Troubleshooting Exfoliation

Exfoliants are the second most important skin care product we need to use and obliviously the first is sunscreen.

So when can we start using exfoliants?

Teenage is the rite age for start using exfoliants, start around 15-16.

Why so early?

Exfoliation is removal of dead cells from the skin. These are dead cell which have been accumulated over years, and they really should have fallen off. They can be either on the surface of the skin, where it affects the texture of the skin making it rough and uneven or inside individual pores, where it contributes to acne.

By teenage year exfoliation is important because they remove the dead cells which are actually clogging the pores and by the doing that it not only prevents acne but it can also cure it. When you enter twenties, the dead surface cells are started to be retained and that contributes to the dull texture and uneven skin tone.

When can i exfoliate?

Everyday!!Do u brush your teeth every alternate day? No!! Then why remove dead skin, dirt and pollution every alternate or twice a week! But using an exfoliant everyday comes with a tag line. Use a gentle scrubber and exfoliate with love.  

The degree of  exfoliation will be directly proportional to how long you do it, how much pressure u apply and how abrasive the exfoliating instrument is so go easy and never overdo it. Please remember “less is more”.

What is the best time to exfoliate?

Typically in evening, after you return home. All the dirt, pollution and debris needs to be cleaned so that skin can breathe in the night. 

What if i have not exfoliated that early or that regularly?

Better late than never. Start exfoliating as soon as possible and see your problems scrub away.

How to choose an exfoliant?

There are generally four types of physical exfoliants .

• Loofah & wash cloth: Try a gentle massage with a loofah type sponge or even a wash cloth. Try circular motions with gentle pressure for few minutes. Using a body wash and water will help avoid irritation. Try Vega Basic Hand Loofah, Bare Essentials Oval Loofah Pad, Vega Soft Sponge.
• Plant Based Granules: Try using a cleanser with exfoliating granules, make sure u choose one with round and smooth granules, not one with sharp, hard and angular particles. This can be too sharp and abrasive and can actually damage you skin. Choose sea salt, sugar, jojoba or apricot based cleanser rather than hard walnut shell based cleanser. Try Biotique Bio Papaya Smoothing & Revitalizing Scrub, Lotus Herbals Fresh Apricot Scrub, H2O Plus Sea Minerals Scrub, Herbal Glow Jojoba Scrub.
• Polyethylene: Another can be cleansers with Polyethylene beads, which are round and smooth. Try Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub , Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Scrub or Nivea Gentle Face Scrub. 
• Waxing and shaving: Yes they are a form of exfoliation too. Don’t you feel soft and smooth after you've just waxed or shave?  They not only remove the unwanted hair, but also unwanted accumulated dead skin.

I believe that exfoliation is part of everyday normal hygiene just like brushing your teeth.

Stay Beautiful :)

Shweta