The Best Head-to-Toe Exfoliation Tips!

The skin changes significantly over the years. For example, a baby’s skin feels incredibly smooth to the touch, but in the senior years, it might feel rougher with fine lines decorating the facial features. 

Every person loses thousands of skin cells each day. For this reason, it’s critically important to exfoliate on a regular basis.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about exfoliation and its place in a daily, skincare routine.

Women can deal with skin-change issues without too much effort by practicing this advice.

Let’s start out by learning what exfoliation is in the first place. It’s a relatively simple process.

What is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the physical act of removing dead skin cells from the body. It can be achieved by either manual or chemical processes.

Helping the body lose dead skin cells forces it to make new tissue, which is typically healthier with better texture than before.

Do you have a few questions about this exfoliation definition? Here are a few common questions:

When Should You Exfoliate?

The time of day doesn’t matter when it comes to exfoliation. Perform this task in the morning or evening as you see fit.

How often Should You Exfoliate?

The majority of mature women can exfoliate around twice a week. Women with oily skin, however, can increase the frequency to every other day.

When Should You Skip Exfoliation?

Skip exfoliation when you have cuts or sores on the skin. They might be irritated with any exfoliation process.

Are you interested in the top benefits of exfoliation? Read on to understand these perks in great detail.

The Key Benefits of Exfoliation

There are several benefits to exfoliation. Each one raises the point of its critical importance to any woman’s skincare routine.

Take a look at the key benefits listed below. Some of the highlights might surprise you.

Fades Skin Discoloration

Mature women might notice dark areas and age spots on their skin as the years go by. These areas are entirely normal, but they’re certainly not welcome.

Regular exfoliation fades discolored skin. As the exfoliant draws away dead cells from the skin, it effectively breaks apart the pigmented area.

Fading pigmentation cannot be completed in just a single, exfoliation process, however. It occurs over time with weekly exfoliation.

Reduces Pore Size

Your pores are the openings in the skin that allow hair and sebum to venture onto the surface. Without exfoliation, the pores accumulate dead skin that remains stuck to the tissue.

Regular exfoliation encourages everyday shedding of the skin. The pores aren’t forced to hold extra skin and particles, which allows them to shrink and appear small.

Improves Absorption

Exfoliation also contributes to better absorption by the skin’s pores. Less dead skin means that there’s no barrier for lotions and serums to infiltrate the tissue.

Beauty products, including argan oil, can absorb right into the skin. Without exfoliation, the dead skin cells remain as another barrier.

Lotions cannot enter the tissue, which renders their effects null and void. Consider exfoliation as a gateway to enhanced skin with everyday products.

Fights Breakouts

Acne is an issue for both teenagers and mature women. Hormonal fluctuations make pimples a reality.

As a clever way to combat acne, exfoliation is the answer. Women must find a balance between invigorating the skin with either chemical or physical exfoliation and allowing the tissue to rest.

Clean and balanced skin doesn’t have the ingredients to break out anymore. Use exfoliation to avoid those inflamed breakouts.

Calms the Signs of Aging

By removing dead skin every week, the activity stimulates the tissue to generate new cells. As a result, the signs of aging seem to fade.

Wrinkles and fine lines might have a subtler appearance. It has a healthy glow, which is perceived as youthful.

The key to fighting the signs of aging is in the habitual nature of exfoliation. It must be part of a woman’s weekly skincare routine.

Keeps Pores Clean

Blackheads and whiteheads are still a concern for many mature women. Using the power of exfoliation can clear up many of these blemishes.

Because exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the tissue, there are fewer particles that can become stuck in the pores and create blackheads or whiteheads. Keeping the pores clean is an automatic benefit of exfoliating on a regular basis.

Balances the Skin

If a woman deals with dry skin, it seems like the flaky conditions are always a bother. Exfoliation removes these excess cells.

In fact, perform exfoliation on a regular basis to see the flaky skin disappear. The skin has a chance to balance itself with natural oils.

Removing the dead skin only encourages new growth, which is typically healthy cells with a solid balance of oils.

Fights off Ingrown Hairs

Many women have dealt with ingrown hairs after waxing or shaving. The new hair cannot move into place, so it becomes a reddened area.

Exfoliate the skin to see fewer ingrown hairs. There won’t be any obstacles, such as dead skin, in the way of the growing hair. 

