The benefits of exfoliating your skin are fairly well known. But what exactly does it entail? And more importantly, how can you use it to improve the look and feel of your skin? The basics of exfoliating are simple, but the benefits can be amazing. Read on for more information on why exfoliating is good for you.
The root of the word exfoliate comes from the Latin exfoliate. It involves the removal of an individual's oldest, dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. While dead skin cells can contribute to the look and feel of your skin, too much of it can also cause problems such as irritation and acne. In addition to these problems, many people find that exfoliating can help reduce the amount of dead skin cells that accumulate in your pores. So the benefits of exfoliating include removing a layer of dead skin that can contribute to clogged pores and can even make your skin more resistant to acne.
Although there are a number of different ways to exfoliate, it is usually performed by a dermatologist or aesthetician. This is because one person's skin type is not necessarily the same as another person's. Different exfoliating products are designed for different skin types. So, if you have dry skin, you may want to use a different exfoliating product than someone with oily skin. This is because those with oily skin may exfoliate more often, while those with dry skin may only exfoliate every other day.
A typical exfoliator will contain small scrubbing beads or tiny particles, called micro-beads, which are used to exfoliate your skin. The micro-beads help to slough off dead skin cells from your skin in order to reveal younger and healthier looking skin. However, there are some differences between those who exfoliate and those who don't, so you'll need to learn what your skin type is in order to choose the right exfoliant for you.
Microdermabrasion and exfoliation can both be done using mechanical exfoliants such as loofahs and sponges. Some dermaplaning lotions can also help to remove dead skin from your body. You should read the instructions on any dermaplaning product carefully before using it. Loofah sponges are typically considered to be less exfoliating than mechanical exfoliants, although they still can help to exfoliate your skin.
A less common method of exfoliation, which can also help to reduce pores and lessen acne, is the use of a washcloth. When using a washcloth, avoid using long, even strokes and always wash from the outside in. Use short, circular motions with the washcloth to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. Washing your face with a washcloth several times a week is usually sufficient to keep your pores and oil glands clear.
Chemical exfoliants can include salicylic acid and / or glycolic acid. Both types of chemical exfoliators can be found in many different exfoliator kits, but most people prefer to use milder versions that don't require scrubbing with strong chemicals. Milder chemical exfoliators can help to reduce the oil buildup in your skin and help reduce the look of your wrinkles. However, they aren't effective for treating or preventing wrinkles, so you'll want to continue using a good moisturizer after exfoliating to keep your skin soft and healthy looking.
Mechanical exfoliants include sugar scrubs and brown sugar scrubs. Sugar scrubs are great for removing dead skin and refining your complexion. Brown sugar scrubs have similar benefits, but they are designed to work better for people with oily skin. Mechanical exfoliants can be a useful tool for anyone who has oily skin, but it is important to understand when to use mechanical exfoliants instead of sugar scrubs and when to let your skin breathe.