Exfoliate Your Face For A Glowing Complextion
Achieving the natural glow and fresh look of our youth is possible, when you have a cleansing routine which not only involves a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and weekly facial mask but also a good facial scrub.
As you age, your skin looks dull and lifeless because of the dead skin cells which have accumulated on the surface.
You have a natural ability to shed the dead skin, but this process decreases with age. On average we generate a new layer of skin every two to four weeks.
By exfoliating, you are providing stimulation and skin cell renewal which is very important for giving your skin a fresher, younger look. Exfoliating also encourages healthier skin, by stimulating blood flow to the skins surface and gives wrinkles a softer look, helping you to look younger.
Regular exfoliation, depending on your skin type (usually between one and three times a week); will provide better penetration for your moisturizers and treatments and will improve the skins moisture content.
There are many different types of facial scrubs on the market, which fall into two categories, mechanical (sometimes referred to as physical) and chemical.
Mechanical exfoliants use granules such as crushed seeds, apricot kernel, crushed almond shells, sugar or salt crystals, corncob meal, oat meal and other types of ingredients which give the scrub a courser feel to it. Some of theses scrubs can be very course and some can have a much finer grit to them.
Try to avoid a scrub with walnut or apricot, as these can be to abrasive and you would not want to use a scrub which is very course on mature or sensitive skin. This type of scrub can be good for oily skin.
Chemical exfoliants usually contain enzymes, retinols or alpha (AHAs) and beta hydroxy (BHAs) acids and fruit enzymes to gently slough off unwanted surface cells.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
AHAs along with BHAs help to loosen the bonds that hold dead cells together, allowing them to slouch off easily.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Usually the chemical exfoliate which contains AHAs and BHAs is better for sensitive and mature skin.
If you have dry skin, a scrub can be very effective as dry skin tends to be over laden with dead skin. The best type of scrub for dry skin is a chemical exfoliate, as this will be more effective and gentle.
Dry skin types only need to scrub once a week or every two to three weeks.
If you suffer from adult acne, it is important for you to exfoliate as this will help lesson the breakouts. Acne prone skin actually produces more dead skin cells than people without this problem, which is why regular exfoliation is important.
If you do suffer from acne a gentle chemical exfoliant is best for you to use, as the friction involved in a mechanical scrub can irritate your already inflamed skin.
Having a good cleansing routine is very important, especially for mature skin. As well as including a good facial scrub it is important to drink plenty of water and use oil or cream based face wash.
Use a scrub after cleansing and always use gently on your face, as I have made the mistake of scrubbing to hard, and it’s not a good look. Apply to skin in a gentle circular motion and avoid the eye and lip area. Add a little bit of water to the scrub and always remove with lukewarm water.
It is not necessary to exfoliate every day, as this may cause irritation or dryness.
The best time to exfoliate is in the evening. I used to give my face a quick scrub in the mornings while in the shower, I certainly feel and notice a difference doing it in the evenings and not rushing it.
Tags aging anti aging complexion looking younger
March 11th, 2009 at
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