The Benefits of Exfoliating

The skin is your largest organ. Of course, not many people even realize that it’s an organ and end up neglecting it. That’s unfortunate. After all, the skin protects us day and night from elements. It takes a beating almost on a daily basis.

Keeping skin healthy is not always easy. Under the skin layers, cells are constantly regenerating. The body produces new skin cells nonstop. These new cells push the dead skin cells away and out. An average adult can lose up to 50,000 dead skin cells every minute.

Grossed out by the idea of you being a walking receptacle of falling dead skin cells? It does sound icky. But that’s not the worst of it. When the dead skin cells don’t slough off as they should, they end up clogging your pores. The next thing you know, your face is breakout central.

What can you do to prevent this from happening?

Exfoliate.

There are 3 types of exfoliating processes: manual, enzyme and chemical. If your skin is sensitive to traditional scrubs, you can opt for an enzyme exfoliation. It doesn’t involve scrubbing or chemical exfoliation.

The Benefits of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a pretty simple process. The goals are:

1) to remove the dead skin cells, and

2) leave your skin feeling softer and looking healthier.

Exfoliation is done by gently rubbing some type of product over the skin. The process scrapes away dead skin cells and exposes newer ones. You can also exfoliate without a scrub. Just soak for a few minutes. Use a sponge, exfoliating glove or cloth to gently massage over your skin after. You know what’s nice about this? It also aids in promoting better blood circulation.

Whatever method you choose, exfoliating has its advantages.

• Improve skin texture

Exfoliating revives dry and dull skin. When your skin feels rough or dry, exfoliate. You’ll immediately notice how your skin becomes smoother.

• Get a closer shave

Getting nicks and cuts from a dull razor is no fun. But the blade isn’t always to blame. Dead skin cells can clog up razors blades. This increases the risk of injuring and irritating your skin.

Get the closest shave possible, and lessen the risk of cuts. Exfoliate before shaving.

• Look younger

Exfoliation helps fight the signs of skin ageing. Dead and dull skin cells, that often make wrinkles, fine lines and dry skin, stand out more.

Exfoliating regularly lets the skin age a bit more gracefully.

• Prevent breakouts

When pores get clogged up with dead skin cells, oils from the skin get trapped under the surface. The result? Blackheads, whiteheads and acne.

Clearing dead skin cells away helps keep the pores clean and clear. Acne is now under control.

• Even out skin tone

Having uneven skin tone can be embarrassing. Imagine your forehead being a different color than the rest of your face, for example. Not a pretty picture, is it?

A quick way to help your skin tone even out is through exfoliation.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Did your skin turn red and itchy after exfoliating? That’s a sign that you may be overdoing things a bit.

Experts say that you can exfoliate your face twice a week. Those with sensitive skin might find that too much already, and should probably just stick to once a week exfoliation sessions. Those with naturally oily skin, meanwhile, need to exfoliate more often as it makes for higher build up of dead skin cells.

For the rest of the body, professionals agree that 3 times a week is sufficient. Again, sensitive skin demands that you exfoliate less.

Remember, don’t scrub too much as you may end up removing healthy skin cells on top of the dead ones. You’ll then be left with red and sore skin. Rub skin firmly but gently in circular motions to get the job done.

Beautiful skin takes work. Keeping to an exfoliating regimen can make it easier.