Younger-looking skin doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, if you incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine regularly, and you should see a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your skin.
If your skin looks dull, flaky, dry, or just generally lacklustre, chances are you have a build-up of dead skin cells. No amount of moisturiser will revive them - the best thing for these old cells is to remove them. You don't need a fancy face peel -reveal the fresh, new layer of cells below by exfoliating.
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What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation refers to the removal of dead skin cells, and is essential to help new, healthy skin cells to come through. A product, usually in gel or cream form that contains small particles (often seeds) is applied to the face in small, circular motions in order to remove old cells and stimulate the growth of new ones.
Although the removal of dry and dead skin cells is essential, it's important to remember that our skin is fragile and easily damaged. For this reason, exfoliation should only be carried out once or twice a week, and care should be taken when choosing a product (especially for those with sensitive skin). As with most things, a natural and organic product is going to be the best choice.
What are the benefits of exfoliation?
Exfoliation truly does have so many benefits for the skin. Here are just four reasons to incorporate exfoliation into your weekly skin care routine today.
1. Exfoliation makes skin look more youthful
Out with the old, in with the new! Dead skin cells often look dry and lacklustre, giving you a dull complexion and ageing your appearance.
Exfoliate once a week to remove dry and flaky skin, and reveal the new skin cells hidden beneath. These new cells are full of life and will give you a smooth, healthy-looking glow.
2. Exfoliation helps products to penetrate the skin
Dead skin cells cannot be revived, so rubbing your expensive skincare products all over them will do very little. What's more, they actually create a barrier to the new cells below which are able to absorb products.
Exfoliating once a week will ensure the skin's surface is regularly renewed. With no barrier to prevent their penetration, they'll sink deep into the skin and be more effective than ever.
Hand in hand with exfoliation, products that promise the Earth might just start delivering.
3. Get skin that glows by exfoliating regularly
Glowing skin - it's something we all want.
Have you found the cream that gives it to you yet? No? Then exfoliation could be the answer.
Exfoliating once or twice a week will reveal the brand new skin cells that are overflowing with life. These skin cells will be much brighter than their predecessors and help you get that 'glow' you've always dreamed of.
Not only that, but the process of exfoliation actually helps the skin to look brighter. Similarly to face massages, stimulation of skin cells through exfoliation increases the blood supply to the face. The result is plumper, brighter and healthier looking skin with a natural flush and healthy glow.
4. Creates a smooth canvas for makeup application
Calling all makeup lovers! If you've been on the quest for a brush that gives you flawless makeup application for years, you could be missing a ticket.
Makeup is only as good as the skin it's applied to. If your skin is dry, uneven and flaky, your foundation will never look flawless, no matter how much you spend on it.
Exfoliating once a week with a natural product will remove rough and dry skin cells, leaving you with a smoother canvas to work with.
When it comes to exfoliating your body, you may be wondering if you should exfoliate or shave first. Check out our guide for advice!
Start exfoliating today, and you’ll finally get that picture-perfect application you’ve been after.
...and now that's over, time to exfoliate! Which part of your beauty routine could you never live without?
Hi could I have a sample pls
May I urge people to boycott any exfoliation product that contains "microbeads" .These are microplastics ,which end up in the oceans and kills the turtles. Please urge people to only buy the exfoliators that contain natural ingredients, and then that will send a clear message to the beauty manufacturers that we want environmentally friendly ,natural beauty products!
Great suggestion, Julie! Not to mention that these microplastics end up in the seafood that a lot of people eat - yuck!