What is exfoliation?
In simple terms, exfoliation is all about giving your skin a fresh start by getting rid of those lifeless skin cells that cling to it. You can achieve this through chemical means, using scrubs that boast unique acids to dissolve those dead cells, or you can go the physical route with abrasive scrubs.
Every month or so, your skin does a natural cleanse by shedding away those old, worn-out skin cells, making room for the new ones to shine. However, sometimes, these dead cells can be a bit stubborn and refuse to budge, causing problems like clogged pores and flaky, dry skin. That's where exfoliation comes in handy, helping you keep these issues at bay effectively.
Why is it important to exfoliate regularly?
You might wonder why bother with removing those seemingly insignificant dead skin cells. However, the truth is that exfoliation is not something to be underestimated.
As we age, our body's natural process of cell regeneration slows down. This slowdown means it takes longer for new skin cells to replace the old ones, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface. This accumulation can leave your complexion looking rough, lackluster, and dry. Additionally, when excess facial oil is in the mix, these old skin cells can clog pores, leading to pesky breakouts.
Regular exfoliation serves as a remedy by gently removing the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the fresh, new cells beneath. This opens the door for skincare products to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing their absorption and effectiveness.
The long-term benefits of consistent exfoliation extend to enhanced collagen production. As you may already know, collagen is the key to maintaining vibrant, healthy skin. It not only diminishes signs of aging but also promotes skin elasticity. In sum, incorporating regular exfoliation into your skincare routine will help keep your complexion looking fresh and radiant
Benefits of skin exfoliation
Exfoliation, if done correctly, can bring about these benefits:
-
Unclogged pores: As mentioned above, exfoliation gets those dead skin cells that might clog your pores and result in breakouts out of the way. With proper facial exfoliation, no need to concern about acne or blemishes!
-
Better circulation: Exfoliation also stimulates the skin surface, which in turn boosts blood flow and gives your face a healthy glow.
-
Improved absorption: The removal of old skin cells and other debris undoubtedly enables the skin to better absorb skincare products.
-
Brighter, smoother complexion: By stripping your skin off this dull outer layer, exfoliators help nourish silky smooth and soft skin [1].
How often should you exfoliate your body?
Determining the perfect frequency for body exfoliation isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Nevertheless, there's a general consensus that exfoliating two to three times a week strikes a good balance. Going overboard with daily exfoliation can risk stripping your skin of its natural oils, whereas exfoliating only once a week might not effectively remove those unwanted layers of dead skin cells.
Exfoliation is all about finding equilibrium, so allowing dead skin cells to bid farewell two or three times per week should work well for most skin types. A recommended skincare routine could include a weekly peel or mask, coupled with using an acid serum on two to three nights a week.
5 ways to exfoliate your face naturally
Before exfoliating your face, you should first determine your skin type as different skin types will trigger different reactions to exfoliation methods. People with sensitive or dry skin are recommended to try a washcloth for gentle physical exfoliation or a mild chemical exfoliator. On the contrary, people with thicker or oily skin may need stronger chemical or physical exfoliators.
Whatever your skin type is, there is a natural homemade scrub for you. Using natural ingredients, these exfoliators are safe, economical, and gentle on the skin. All you need is a measuring spoon or cup, a mixing bowl, and the ingredients listed below.
Coffee
Believe it or not, coffee does more than just give you an energy boost in the morning. Its antioxidant properties prevent moisture loss and protect your skin against UV damage. What’s more, the caffeine in coffee stimulates the skin and improves blood circulation to promote youthfulness and radiance.
-
Put three teaspoons of freshly ground coffee into a bowl.
-
Add half a cup of yogurt. You can replace yogurt with full-fat milk if you have dry skin.
-
Use a mixer to blend them and leave the mixture aside for a few minutes.
-
Add a teaspoon of honey once the mixture thickens.
-
Mix it well before applying the mixture to your face.
-
Scrub in upward circular motions for eight to ten minutes.
-
Rinse it off with cold water.
Sugar
With small and rough grains, sugar is ideal for getting rid of dead skin cells. It is considered one of the best natural exfoliants and is widely used by the skin-conscious community.
-
Get half a cup of brown or white sugar.
-
Add enough grapeseed or olive oil to make a paste.
-
Mix them well.
-
Apply the mixture onto the face in circular motions.
-
Let it sit for ten minutes before cleansing with warm water.
Oatmeal
Another effective ingredient for an easy homemade exfoliator is oatmeal. This ingredient reduces the extra facial oil, removes excess sebum from the skin, and keeps your face clean. It is therefore highly recommended for oily and acne-prone skin.
-
Get two tablespoons of oatmeal.
-
Add one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of whole milk to the mixture.
-
Leave it aside until the oatmeal softens.
-
Add a few drops of rosewater to the mixture (if possible) and mix it well.
-
Apply the mixture onto your face and massage gently for a few minutes.
-
Wash it off with cold water.
Banana
You’re not a fan of oils on your face? No worries, try this exfoliating scrub with banana as its base and some oatmeal.
Like many other fruits, bananas are rich in nutrients. They are loaded with vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin A traces. Bananas also contain silica – a relative of silicone. This mineral element can encourage collagen production in your skin.
-
Grind the oatmeal in a food processor until you get a fine powder.
-
Take a ripe banana and mash it until you get a smooth texture.
-
Mix these two ingredients in a bowl.
-
Apply the mixture onto your face in circular motions for one to two minutes.
-
Cleanse it off with water.
The leftover mixture can be kept in an airtight container to be stored in a refrigerator.
Baking soda
Baking soda can exfoliate the skin deeply and clear your skin of any grime, dirt, or dead cells. Added to this scrub is lemon to minimize sebum production.
-
Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl.
-
Add half a tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
-
Mix all the ingredients well till you get a smooth paste.
-
Scrub the paste on your face gently in circular motions from three to four minutes.
-
Rinse it off with warm water.
While a thorough exfoliation can greatly improve the appearance of your skin, it's important to be mindful of potential allergic reactions, as is the case with any exfoliating product. To ensure your safety, here's a recommended approach: After preparing a homemade scrub, apply a small amount of the mixture to the inner part of your elbow. If there are no adverse reactions on this patch of skin, it should be safe for use on your face.
However, it's crucial to avoid applying the scrub to any areas with broken or irritated skin, such as active acne blemishes or cuts. It's also wise to refrain from exfoliating when your skin is chapped, red, or sunburned. This cautious approach will help you achieve the best results while minimizing the risk of any unpleasant reactions
