- Every day, our pores become clogged by dirt, makeup and pollution. When this happens, skin can become flaky, look duller than normal, and certain facial products, such as moisturizer, can become less effective. Exfoliating will remove this dirt and improve and smooth out the texture of your skin. It helps to keep your skin clean, therefore preventing breakouts, and can help you to retain a tan if you exfoliate before going out in the sun.
- When the texture of your skin is smoothed out, your skin should become brighter and more vibrant. Exfoliation can also make your face feel softer, and it will increase blood circulation. After exfoliation, your skin will be able to retain more moisture and you will avoid dry flaky patches of skin, which also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Facial exfoliation may be carried out using natural products. These include creams containing small pieces of grit, such as small pieces of apricot kernels, that rub against your skin to remove the top layer. Facial exfoliation can also be done chemically. In chemical exfoliation, this grit is replaced by certain chemicals that have the same function. These chemicals include fruit enzymes, citric acid and salicylic acid.
- You may wish to consider the cost of a facial exfoliation chemical treatment. If you do opt for a chemical treatment, your skin will usually be sensitive after treatment, meaning you should try to avoid sun exposure and wear a suitable SPF. For a less expensive, do-it-yourself version, you can try store-bought exfoliation creams or home recipes, including sugar and oatmeal scrubs. In all cases, you should be careful if you have sensitive skin. Another inexpensive option is to use exfoliating gloves to replicate the abrasive effect of creams. These are available in many supermarkets and beauty stores.
- When exfoliating your face yourself, take care not to rub too hard or use overly-abrasive materials. You will be at risk of damaging your skin, and possibly bursting blood vessels. You should also use a moisturizer following exfoliation to avoid dry skin. The face is typically more delicate than other areas of the body, so try to buy specially formulated products for your skin type. Avoid contact with eyes and flush immediately if this occurs. In the case of a chemical facial exfoliation or peel, check with the practitioner for advice regarding the suitability of the procedure. If you have acne or another skin condition such as eczema, you should seek advice before using any abrasive cream that may irritate the skin.
