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Exfoliate Your Face


exfoliate1



What does exfoliate mean? Everyday our skin sheds its dead cells. A new layer of skin cells form and push the old ones to the surface. Eventually the dead cells break away and fall off of the skin. This is exfoliation.


When you exfoliate, you help this natural process by removing the dead skin faster and stimulating new cell growth.


Think of an onion. The surface may look dry, old and unappealing. If you peel off the top layers, you'll see something fresh, young and healthy looking.


Benefits for All Skin Types

Dry skin: You'll get better moisturization because your cream won't be sitting on top of dead skin. Try: Skin Milk Facial Scrub

Oily skin: Pores are kept clear so oil doesn't accumulate and clog as badly. Try: Prescriptives Immediate SmoothSkin Conditioning Exfoliator

Aging skin: The skin's natural renewal process is stimulated. Remember the onion. Try: Freeze 24/7 IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep & Polish


Combination skin: Skin will look clean, healthy and have a better overall tone.

Exfoliating also prevents ingrown hairs and razor bumps when shaving or using hair removal creams.


Ways to Exfoliate

1. Mechanically - Rubbing your face with products that contain miniscule abrasive particles like ground apricot pits. Examples are sugar scrubs and loofah sponges (for the body only).

2. Chemically - These products contain mild acids like salicylic, alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy. They dissolve the top layer of dead skin. It sounds scary when I use words like chemical and acid but these products are commonly used and available everywhere.



Choosing a Product


- Make sure it's for the face, not the body. Body scrubs are way to harsh.

- It should be gentle. If you like natural stuff, try sugar or baking soda.


I was a big fan of St. Ives Apricot Facial Scrub because the grit is really big. I could really feel the abrasion against my face so I thought it was REALLY working. The rougher the abrasion, the better. More dead layers of skin would come off. Right? No, not really.


Dermatologists don't recommend brands like St. Ives because of the particle size. It's way too damaging for our delicate faces. Instead, they prefer milder brands like Clinique, Neutrogena, Oil of Olay and Cetaphil.

What ever brand you choose, make sure the grit is gentle.



Scrubbing Tips

- Exfoliate 1-2 times per week.

- If you have extremely sensitive skin or bad acne, consult a dermatologist before any scrubbing.

- Best time is after a shower when pores are already open.

- If you don't have time after showering, wet your face with warm water before applying product.

- Rub in a circular motion.

- Don't rub too hard.

- Don't forget your neck.

- Stay away from your eyes.


I know all this seems like a pain, but it'll be worth it. Remember the onion!








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