Exfoliation, a key step to a well rounded skincare routine

 

Exfoliating is simply washing or rubbing a part of the body with a granular substance to remove dead skin cells. This can be done manually using the hands (finger surface) or electronically using an exfoliator. Whichever is your personal preference, the important message here is that exfoliation is an important skincare step that helps to get rid of dead and dry skin cells, bringing out the glow in your skin. And may I also add that it is indeed my personal favorite skincare routine as I usually can't wait to see the instant result every time I exfoliate. 

Aside from clearing away dry and dead skin, exfoliating regularly helps to increase the skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and that's just the start as it does a whole lot more for the skin. But you might ask, what if i don't have dry skin, what if my face is as smooth as butter, will exfoliating still be of any benefit to me? Well, herein lies the confusion hence I have provided some of the unknown benefits of exfoliating. Here you go!

• Unclogs pores and prevents acne: Regular exfoliation helps to clear out the pores and prevent acne, whitehead or blackhead build up. When you exfoliate, dirts and grime are immediately dislodged,  removing dead skin cells which can block the pores and lead to breakouts. If your skin is oily or is prone to oiliness or acne, what you need to do is to regularly exfoliate the face to maintain clear and luminous skin.

• Helps with the easy penetration of other skincare products: Dead skin can act as a barrier, preventing other skincare from penetrating the epidermis as effectively. By gently buffing away these dead cells, your skin is able to better absorb moisture, hydration and other targeted skincare products. Also, exfoliation can help your makeup products work better too, by smoothing out the skin’s surface your foundation and powder will look more flawless and last longer.

• Evens out the skin tone: The build up of  dead cells on the skin can leave it feeling seriously tight, dry and scaly. People with dark spots, rough texture, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars know how stubborn and frustrating it can be to treat. Regular exfoliation is essential for buffing away these particles to smooth the skin’s texture whilst allowing hydrating ingredients to absorb into the skin more effectively. It is advisable to use an exfoliating body scrub 2-3 times a week to keep the skin smooth and even whilst paying extra attention to rougher areas such as your elbows and knees. If you particularly suffer with a generally drier skin, be careful to choose a scrub which won’t be overly abrasive or irritating to your skin.

• Boosts blood circulation: Using an exfoliating scrub can stimulate better blood circulation giving the face a more radiant, healthy glow. Enhanced circulation can also improve lymphatic drainage which helps to remove nasty toxins from the skin.

• Stimulates skin cell renewal: Exfoliation also has major anti-ageing benefits. By removing the top layer of dead skin cells and revealing the new ones underneath, we can prompt new cell turnover and collagen synthesis to keep the skin plump, bright and youthful. This means that the skin keeps fresh, with healthy cells at the surface, removing dead, dry, or dying ones. Also note that this becomes particularly important as the skin matures and renews itself less frequently. 

By now, you will agree with me that the importance of exfoliation cannot be overemphasized. It is indeed a key step to a well rounded skincare routine. If you have never exfoliated, try it out and see the instant result. It will be nice to hear your experience (if you can share).

"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty"... Coco Chanel

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