It’s allowed to move into place without any pain.

You’re probably ready to try exfoliation right now! Before you head off to the beauty store, consider the fact that there are different types of exfoliation.

Learn all about chemical and physical exfoliation so that you know which one is right for you.

Types of Exfoliation

Currently, there are two types of exfoliation processes available to the public. Physical and chemical exfoliation achieve the same results, but with starkly different treatments.

Physical exfoliation involves a coarse material rubbing against the skin to remove cells. In contrast, chemical exfoliation employs acids to gently dissolve the excess skin from the body.

Did you know that there are many different types of exfoliating products under each of these categories? Mature women have a lot of options as they learn how to exfoliate the scalp, face and other skin areas.

Let’s take a deeper look at both categories and their tools of the trade.

Physical Exfoliation

Many women are familiar with physical exfoliation because it’s the most cost-effective way to beautify the skin. Women rub a coarse material against their skin in order to physically remove the dead cells.

Physical exfoliation is extremely effective, and there are varying tools to choose from. Your preference is based on ease of use and the comfort level across your skin.

Explore these physical tools to understand exfoliation’s meaning and true purpose:

Small and Large Granules

Exfoliating scrubs can come with either small or large granules. Be sure to use the right granule on specific body areas.

Small granules, such as jojoba beads, work well on thin or sensitive skin. They’re less prone to irritating the skin. 

Large granules, including pumice stone, are perfect for thick skin. The heels of the foot respond well to large granules, for example.

Seeds and Nuts

Some women prefer more natural solutions. Crushed nutshells, ground fruit pits and even coffee grounds can be effective exfoliants.

Be aware that these products can be extra rough on the skin. Try a test area before applying the materials all over the body.

Mitts and Brushes

An exfoliating mitt is a clever way to reach all of your skin areas with the hand. It has a basic abrasive so that you can treat the whole body.

Brushes continue to be popular because they’re used on dry skin. You can perform this exfoliation process any time of day without scheduling it around a shower.

Professional Abrasive Products

Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating process that’s performed by a licensed dermatologist. A tool with abrasive materials is passed across the skin as a vacuum sucks up the debris.

This exfoliating choice is effective, but certainly costs more than DIY products at home. Most mature women appreciate the simple abrasives instead of turning to this procedure.

Chemical Exfoliation

The beauty-product world is constantly creating new items for skin renewal. Chemical peels, for instance, can remove dead skin with science backing the process.

Chemical exfoliation takes some time to appear on the skin, however. Women who have the patience to apply the product and wait for the results can see skin that glows with renewed tissue.

Today’s chemical exfoliants are safer than ever before. Explore some of the most popular selections below:

AHAs and BHA

Alpha hydroxy acids come from natural sources, such as dairy or fruits, which makes them water-soluble products. They bind with the upper layer of the skin in order to peel it away from the healthier, lower layers.

BHA or beta hydroxy acid operates in a slightly different manner because it’s oil soluble. It also binds to the upper skin layer, but it can infiltrate the pores so that the molecules work on a deeper layer too.

Both of these exfoliants are considered light peels. They work well for the face and other sensitive areas.

Enzymes

Enzymes are also found in exfoliating products. The human body is a collection of enzymes, which makes the exfoliant effective with sensitive people.

These products tend to work slower than others, however. Read up on the enzyme type and application suggestions before using it.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a different kind of exfoliant because they promote growth instead of peeling. This product comes from vitamin A, which is a core nutrient for skin health.

Applying retinoids onto the skin allows the body to convert them into an acid. This acid encourages collagen production and fights off skin damage.

This exfoliant is often used on fine lines in order to reduce the signs of aging.

Salicylic Acid

This exfoliant is actually a synthetic relative of aspirin. It falls under the BHA category, but offers unique features for the skin.

Salicylic acid targets inflammation, which means that acne treatment is the best application for this product. It exfoliates as it heals.

With so many tools at your disposal, it’s easy to start with an exfoliation process. Did you know that there are varying strategies to exfoliation across the body?

Discover how to treat different body parts with exfoliation products. Pampering each part with the right steps can improve the skin’s appearance in no time.

