More On Exfoliation

MORE ON EXFOLIATION - by Editor

We have already seen how often you should exfoliate, depending on your age and skin type. Read more about the benefits of exfoliating your entire body.  Exfoliation isn't just for the face. Regular exfoliating and moisturizing will ensure that your skin looks smooth well into your fifties, but then what about your neck. We have all seen unlined, ageless faces perched atop wrinkled necks. If you don't want this to happen to you, understand the importance of treating your neck with as much care as you treat your face, and start exfoliating and moisturizing it now. Exfoliate your neck at least twice a week. Wet your face before exfoliating, and then gently rub your skin using a circular motion, with clean hands.  Always use products designed only for the face, whether you are exfoliating your face or your neck. Exfoliating scrubs designed for the body will be too harsh for the face and you run the risk of bursting blood vessels. Yes, there is such a thing called over-exfoliation, so ensure that you are very gentle at all times. If you exfoliate daily, rub your skin very gently or, ideally, use an exfoliating face wash.  The enzymes in papaya too are great for exfoliating the skin. Mash a papaya and apply it to your face, avoiding the delicate area under your eyes. Rinse off after fifteen minutes with tepid water.  Every once a month, try this before your shower. Take some granulated salt in a small bowl and mix in enough olive oil to make a paste. Apply the mixture all over your body. Leave on for around ten to fifteen minutes while you complete your other morning rituals. Scrub off in a gentle, circular motion, with the help of a bath sponge, if required. This mask removes dead cells from all over your body, leaving your skin clean, fresh and glowing. After you finish off with your shower, don't forget to apply a generous amount of body cream all over.  The rough areas of your elbows and knees, and the soles of the feet also require regular exfoliation to prevent them from turning dry and dark. In order for moisturizer to really penetrate these areas, they need to be clean and free from dead cells. If they are covered with a thick layer of sebum and dead cells, you can apply as much moisturizer as you want, to little avail. These areas require strong exfoliation, and nothing works as well as a pumice stone. Scrub your elbows, knees and feet, concentrating on the heels with a pumice stone daily while bathing, and follow up with moisturizer.  Don't forget to exfoliate your lips too. Lips benefit greatly from exfoliation. As all of us know, lips dry out faster than many other areas of our body, and are constantly peeling and cracking. Exfoliating lips gently, regularly, helps get rid of dead, dry skin, so when you follow up with your favourite lip balm you really see results. The best way to exfoliate lips is to scrub them gently, daily with a soft toothbrush.