Why Do we Need to Exfoliate Skin

The natural process of skin regeneration is a cycle that lasts around 28 days, during which time the dead cells of the superficial layer of the skin fall off. However, as we age and with the passing of time, this natural renewal process slows down, resulting in skin that has less in the way of oxygen and moisture. In fact, having dry, dull skin, or irritated or blotchy after applying makeup are some of the signs that suggest the presence of dead cells.

That's why, to keep skin healthy, fresh and radiant, it is essential to help this process of regeneration along by means of deep exfoliation at least once a week, although the frequency will vary according to the needs of every skin type. When you exfoliate the skin, it is left free of dead cells and therefore oxygenated and ready to absorb all the active ingredients and nutrients in any products, lotions and treatments you apply. Besides this, other major benefits of exfoliating the skin are that:

• It leaves the skin cleaner, smoother, softer and more beautiful.
• It removes impurities and prevents the formation of imperfections, such as pimples and blackheads.
• It activates microcirculation in the exfoliated zone, that is, it promotes the elimination of fluid and is therefore a good way to reduce cellulite and its orange peel effect.
• Oily skins can benefit from excess sebum production as a result of exfoliation, thereby improving your skin's quality and avoiding the appearance of unsightly shininess.
• Exfoliation can also get rid of ingrown hairs caused by waxing, and can even prevent them from occurring in the first place, so it is advisable to exfoliate the skin just before waxing.

To get excellent results, there are a number of rules you should consider when exfoliating your skin. Pay close attention and do not skip any of them:

• Your skin should be damp; exfoliating dry skin may cause irritation and redness.
• Do not exfoliate irritated skin or areas where the skin is broken or damaged.
• During exfoliation, always use gentle movements and massage in a circular motion to reactivate the blood circulation.
• It is important to use a scrub made specifically for the face (that has finer, less aggressive grains), and another scrub for the rest of the body (with bigger grains).
• Avoid exfoliating very sensitive, delicate areas of the body, such as around the eyes.
• Remove the exfoliating scrub with water and, once the skin is dry, apply a moisturizing lotion to soothe and hydrate it.

For more information, check out the articles on How to exfoliate the face and How to exfoliate the body.

Not all skin types require the same amount of exfoliation because each has specific characteristics that should be respected in order to keep it healthy and looking good. Pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Dry skin: exfoliate the skin once a week with a mild lotion.
• Oily skin: exfoliate twice a week to deeply cleanse the pores and reduce excess sebum production.
• Sensitive skin: avoid using microbeads (which are bad for the environment too), but you can exfoliate once every two weeks using a hypoallergenic product.

Some natural products have the composition and texture that makes them ideal for exfoliating the skin, meaning that there's no need to purchase commercial products. If you'd rather try out some homemade cosmetics and nourish your skin at the same time, try some of the natural scrubs we describe below:

• Sugar and lemon: perfect for removing dead skin cells and preventing impurities. Make it by mixing 3 tablespoons of white sugar, the juice of ½ a lemon and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Salt and honey: removes dead skin, reactivates circulation and leaves the skin soft. Mix 1 cup of salt and ½ a cup of honey, then apply to damp skin.
• Coffee: brilliant for tackling cellulite and providing firmness and smoothness to the skin. Mix 2 cups of ground coffee, ½ a cup of white sugar and 3 tablespoons of olive or almond oil.

You can find more recipes in the articles How to make homemade face scrubs and How to make homemade body scrubs.

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