Three Benefits and Easy Ways to Exfoliate

Yeah, you've heard about exfoliating but you're not sure what all the hype is about. Well, as it turns out, exfoliating is one of the best ways to remove both calluses and dead cells from your skin. But you're probably wondering how is it that your skin is both dead and alive at the same time? Let's peel through the layers for a better understanding of your skin's makeup... (promise not to get too scientific sounding).

So, your skin has three layers:
1) Epidermis -- the outermost layer, which is in a constant state of shedding. This sliver of skin has five layers: stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum licidum and stratum corneum. These layers work together to shed dead skin, create new cells and give skin its color.

2) Dermis -- this part of the skin produces tissue cells and collagen. Here, you'll find oil and sweat glands, hair follicles and nerves running through this layer.  Click here to find out what else you'll find at this level.

3) Subcutaneous -- the most internal layer, housing fat and connective tissues. This part of your skin regulates the skin's and body's temperature. Click here to learn more about the subcutaneous layer.

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Exfoliating helps to remove dead cells resting at the outermost layer (epidermis), softens and brightens skin. When you avoid exfoliating, the skin can become dry, dull, blotchy, rough, callus and pores may clog. 

When exfoliating, take special care of your skin during summer months. For instance, if you get sunburn, your skin is more tender and agitated, so avoid using exfoliants as it will need time to heal. However, if tanned (but not burned) a body scrub can polish the skin and even the tone. Because exfoliants, in and of themselves, have scrubbing particles, you don't have to scrub hard; unless of course you're trying to irritate and tear your skin (sarcasm).

As it relates to exfoliating techniques and tools there are many differences.  When experiencing rough, callus, or blotchy skin many exfoliants are just a few steps away, right in your kitchen cupboard.

So, finally here are three quick and easy ways to exfoliate:

• Sugar/Salt Scrub -- use small granules for frequent use, as they are more gentle on the skin and dissolve more easily (this is usually the case for small granule sugar scrubs). As a rule of thumb, both sugar and salt are crystallized particles, but salt crystals have sharper or jagged edges making it more likely to tear the skin, which is great for something like callous feet but maybe not so much for the body. Salt scrubs (Dead Sea Salt, Himalayan and Hawaiian) contain natural trace minerals making them useful when detoxing, in which case a small granulated sea salt scrub might be useful for helping to purify and get a deeper clean when your feeling under the weather. When it comes to sugar scrubs, it's best to use raw cane or coconut sugar. Avoid using processed, refined sugar both internally and externally.
• Exfoliating Gloves -- just like all scrubs or exfoliants, scrub gloves helps with blood circulation, causing skin to look more vibrant, softer and supple. You can find exfoliating gloves at your neighborhood CVS, Walgreens or RiteAid. Use them in place of a wash cloth and lather them with soap for a deeper cleanse, removing buildup and dead cells.
• Baking Soda -- one of the simplest options of them all has a dual-action both cleansing and exfoliating. Many people ditch commercial bar soaps and body washes in lieu of baking soda. Bisodium Carbonate (i.e. a salt derivative) buffs the skin with its mineralizing properties unclogging pores for a deep clean and helps with pH balance. Pour a quarter size amount and mix with either coconut oil or water until it forms into a paste. When using for your entire body you can use the same method, just pour a little more baking soda to cleanse your entire body. Then gently rub into your face and rinse away. Frequent use may be a better option for oily skin types because of its excellent ability in removing buildup, which may remove some of the needed oils and nutrients in dry skin sufferers. However, this may be resolved when you follow-up with a moisture-rich cream.

How often you use each of these, solely depends on how your skin reacts. So, use your best judgement to find your unique regimen. If you find that exfoliating starts to irritate your skin (or it rubs your skin raw), stop or do so less frequently.

Beauty is a lifestyle requiring one to adopt their own methods and techniques; of course it's always a good idea to consult a health care professional to best help walk you through this process. Keep in mind that common sense and instincts also make pretty good options for figuring this sort of thing out too. Of course there are plenty more exfoliating options available, but it is my hope that you keep searching until you find what you're looking for. 

- Avec Amour