Exfoliating is essential for a healthy looking skin. Most people wonder if our body sheds dead cells on its own and why exfoliating might make a difference. When dead cells clog your pores, you are prone to acne. Naturally ,the dead cells don’t shed fast enough, so if you can physically exfoliate your skin, you could achieve a glowing face and prevent acne. However, exfoliation should never be done more than once a week. For a very demanding skin type a maximum of twice a week exfoliation is recommended but make sure your exfoliator isn’t too harsh for the skin type. Avoiding mechanical exfoliators would be a good option for sensitive skins.
These exfoliators can irritate other skin types as well. Mechanical exfoliators include scrubs, loofas and microdermabrasion.
Types of Exfoliation
Mechanical
Mechanical exfoliating is the most commonly used technique of exfoliation around the world. This method of exfoliation requires the use of different scrubbing tools to physically remove dead skin. It also includes using an abrasive to scrub away dead skin cells. Scrubs, loofas, hand-held scrubbing disks, and stones for feet are the best mechanical exfoliators. You can also use your finger nails as scrubbers if you’re unable to find one in the market. For dry skin, it is advisable not to use such exfoliators since they leave the skin looking drier instead of fresh. By taking guidance from a dermatologist about how to exfoliate your skin with these cheaper instruments, the goal of a very healthy looking skin can be achieved. For oily skin, charcoal scrubs are best suited whereas, for normal skin types mild daily cleansers can do the job. But for sensitive skin try to avoid cleansers with coarser textures as they can irritate sensitive skins.
Chemical
These exfoliators are best for acne-prone skin or treating acne itself. Chemical exfoliators use ingredients like citric acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, malic acid and fruit enzymes. These acid-based exfoliators dissolve dead skin cells instantly. Cream, gel, lotion or cleanser — no matter what form these formulas are in, they slightly peel off the skin . It is advised to moisturize your skin after using these exfoliators because they can be tough on the skin. If you’re looking for a chemical exfoliator specifically because you struggle with acne, try finding one with salicylic acid.
If you have dry skin, don’t worry, we have you covered! Try finding exfoliators with lactic acid, since they are the gentlest of all acids. But look at the ingredients carefully; a combination of different acids can be too harsh for this specific skin type. Usually a combination of three or more acids, even if they include lactic acid, can be very harsh for sensitive skin.
Natural
Products without any sort of chemicals can be very beneficial for your skin. Creating a natural exfoliator at home can cost you far less than buying one or making an appointment for a medical treatment.
Baking soda is an excellent exfoliator and it works for most skin types. Just add baking soda into water until a watery paste is achieved. Apply this all over your face and gently rub it. Rinse it off completely making sure no residue is left. You can also add it to your daily facial cleanser and make it more effective.
Sugar is another gentle exfoliator you can use at home at a very low cost. Avoid using salt instead. Try using raw sugar as its crystals are bigger than refined sugar. Just rub it onto your wet skin gently and rinse it off. Adding sugar to lemon and using it can also be great but lemon may not be the best option for dry skin so add sugar to honey instead and use it as an exfoliator.
Coffee is another great natural exfoliator. It contains caffeic acid, which is anti-inflammatory that is great while you exfoliate your skin. Mix two cups of ground coffee with two table spoons of olive oil and half a cup of raw sugar. Mix all these ingredients well and apply to your face or gently rub in and rinse it off completely.
Hair removal through waxing can also exfoliate your skin but this is not the most effective way, since waxing is not required for up to four to eight weeks while exfoliating is suggested once every week. However, this is an option to consider if you want to exfoliate your entire body. HH
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