How to Choose an Exfoliating Cream

Exfoliating creams can be used to help slough away dead skin and smooth skin that has been roughened by wind, sun or daily exposure. Generally, exfoliating creams are grainy and should be rubbed by hand on the face, neck and shoulders at the end of the day as part of your evening beauty ritual. However, your beauty goals and how you personally prefer to use your beauty products can dramatically affect the way that an exfoliating cream performs for you. You must match your habits and hopes with the correct product in order to achieve younger, firmer skin.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Exfoliating cream samples

1. 
   Exfoliating creams can also be a positive, cleansing ritual to perform at the end of the day

   Decide what parts of your body you want the cream for. If you want it for your face and neck, then select a cream with a fine grain. It will feel kind of like sandy lotion if you rub it between your fingers. Some creams are even more like a powder, which is good if you have extremely sensitive skin or like to exfoliate nearly every day. On the other hand, if you want to use the cream on your feet, then you may even decide to use a sugar or sea salt scrub, which are very coarse.

2. 
   Many exfoliating creams come in scents used for aromatherapy

   Smell the creams before you buy. You are going to be rubbing this cream on your face and around your nose, so it is important that you like the smell. You may end up buying more than one cream to try, but do not purchase anything that smells unpleasant to you.

3. Try the creams on the back of your hand. Follow the directions on the cream to the letter, but do so on the back of your hand. The "V" of skin between your thumb and pointer fingers is sensitive and a good place for this trial. If the cream irritates this area, then it definitely should not be used on your face. As you massage the creams against your skin, pay attention to whether any of the creams are particularly soothing or particularly irritating to you.

4. 
   Take a digital picture of yourself before and after the cream to compare results

   Set up an exfoliation schedule. Make sure that you do not exfoliate two days in a row, even if you are still trying to decide between two or more products. Do no exfoliate any more frequently than every other day, or you will not be able to determine how well the products work because they will stress and overtax your skin. Be patient as you work through them, and if you find one that you love, stop there.

5. Pick your favorite cream. Once you have selected a cream, follow the directions carefully and do not be overzealous with scrubbing and cleansing. These creams are generally not intended for everyday use, so be sure that you do not harm your skin while you are trying to help it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may wish to try the exfoliating creams on the skin of your neck under your ear. This way, if they do not agree with you then you will not have exposed your entire face to the product.
• Rub your fingers in small, gentle circles when using exfoliating creams. Scrubbing actually can damage your skin and make you look older--especially if you hurt the delicate areas around your eyes.
• If you have serious dermatological issues like acne, eczema or painfully delicate skin, consult your dermatologist before incorporating an exfoliating cream into your beauty regimen.