over-doing it), then rinse with cold water and dab dry.
4. Dab on toner and let it dry on your skin. Now, if needed, you are ready to moisturize.
5. Seeing is believing. You should see an immediate increase in the aliveness and glow of your skin. Do not be alarmed if your skin is a little red for a few minutes – it is the blood coming to the surface; the redness should quickly fade away. If it doesn’t, you either pressed too hard when massaging, or you are sensitive to the ingredients in the scrub. Remember, gently does it! Next time, try a softer touch or use a milder exfoliant.
That covers the basics of how to exfoliate. It’s that simple.
Facial Massagers
For even better exfoliating, I like to use a small facial massager. It is very gentle, but it does a good job of spreading the exfoliant evenly over my skin. I find the results I get with it are better than when I just use my fingers. The Clairosonic is the best, by far. I think it is money well spent.
After Exfoliating
If your skin is oily, then you probably don’t need to do anything. If you have dry skin, then this would be a good time to moisturize. The exfoliant I use contains moisturizing oils and, for my skin, that’s enough right there. For others, a moisturizer is really helpful.
How Often to Exfoliate
If your skin is rough and uneven, you could exfoliate every day for the first 5 days. Otherwise, twice a week is usually about right.
Who Should Exfoliate
Most doctors say we should start exfoliating in our twenties, as soon as the buildup of dead skin cells begins. In my experience, anyone over 30 who cares about their skin should exfoliate regularly using a natural exfoliant. It is one of the very best things you can do for your skin.
Dealing with Sensitive Skin
If you have thin or sensitive skin, start by testing a small area on your cheek. Be gentle. If all is well, continue with the rest of your face. If you have trouble, try again with a milder scrub.
When NOT to Exfoliate
Please do not exfoliate sunburned skin. Wait for it to heal! And be careful not to combine other procedures with exfoliating – don’t do it on a day you are going for spa treatments, for example.
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