How to Exfoliate Different Body Parts

Mature women can take some time out of their schedules to exfoliate most parts of their bodies. Do you know the tools that are necessary for this task?

Here’s a handy list of products and tools that facilitate those exfoliating routines:

• Salt or body scrubs
• Exfoliating brush
• Lip scrubs
• Pumice stone
• Argan oil

Each body part requires a different strategy and tool, however.

Follow these step-by-step instructions when it comes to exfoliating different body parts. The difference will be visible in time.

How to Exfoliate the Scalp

1: Choose a shampoo that contains urea or salicylic acid, which targets the scalp and balances out its oil-to-dryness ratio. Consider Epsom salt to exfoliate scalp areas too.

2: Follow the directions for application in the shower. Rub the product into the hair and scalp with a circular motion.

3: Start at the base of the skull and work your way forward. Be sure to massage behind the ears too.

4: Rinse it out and condition like normal.

How to Exfoliate the Face

1: Apply an exfoliating scrub to a damp face by using your fingers. Most scrubs are designed for the facial area.

2: Use a circular motion to gently exfoliate flaky skin on the facial features. Do not exfoliate the eye area.

3: Splash water onto the face to rinse away the scrub.

4: Apply argan oil to the face. Several drops dabbed onto the skin will produce soft and supple results.

Using argan oil as a moisturizer after exfoliating gives the healing skin nourishment. The vitamins and fatty acids within argan oil will balance out the skin and continually moisturize it for hours afterward.

How to Exfoliate the Lips

1: Dab your facial scrub onto the lips.

2: Wet your fingers and gently rub the scrub into the lips.

3: Rinse the area after exfoliating the lips.

4: Dab argan oil onto the lips. Use it as a lip balm for ample moisture.

When you want to know how to exfoliate the lips, following up the task with a natural moisturizer is key. Argan oil comes from Moroccan tree nuts, which gives it a dense amount of nutrients for the human body.

The lips can absorb the argan oil just as readily as the skin. Avoid eating or drinking anything until the oil absorbs into the lips.

How to Exfoliate the Armpits

1: Perform this task in the shower.

2: Use everyday soap or body wash to cleanse the armpit area.

3 Slide on exfoliating gloves.

4: Press the glove onto the armpit. Use circular motions to exfoliate the area.

5: Rinse and dry the armpits.

How to Exfoliate the Body Skin

1: Start with dry skin.

2: Apply an exfoliating brush to the skin.

3: Use the brush on every part of the body, including the back.

4: Focus extra attention on joints, such as the knees and elbows.

5: Alternatively, shower with a body wash with an included exfoliant.

6: Follow up the brushing or bathing with argan oil mixed into your favorite lotion. A natural moisturizer will encourage healing after the exfoliation.

How to Exfoliate the Legs

1: Apply a body scrub or leg-specific product in the shower.

2: Use the fingers to exfoliate the legs instead of a washcloth.

3: Start at the base of the legs and work upward in circular motions.

4: Rinse off the legs.

5: Shave the legs if necessary.

6: Moisturize the area as you learn how to exfoliate the legs. Choose a lotion with natural oils, including argan oil.

Apply the moisturizer to both legs. Allow it to absorb into the skin by wearing shorts instead of pants.

How to Exfoliate the Hands and Feet

Hands:

1: Choose a scrub designed for the hands.

2: Dab the scrub onto the hands. Gently work the scrub into the inner and outer parts of the hands.

3: Rinse the scrub away.

4: Dab a few drops of argan oil onto the hands. Slide on some disposable gloves so that the oil can absorb into the hands.

Feet:

1: Soak the feet for 15 minutes in a warm bath of Epsom salts.

2: Dry the feet off with a towel.

3: Apply a pumice stone or electric callus remover to the feet. Go over the heels and balls of the feet.

4: Finish off the foot treatment by adding a foot cream to the feet. Add a few drops of argan oil to the cream to achieve even more moisturizing power.

How often should you exfoliate your face? Are there other rules for exfoliating the entire body?

Discover the dos and don’ts of exfoliation when you’re prepping for it and recovering from it. These tips can streamline the process while safeguarding the skin from any irritation.

Dos and Don’ts Before and After Exfoliation

Removing dead skin cells takes some attention to detail. No mature woman wants to irritate her skin inadvertently.

