Exfoliate and Revitalize Your Skin

Achieving great looking skin isn't necessarily that hard. You do have to know what to do (and what not to do) for good skin care. While most people understand the importance of hydration, sunscreen and cleansing, they often overlook exfoliation in their skin care regimen. Exfoliation can help bring out a fresh, youthful look to your skin and will help prevent blemishes. The key is to perform the exfoliation properly.

The very outer layer of your skin is actually dead skin cells. Your skin creates new cells underneath and the old ones on the surface slough off on their own. This occurs each and every day, whether you notice it or not. Sometimes this dead layer will build up on the surface of your skin and you will notice your skin has a dull look to it. You may also find you are more prone to blemishes, if the dead skin cells clog your pores. Getting rid of these skin cells will promote healthy skin. To exfoliate, you can choose one of these methods: chemical or abrasive. Chemical exfoliants usually contain some form of mild acid, such as alpha hydroxy or salicylic acid. The acids work to slough off the dead skin cells. These actually come in different strengths and can be applied on their own, or in conjunction with an abrasive exfoliant.

Abrasive exfoliants are creams or liquid cleansers that contain particulate matter, such as ground botanicals, jojoba beads or groundnuts. The use of the abrasive will physically remove the dead skin cells. The particulate matter can come in many different sizes and the type you choose will depend upon the application. You don't want to use the same abrasive on your face that you would use to exfoliate your feet.

Start your exfoliation with clean skin. Wet the skin with warm water and apply the exfoliant. Rub gently in circles with your fingers or a facial sponge, avoiding the under eye area, as this skin is too delicate for exfoliation. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. Apply a toner to help balance the pH of your newly exposed skin cells. Follow this with a moisturizer. Your skin may tingle for fifteen minutes or so after the application, especially for your first couple of times. After that, your skin will become used to it. With the chemical exfoliants, discontinue their use if your skin burns too much after application. Exfoliation only needs to be done once or twice a week. Since you have exposed new skin cells to the surface, it is very important that you use a sunscreen if you will be outdoors.

Why Is Exfoliation Important?

The skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sending them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.
As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.
It is possible, however, to overexfoliate, especially on the delicate skin of the face. Overexfoliating will dry and irritate the skin.

What You Should Know About Body Exfoliation:

• You can use a body scrub once or twice a week with no problem.
• Body brushing every morning is a gentle way to exfoliate -- and wake up!

To exfoliate your body on a regular basis will also enhance your circulation and help your body to revitalize internal cells and increase the oxygen flow throughout your body. If you are looking for a great organic exfoliant to provide you with all the great benefits mentioned. Go to organicskincarenow