Problems with dry, tough and dull-looking skin? You are not alone. Women all over the world are beset with the problem of dry and dull skin. Dull is the anti-thesis of bright and beautiful and it is an unwelcome skin condition. From a young age, we have been taught that clear complexion is a must and healthy skin is beautiful skin.
What is exfoliation?
One effective way of losing that dull skin is by exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of the skin where dead skin cells have accumulated. The dead skin cells cause your skin to thicken and appear tough and dull. With no tough dead cells on your skin, your moisturizer can effectively penetrate and work on your skin.
Why the need to exfoliate?
Exfoliation helps to hasten the repair and growth of new skin cells. When these dead cells accumulate, dull and thick skin develops. These dead skin cells are removed through exfoliation. When you take off the top dead layer of the skin, you expose the finer, more translucent skin underneath.
Over time, these dead skin cells clog your pores and inhibit the absorption of moisturizers. Exfoliation helps to clear and unblock the pores thus allowing skin care products to penetrate and work efficiently to bring out your skin’s natural radiance.
Exfoliation Tips
To exfoliate, one needs to use an exfoliating chemical that can soften the skin slough off the dead skin cells. Fruit enzymes such as those from papaya, is an effective yet gentle exfoliant. Granules such as salt, sugar and coffee are also used as exfoliants.
A pumice stone may also be used but care must be taken not to over scrub. When you scrub your skin vigorously, you are setting yourself up for a possible skin break. Broken skin will dry out faster and become vulnerable to infections.
Exfoliate at least once a week to keep dead skin cells from accumulating. Avoid using a sponge to exfoliate because sponge absorbs water and traps sloughed off skin providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Exfoliating gloves are commercially available.
Women with oily skin should exfoliate more often, at least, twice a week. The excess oil prevents quick removal of dead skin cells, thus only a little bit is removed each time you exfoliate.
When exfoliating your face, use products that are specifically formulated for the face. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than other parts of your body.
Massage Argan oil after an exfoliation treatment to seal the moisture in. The oil is loaded with essential fatty acids and vitamin E that support nurturing and nourishment of your hair. Argan oil is also packed with antioxidants which provide your skin with anti-aging treatment. Rub gently and rub in circular motions to massage and stimulate the skin to repair and replenish it.
Make your skin soft, smooth and radiant by exfoliating regularly. Use gentle exfoliating products and apply a moisturizer such as Argan oil immediately after.
