Exfoliating Scrub

Exfoliation is a skin care technique which is widely used in all major skin care procedures, be it facial, daily skin care routine, or body treatment in spas. It is basically the removal of dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin, which makes the skin look dull and tired. Exfoliation through scrubbing, leaves the skin fresh and clean, as all the dirt particles are removed from the pores of the skin. Exfoliation is generally done manually using natural ingredients and abrasives which are tiny granules which should be rubbed on the skin in a proper way. But there are also many techniques which make use of chemicals like alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids. The chemicals can also cause side effects in the form of skin irritation if the ingredients used are too strong. Facial skin exfoliation is most commonly followed by many and can also be done daily on the normal skin, but you can also go for total body exfoliation once in a while for a rejuvenating experience. Scrub that makes use of natural ingredients should be preferred, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Benefits of Exfoliation

For people who love caring for their skin, exfoliation has been a favorite because of its visible results. Exfoliation has a rich history and is an ancient technique of skin cleansing. If done regularly and in a correct way, it promises many benefits. The most important benefit of exfoliation is removal of dead skin cells. This gives a natural glow and clean feel to the skin. It prevents aging and dullness of skin, and makes the skin look younger and refreshed. It also helps in moisturizing the skin. One should choose an exfoliating body scrub wisely depending on the skin type, as there are different scrubs for oily skin, and dry skin.

How is Exfoliation Done?

There are many exfoliants available in the market. You need to buy a good one from the store (which has been manufactured by a trusted agency), or make your own scrub at home, which we will discuss later in this article. Different kinds of fruits and natural ingredients which are easily available are generally used for the homemade scrub. Given below are steps to do body exfoliation at home.

• Choose a good exfoliator according your skin type and needs. You may take the help of your dermatologist to choose a good exfoliating product.
• Dry yourself completely and set into a dry bathtub, for exfoliation you can use loofah or a exfoliating brush.
• Apply the scrub cream on the brush and gently clean using circular motions. Start with the legs and move your way up.
• Be gentle while cleaning delicate skin areas like the underarms. Thoroughly clean areas like toes and nose flaps which have higher chances of accumulating dirt in the pores.
• Perform the circulation motions of cleaning for 15 - 20 minutes, and use a pumice stone only to clean the heels.
• Now rinse off with water, and apply a good moisturizing cream, as exfoliation can lead to drying of skin.

Exfoliating Skin

There is no problem in choosing a scrub for normal skin, as any type is suitable, and there is no problem even if you are a little tough in your cleansing pattern. You need to be extra careful while exfoliating acne prone and dry skin. Read below for more details.

Scrub for Acne
Acne is a common problem faced by people of all ages, and there are many reasons for the appearance of acne. Exfoliation is one step in acne skin care routine which cannot be ignored. Exfoliation opens up the clogged pores, which are the main cause for the outbreak of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. People who are prone to acne tend to overdo the exfoliation which can aggravate the problem. Scrubbing should not be done daily, but maximum twice in a week. If you are looking forward to buying these scrubs, buy the ones which have salicylic acid and beta-hydroxy acids in the ingredients list. Retinol (vitamin A) based scrubs are also beneficial for acne control. You can also make your own scrub to treat acne, but be gentle while you rub the facial skin, and avoid using pumice stones and other coarse materials to do the rubbing.

Scrub for Dry Skin
As was with acne prone skin, exfoliation should not be overdone on dry skin. Exfoliation is not a basic necessity for dry skin, and sometimes it may also lead to drier skin. Use good exfoliators specifically designed for dry skin, and do it once in a fortnight. Once you decide on the scrub, wet your face and then rub gently in a circular motion using a loofah or your fingers. Use it for five minutes, and then rinse off with cold water. Cucumber, lime, papaya, avocado and pineapple are good for dry skin, and help in moisturizing the skin. So buy scrubs which are based on these fruits.

Some Effective Homemade Mixes

• For Oily Skin: You can prepare your own scrub by finely grating one apple and adding honey to it. Now apply it on the skin gently. Let it remain for 15 - 20 minutes and then rinse the face gently with cold water, without rubbing the face too much. Some of the best acne scrubs in the market are nanocleanse, pronexine and assobar. Cucumber, apples and oranges are good fruits for exfoliation. You can prepare a mask of these fruits at home, and apply it once in a while. While cleaning the skin, make sure that you are gentle. It also helps in preventing acne.
• For Dry Skin: For dry skin, avocado and cucumber scrub is the best. Take a seedless avocado and crush it with a spoon. Make sure there are no lumps. Add two inches of finely grated cucumber and one teaspoon of honey into it. Mix these contents and a few drops of olive oil. It is ready. To apply it, use the procedure which was discussed earlier.
• Other Scrubs: There are many other variants you can make at home. The scrub made using coffee ground and olive oil is a good option. In fact, there are many other options like sugar and olive oil, fruit scrubs, etc. When buying one, make sure that the texture is granular, and do this procedure at night, as it will give your skin enough time to rest.

Scrubbing should be a part of your regular skin care routine, if you want to experience supple and clear skin. So exfoliate your way to good skin!