Have you noticed that your skin’s natural glow has dulled of late? The secret to restoring your skin to its former glory could be exfoliation. Find out what exfoliating skin involves, its benefits and how to do it properly by reading on.
WHAT IS EXFOLIATION?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Without getting into the complexity of cell regeneration and renewal, you should know that your skin cells have a life cycle of about 30 days. In other words, old skin cells will die, and new skin cells will replace them about once a month.
The problem is that dead skin cells are not always removed as you shower. They rest on top of the new skin layer, where they can transform into dull, flaky patches.
This can happen anywhere on your body, although you are more likely to observe this phenomenon on your face, hands, feet, and sometimes shoulders. Exfoliation helps remove this layer and restore the healthy look of your skin. However, there are more benefits to exfoliating skin. Let’s have a look at them.
7 BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATING SKIN
1. IMPROVES SKIN TONE AND TEXTURE
Whether you’re struggling to get rid of flaky skin or reduce spots and blemishes on your face and shoulders, exfoliating skin can help. The abrasive action removes the superficial layer of skin cells, leaving new and fresher skin behind.
Through this process, exfoliation makes your complexion look brighter, but it also improves the texture of your skin, making it smoother.
2. UNCLOGS THE PORES
When thinking about skin pores, we mostly think about the face. However, pores are present on the skin all over your body, and all pores can get clogged.
If you’ve ever suffered from shoulders and back acne (or “backne”), know that clogged pores and a lack of exfoliation could be the culprits.
An easy way to exfoliate the skin and unclog the pores in hard-to-reach areas such as your back is with the help of an exfoliating shower gel and a Flawless Cleanse Spa massager. Replacing the old back brush, the Cleanse Spa has three convenient heads you can use to wash off grime, exfoliate skin, and give yourself a relaxing massage.
Exfoliate at least once a week, and you’ll see how the spots on your back, shoulders, and other areas of your body will be greatly reduced, perhaps fading completely.
3. REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF WRINKLES
Just like pores, wrinkles don’t exist on your face alone. An area of your body that’s affected by age but often forgotten is the décolletage (beneath the chin, the neck and shoulders). The best way to exfoliate it is with a gentle face exfoliator. Indeed, skin in this area is thin and sensitive, so a too abrasive exfoliator could lead to irritation. Remember to apply the exfoliator gently too, as going too heavy-handed could cause irritation, scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Whilst exfoliating your décolleté, you can also exfoliate your face. Instead of a Cleanse Spa massager, use a Flawless Cleanse face cleansing tool to ensure in-depth cleansing and proper skin exfoliation.
4. BOOSTS CIRCULATION
One of the main benefits of exfoliating skin – especially in the cold season – is improved blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
Better circulation means quicker and more effective cell oxygenation, which contributes towards better skin. Other nutrients will also reach your cells and tissues faster, and an increased blood flow can give you back some of your lost glow.
5. STIMULATES SKIN CELL RENEWAL
Although a lack of exfoliation doesn’t stop skin cell renewal, it makes it harder for the new skin cells to survive. In fact, the layer of dead skin cells can sometimes suffocate the new ones. This is how you’ll end up with fine lines and flaky skin.
To counter this, exfoliation promotes quicker cell turnover. The new skin cells won’t suffocate and won’t be stressed, resulting in healthier skin and a more attractive complexion.
6. IMPROVES HYDRATION
One of the most frequent skin care advice is to keep your skin moisturised. But did you know that applying moisturiser could be in vain if the product can’t nourish your skin? Without exfoliation, all creams and lotions you use may fail to reach the layer of new skin cells, resting instead trapped on top of dead skin cells.
By exfoliating your skin, you allow the moisturiser to penetrate the new skin cells that need it. Hydrated skin will look and feel smoother and more youthful. You may even be able to ditch makeup altogether if your skin improves significantly.
7. HELPS PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR MAKEUP AND TANNING
Talking about makeup, have you ever applied foundation or used a self-tanning spray only to see it caked over patches of dry skin? This only happens if you don’t exfoliate properly or regularly. If you don’t want to end up with unsightly patches of streaks instead of an even tan or caked on makeup on your face, remember to exfoliate at least once a week.
Why once a week since your skin cells only renew once a month? Well, because not all skin cells die at the same time, and weekly exfoliation makes it easier to remove them all.
HOW TO EXFOLIATE
Exfoliating is easy; and there are a few methods.
One way is to use the exfoliator attachment on your Flawless Cleanse Spa. Just pour your favourite liquid soap in the chamber and gently use it to rub away at dead skin. If you haven’t got a Cleanse Spa (unlucky!), a body brush and some gently exfoliating shower gel will do. Don’t forgot to be as gentle as possible- rubbing too hard may cause your skin to get irritated.
Another way to is to apply a gently exfoliating body scrub on your skin and rub gently with your fingers or a brush. You could choose to use a scrub before showering. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can also use a gently exfoliating shower gel.
If you’ve forgotten to buy a body scrub, you can make your own exfoliator mixing the juice of one lemon with a few tablespoons of salt (or, you could use this body scrub recipe if you don’t mind buying some ingredients you might not have). Just avoid sun exposure if you decide to use a lemon scrub because the citric acid could burn your skin.
Make exfoliating your skin part of your skincare regime and your skin will be in the best condition it’s ever been in.
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Before you go, don’t forget to check other beauty tips from our blog. Also check out the Finishing Touch Flawless range for some brilliant beauty and hair removal tools for your face and body.