 Beautiful
skin all over our body looks and feels great. To get
smooth skin is easy. The secret is exfoliation and moisturizing, just as we do in face. In Latin America, and in many other cultures, women have always exfoliated their skins.
Now skin exfoliation is the norm in most parts of the world.
To exfoliate is to eliminate the upper layer of dead cells, dirt and body secretions. This helps to
reveal your new skin which is hidden beneath. As we exfoliate we are not only removing impurities from the skin, we are also massaging it. This increases circulation, which brings vital nutrients to the skin and helps to eliminate body waste. All of this combined together helps to regenerate the skin faster.
There are many way to exfoliate. We can use light abrasive tools such as a brush or a loofah or we can use a substance that can have the same effect. Among these substances are: alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA),
retinol (a form of vitamin E), vitamin C and others. All natural ingredients that we are discussing here have natural exfoliants. Examples of AHA and BHA containing products are milk products, fruits, sugar and wine. These substances are also incorporated in lotions, gels and soaps to exfoliate. In the case of the so called “chicken skin” or keratosis pilatis the AHA works better than other forms. All of these ingredients are used by
spas around the world in higher concentrations to give baby soft skin to their customers.
(Related article: Actinic
keratosis treatment)
One of the easiest ways to exfoliate is using a loofah during the shower. This is also the traditional way in Latin America and in many Mediterranean countries. Other similar tools are the
body
brush and
exfoliating gloves.
If you can
go to a spa to have these treatments done, go ahead since that is the best way. But you can also have a home version that you can use depending on your skin type and condition every day or 2 to 3 times a week. You can buy great products that offer convenience and added benefits or you can make a luxurious exfoliant at home for a special treat.
When should you exfoliate your skin? You can do it as often as you want, but if your time is
limited, then do it:
-
For special occasions when you are
wearing a dress that
shows some skin.
-
Right before your
vacations, especially if you are going to use a
bathing suit.
-
Right before a
special night with your guy.
-
If you want to keep your skin soft try different types of exfoliations.
If you exfoliate to improve chicken skin bumps or keratosis
pilaris, avoid very abrasive exfoliation forms. Instead you should use
creams and gels with AHA, BHA, retinol or other chemical exfoliants. Mechanical exfoliant can be used but be careful not to overdo it in areas where you have chicken skin bumps. One great exfoliant for this condition is
microdermabrasion. You can buy a cream or a set to do it at home.
You can also exfoliate to improve only problem areas such as rough elbows or heels.
When exfoliating you body at home,
try to get everything ready. You can do it during your shower. It only takes a couple more minutes. Do it after you wash your body. Be careful if you are using an oily substance because the bathroom may becomes slippery.
Follow package instruction if you are using a commercial version or wash the remaining if you are using a natural treatment.
Apply body lotion or
body oil right after. Feel your soft skin.
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