TIP OFF: The Low Down on Exfoliation

Cristina Masci - March 29 2005

If you want your skin to look healthy and radiant, exfoliate regularly. By removing the top layer of dead epidermis cells, you will make your skin appear smoother and less wrinkled.

By exfoliating and shedding the dead skin cells, you are making room for the lower layers of newer skin. This newer skin allows moisture to penetrate the skin more easily which leaves the skin feeling plumper, fresher and in the case of our scrubs smelling delicious!

Approximately every three weeks, new skin cells push up from the lowest layers of the epidermis and move towards the surface changing shape as they go. Exfoliation helps
this process by giving the dead skin cells a push.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when exfoliating:

• Starting at the soles of your feet and working your way up your body, brush off any dry skin with a loofah or a body exfoliating brush. Do this before bathing or showering.
• Once your body is thoroughly wet, apply some exfoliating cleanser to your loofah or exfoliating brush.
• Scrub your body with it, using gentle, circular motions.
• Opt for grainy types of cleansers to clean the skin, rather than soap. The grainy texture exfoliates the skin better taking off all dry skin.
• Use a face cloth for mild exfoliation.
• Rub rough spots, such as heels, with a rough stone/pebble.
• Regular exfoliating is extremely drying to the skin and will do more harm than good unless the skin is re-hydrated with lotions.
• Apply moisturiser to your body before it is fully dry. Use a body moisturiser at least once every day.

In Brazil, sand is commonly used as a method of exfoliating and skin toning... Brazilian women have long known the benefits of sand.

They adore rubbing sand onto their legs and bottom to increase circulation, create silky soft skin, and to kiss cellulite good-bye. So next time you re at the beach have a go yourself!

Here are some products we reccomend:

Salt Glow Scrub Baiame's Body Scrub is a blend of Australian desert salts, ground botanicals and aromatic plant oils. From: Absolutely Gorgeous	Bath Gloves Smooth out your skin with these Body Shop textured gloves that help gently exfoliate your skin. From: TheBodyShop.com	Loofah Pads These Body Shop's Smooth and Renew Loofah Pads is great for daily exfoliating use. From: TheBodyShop.com
Foot Stone Don't forget to exfoliate your feet with this Terracotta Foot Stone from The Body Shop From: TheBodyShop.com	Loofah Facial Buffers Made to be used with your favourite cleanser, these facial buffers swell and soften in warm water. From: TheBodyShop.com	Body Butter A cult classic, The Body Shop's Shea Body Butter is a must for extra post exfoliation smoothness. From: TheBodyShop.com

Cristina is a make up artist who loves sharing tricks and secrets of the trade. Her online beauty boutique Absolutely Gorgeous is filled with unique and beautifully packaged beauty brands for all to share.