Exfoliating buffs away dead skin, excess oil and dirt which keeps it from clogging up your pores. When these clog, they can result in blackheads, whiteheads and acne.
Choose your weapon
There are two ways to exfoliate; manually and chemically. Manual exfoliation involves using mildy abrasive tools like exfoliating wash gloves or sponges as well as exfoliating products like grainy scrubs.
Chemical exfoliation means using acid-rich or enzyme-based products to help gently exfoliate your skin. (The name might sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be harsh on your skin at all. In fact, many beauty therapists feel that mild chemical exfoliation is best for sensitive skin as it’s more gentle than a harsh scrub that could tug or pull at delicate areas like your face and chest). Popular ingredients found in chemical exfoliants include enzymes and acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA). (AHA’s are great for exfoliating the surface of your skin while BHA is able to get deep down inside your pores and give them a good cleanse from the inside out. This is why BHA is a popular ingredient in blackhead-busting skincare products.)
Get busy buffing!
To exfoliate your face, look out for a gentle facial scrub or invest in a toner or mask that makes use of chemical exfoliants. If your skin is dry, be careful not to overdo it; dry skin tends to be sensitive. If your skin is oily and acne prone, look out for products that contain BHA to help keep your pores clean and clear.
When it comes to buffing up that bod, focus on the areas where your skin is a little rougher, like your elbows and knees. You can prevent dry and dark patches on these areas with regular exfoliating and moisturizing. You may want to use mildly abrasive products such as a soft washcloth or a loofah sponge to exfoliate.
As you’ll soon be wearing sexy summer sandals, don’t forget to give your feet attention too. To do this, invest in a scrub that’s especially geared for your feet. These are usually slightly grainier than your regular exfoliators are your feet can withstand a good scrub down.
Looking for a new super smoother? We like:
Environ Derma-Lac lotion, R195:
Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster, R635:
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit daily scrub, R74,95:
The Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice foot scrub, R65:
Once you’ve buffed up, why not add a mega-dose of moisture? Find out how to blitz those dry winter bits over here…
3 Responses
I love all these products!
I wanna try the Environ one. Thanks for the article
Oh I can not go without Body shops footscrubs!!!!! The peppermint gives ur feet a nice, fresh, tingly feeling and ur feet is super soft!!!!