Following a few dos and don’ts regarding exfoliation is the best way to protect the skin while achieving the healthy glow that you’re looking for in the first place. 

Go through these tips before you perform your first exfoliation. They’ll help you with a comfortable and satisfying treatment.

Before Exfoliation

Do Consider Your Previous Treatments

If you’ve recently had a skin treatment performed by a professional, verify that exfoliation is approved by that expert. Some treatments require a healing period afterward.

Skin irritation may be the result of too many treatments on the skin. Remember that it can be a sensitive organ.

Do Think About Current Skin Conditions

Women who deal with chronic acne will need a particular exfoliant, such as salicylic acid. Using another type of exfoliant may not have the same effects.

Don’t Treat Broken Skin

Cuts and cracks within the skin aren’t viable areas for exfoliating treatments. Skip these areas until they’re entirely healed.

Further irritation can occur if either physical or chemical treatments are applied to the areas.

Do Choose the Proper Frequency

Most women respond well to biweekly exfoliation. Performing this task more often will only irritate the skin.

Do Qualify the Product

Remember that large-granular products are designed for tough skin. Consider your treatment area, and use the appropriate exfoliant.

Your lips, for instance, benefit from small granules like sugar-based exfoliants.

Read the ingredient list too. If women have any allergies to certain ingredients, your exfoliant should be free from these items.

Don’t Scrub Very Hard

Let the exfoliant perform the work for you. The granules should remove the dead skin cells with just a gentle motion from the fingers.

Scrubbing the face with too much pressure can irritate the skin. Exfoliation should be an enjoyable sensation as the skin reveals its healthier layers.

After Exfoliation

Do Moisturize the Skin

Regardless of the area that you just exfoliated, use a natural moisturizer in order to nourish the skin.

Ideally, select argan oil as your moisturizer. It has the necessary nutrients to complement the skin.

It can be used directly on the skin, or drizzle a few drops into your favorite lotion.

Use argan oil after every exfoliating treatment. The difference will be noticeable over time.

Don’t Head Outdoors

Remember that your skin is very sensitive immediately following exfoliation. Perform the treatment at night so that the skin can recover as you sleep.

Alternatively, exfoliate in the morning. Wear sunscreen afterward.

The SPF protection will keep sun damage away from the exfoliated skin.

Don’t Wax After a Recent Exfoliation

Waxing your legs or other areas may be commonplace in your life, but it’s considered an exfoliating procedure. As the hairs are pulled from the follicles, the skin also receives exfoliation.

Space out a waxing around the traditional exfoliation process. This strategy reduces the stress on the skin tissue.

Do Examine Your Exfoliating Tools

Mitts, sponges and brushes will all break down over time. Verify that the coarse structure on each item is intact.

If your tools are wearing down, such as brush bristles bending or breaking entirely, replace the item. Exfoliation will be compromised with worn tools.

Do Think About the Next Treatment

Personally review your exfoliation experience. Whether it was physical or chemically based, there will be pros and cons to everyone’s treatment.

Try the same treatment again if you were mostly pleased with the results. Consider an alternative if the treatment wasn’t as effective as you would’ve liked.

Every person will respond differently to exfoliation in its many forms. There’s a treatment that will work for you as they’re narrowed down.

Do Read Those Expiration Dates

Scrubs with those exfoliating particles will have expiration dates. Be sure to look at each one after your treatment.

Toss out any products that are past their expiration dates. They may rub well, but the supporting ingredients may not be of good quality anymore.

All of these tips will eventually become habit. Most women find a routine that works for them, and they stick with it.

Infographic

It’s time to wind down this article on exfoliation. Knowing every detail about this process will create a successful treatment for nearly every woman. This infographic sums up the key points.

It’s incredible what a regular, exfoliation process can accomplish. Are you thrilled to try it today?

In this article, you gained a thorough perspective on exfoliation, including these features:

• Understanding the differences between exfoliation processes
• Safely exfoliating every part of the body
• Best practices for exfoliation on sensitive skin

Treating your skin to a healthy, cleansing routine can pay off with glowing results in the mirror. Give exfoliation a try to see a positive change in the skin.

Have you tried exfoliation? Do you have a few tips for our readers?

Discuss your perspective on exfoliation in the comment section below. Try exfoliation with the help of argan oil today!