DON'T ACCUMULATE EXFOLIATE! {BACK2BASICS}

As a trained Beauty Therapist, if I only had one piece of advice to offer you, it would be "Don't Accumulate Exfoliate". 

Exfoliation to me is a vital step in all beauty routines.....regardless of age or skin type.

To exfoliate the skin simply means to remove a layer of dulling, drying dead cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. It is really simply to do at home and is absolutely painless...for all those that are thinking it sounds medical we are not talking about chemical peels here!

We should all exfoliate from top to toe, but in this blog I am just going to deal with the face and neck and will cover the rest of the body in later posts!

Exfoliators, or scrubs as they are sometimes called, are readily available from all beauty houses and again it is often a case of trail and error until you hit on one that really suits you and your skin type. My favourite product has been on the market for 20 years or more but it still remains a top seller and my absolute "Must Have". More of this in a future blog...

Most of the exfoliating action in these products comes from the grains or beads that will wary in size according to the degree of exfoliation you require. The friction created by the rubbing will mechanically remove those dead cells.I would always recommend that you buy a product that contains natural exfoliating ingredients, such as seeds,ground nut shells or salts!

As a rule of thumb I always recommend that every skin type use a scrub once a week...many of the houses will tell you daily or twice a week, but to be honest, most of us don't have the time, so once is ideal....you can do twice a week if your skin is very dry. Some brands recommend daily scrubbing, which I am most definitely not a promoter of, as this just strips your skin of its own natural "Hydro Lipidic" film. (the natural moisturising,protecting barrier of oils and water).

There are two "trains" of thought regarding exfoliation and oily skins, as some recommend daily or 2-3 times a week, whilst others recommend just once every 7-10 days. I believe daily is too stimulating for an already over stimulated oily skin, so every 7-10 days is always my recommendation..Acne skins should not exfoliate, as this will cause cross infection from the rubbing  over the  pustules etc.and will aggravate an already inflamed condition. Sensitive skins were once advised not to use scrubs but today products are available for even the most sensitive skins so there is no need for you to miss out.

You should always follow the manufacturers instructions but basically they all work along the 5 minute maximum routine below:

1. Cleanse the skin.
2. Apply the exfoliator or scrub to a dry or slightly damp skin.
3. Make circular movements with your 3 middle fingers on each hand,slowly and gently work upwards from the neck and onto the face massaging the product.
4. Do exfoliate gently over the lips but not round the eye area.
5. Take care not to drag or pull the skin too much.
6. Exfoliate for about 3-5 minutes depending on how much of an exfoliation you require.
7. Rinse the product off,towel dry and Tone.
8. You can either moisturise after or ideally apply an appropriate face mask.
9. Never exfoliate without using some form of moisturising cream afterwards.
10. Lastly always use a facial scrub on the face and leave the body scrub for the body never use a body exfoliator on the face!!!

Of all the skincare products out there, an exfoliator is the most instantly gratifying purchase that you can make...... 
"Why" you may ask?

• Your skin will appear instantly brighter, as the build up of those dead cells can cause the skin to look dull and lifeless.
• Your skin will not only feel but look softer and smoother as the build up gives your skin an uneven, rough appearance and feel.
• Using an exfoliator or scrub weekly stimulates the new cells below the surface of the skin to replace those that have been removed  (Cellular Regeneration) This is important in the ageing of the skin.
• The weekly use will also enable all of your other products whether they be moisturisers,night creams or serums to be absorbed and work so much more efficiently.
• Most importantly of all your skin will appear more "Youthful" and isn't that what we are all in pursuit of?

So I would like you to reassess your own beauty routine and if you are not using an exfoliator then seriously invest in one! In my opinion this is the key product to looking "younger longer",so

"Don't Accumulate Exfoliate" 

Now!!!