Are you exfoliating your body properly? Here's a quick lowdown on what you need to know:
Why exfoliate?
Regular exfoliation scrubs away dead skin cells, making your body feel luxuriously smooth. By thoroughly cleaning out pores and ridding the skin of toxins, it can also prevent breakouts. As the skin ages, exfoliation can help prevent dullness, dryness, ashiness and uneven tones. Post-exfoliation is also the best time to apply moisturizers or self-tanners, such as the ELEMIS Targeted Toning Body Moisturizer, as the skin's surface is smooth and clean enough for even application.
How to exfoliate?
The American Academy of Dermatology defines two types of exfoliation:The mechanical method uses a brush, sponge or other scrubbing tool to exfoliate, while chemical exfoliation uses a treatment to gently remove dead skin cells. The academy recommended choosing a method based on your skin type, such as a washcloth and mild chemical exfoliator for those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin. Thick or oily skin can usually handle mechanical exfoliation. Regardless of how tough your skin is, be gentle. Apply exfoliating products in small, circular motions for less than a minute, and then rinse with lukewarm water.
When should you exfoliate?
Your body can handle more scrubbing than your face, but listen to your skin. Dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz told StyleCaster that daily exfoliating is key for keeping your skin soft and healthy, but feel free to cut it down to a few times a week if the scrubbing gets too intense. Too much exfoliation, especially for those with sensitive skin, may lead to redness or irritation.
What should you use?
Whether you choose to follow an at-home recipe or purchase a product, you'll need a scrubbing solution. The ELEMIS Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow gently polishes away dead skin cells, leaving the skin soft and bright. If you want to try the mechanical method for a more intense exfoliation session, try the ELEMIS Body Brush.
With that, you're ready to exfoliate!
