If you want to keep your skin looking radiant, healthy and youthful, you must exfoliate regularly. By removing the top layer of the dead skin cells, you are making room for your new cells which makes your skin appear smoother, softer and less wrinkled skin.


Here are some tips on how to properly exfoliate so you can achieve a healthy looking, clear skin:

> Before getting into the shower, gently dust off dry skin using a dry exfoliating brush, loofah or gloves. Start at the soles of your feet and work your way up.

> Get into the shower and moisten your skin.

> If you are using a scrubbing tool such as loofah, glove, washclothe or an exfoliating brush, be sure to use a body wash or gel with it to help you gently rub the exfoliating tool on your skin. You can also use exfoliating cleansers like body scrub creams that have micro beads inside, sugar or salt scrub preparations.

> Use gentle, circular motions while scrubbing

> Rub rough spots like heels and elbows with a heavier exfoliant like pumice stone. Remember to use a shower gel to make the surface more slippery.

> Apply a heavy lotion or body butter after exfoliating. Take note that exfoliating can dry your skin and you need to put back the moisture back in.

> Use body moisturizers at least once a day. Re-hydrating the skin is as important as exfoliating it.

> If you have a very sensitive skin, remember to choose the least abrasive exfoliating medium and use little friction as possible.

> Most important of all, DO NOT OVER EXFOLIATE. A gentle rubbing of the skin can easily remove the dead skin cells. Vigorous rubbing can cause more damage than good to your skin's health. Not only will you get minor abrasions and an extremely dry skin, you'll also risk bursting the delicate blood vessels in the skin and your skin may appear flushed. This condition, known as Telangiectasia, can be treated by laser surgery.

Exfoliating is not just for spa enthusiasts, it's for everyone who cares about their skin. Scrub regularly and make it a way of life!

Tomorrow's topic: Exfoliating mediums and tools! Know what they're for and what they're made of!

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