Finding the right exfoliator
There are many things to consider when getting ready to purchase an exfoliator. What should you look for in a good exfoliator? What is the difference between an exfoliator for the face versus one for the body?
An exfoliant is an important part of any beauty routine. It can be the use of a washcloth for the face or a razor for your legs, as long as you are gently rubbing your skin or even scraping it, you are removing excess dead skin cells. A good exfoliant will smooth your skin because it removes the dead cells to reveal the newer ones underneath.
When you are out shopping for an exfoliant note that they come in different shapes and sizes:
Abrasive sponges, pads, brushes are not unlike something you might use for your dishes, tread carefully and you may want to soap these up and use them on the body only, not the face. Facial scrubs are ones with very subtle grains, like finely milled apricot pits. If used gently on the face they can be very effective. Facial masks perform exfoliation, when they dry they take the dead skin cells with them. Some facial masks have a grainy texture that helps smooth the skin during the rinse cycle. Toners are even exfoliating products and work by removing dirt and cells via a cotton ball or pad. Toners are used on the face and neck.
When choosing a scrub for the face, make sure it has a light texture and fine, even particles. Chunks of scrub ingredients are best saved for the body as they will be too harsh for the fine and delicate facial skin and may leave it red and irritated. Don’t choose something with a lot of oils or you may have more clogged pores than you want to deal with. Blot your face dry when you rinse the product off and use a moisturizer at night and one with a sunscreen in the morning.
If you are using an exfoliant for the first time, use it once a day (at night) or a few times per week. Allow your skin to recover before you make another attempt and always stop if your skin is uncomfortable or you feel pain, switch products immediately and give your skin a rest.
When you are out shopping for an exfoliant, consider a cream with alpha and beta hydroxy acids because they can get deeper into the skin’s layers than a loofah could. If you use a facial scrub consider one that has some moisturizing or skin softening ingredients so when you are finished blotting your face dry, you’re not reaching for a heavy moisturizer to soothe your skin.
Exfoliating is best done a few times per week, once a day is not necessary. Some of my favorite exfoliating products are:
Fresh – Brown Sugar Body Polish
Philosophy’s – under your skin
Clinique – Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator
Origins – Ginger Body Scrub
You don’t have to spend a lot on the exfoliation process but it sure makes a shower that much more fun. A clean washcloth soaped up will do the trick as will a dip in cornmeal and water. I find it a more pleasurable experience when a fragrance is involved and all of the above will leave your senses reeling.