BODY EXFOLIATION: 101

It has been proven! Body exfoliation is the way to go for a radiant glow. The importance of exfoliation is known far and wide. It improves the appearance of the skin by removing dead skin cells and imparts a fresh and radiant glow. It is also known to increase the efficiency of other body care products by unclogging the pores on the skin and allowing the nutrients from moisturizers and creams to seep through with ease.

With all these advantages and much more, it is no surprise that there are numerous exfoliating products in the market now. Be it exfoliating body care products to tools and gadgets for dermaplaning you can find them all.

But, now the question arises? How do we incorporate body exfoliation in our skin-care routine?

Let's take a look!

WHAT IS BODY EXFOLIATION?

Body exfoliation is nothing but the scrubbing of skin to remove the layer of dirt and dead skin cells to allow new cells to regenerate. It is an essential process in maintaining the skin's glow and providing a healthy radiance. It improves the texture of the skin and unclogs the pores, thereby preventing breakouts. There are usually two types of exfoliants:

Body exfoliation is nothing but the scrubbing of skin to remove the layer of dirt and dead skin cells to allow new cells to regenerate. It is an essential process in maintaining the skin's glow and providing a healthy radiance. It improves the texture of the skin and unclogs the pores, thereby preventing breakouts. There are usually two types of exfoliants:

1. Physical or Manual Body Exfoliants: Manual exfoliants are any tools or products used to speed up the body's natural exfoliating process. Thus, it can be any product that requires a scrubbing or rubbing action. It includes the exfoliating scrub, loofahs, washcloths, sponges, and brushes. It uses physical friction to remove the dead skin cells from the skin and provides a fresh, smooth, and supple feel. Physical exfoliants may contain minute particles of salt, jojoba, sugar, or apricot beads that rub against the skin, removing impurities from the pores. Physical exfoliants are also known to improve blood circulation levels and assist lymph-node drainage in reducing skin puffiness. These types of body exfoliants are also formulated to be used on all skin types. No matter if you have dry or oily skin, you can find an exfoliating product that will best suit your skin. Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub is an excellent example of a physical body exfoliant that gently cleans the skin while imparting a luxe glow.

2. Chemical Exfoliants: These magical exfoliators are formulated to loosen up the dead skin cells by breaking the skin-cell bonds. This allows the dead skin to be washed away with ease. Most chemical exfoliants come with naturally derived Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs and BHAs) like lactic acids and glycolic acids, along with fruit enzymes that help dissolve the keratin protein bonds between the cells efficiently. Once this bond is broken, the dead skin cells are dislodged from the surface of the body and offer a smoothened feel. The chemical exfoliants are known to have a smooth texture as they do not contain and coarse particles for rubbing action. These exfoliants also provide hydration to the skin; thus, they are ideal for those with dry skin. Also, since these exfoliants are formulated with fruit enzymes, like, Bromelain and Papain, they function best on sensitive skin. Therefore, if you are someone with sensitive skin, incorporate chemical exfoliants into your daily routine.

The Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body exfoliating body wash by Kiehl's is a great chemical exfoliant to include in your daily skin-care routine.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO EXFOLIATE THE BODY?

The best way to exfoliate the body depends on the type of skin that you have. Your skin type will determine which exfoliator you should use, how many times you should exfoliate, and how effective the exfoliation will be. Let's take a look at the best ways to exfoliate the body according to your skin type.

Oily Skin

If you are someone with oily skin, manual exfoliation is the name of the game. Oily skin is thicker than normal skin, so it's easier to remove the dead skin cells and dirt build-up by gentle rubbing and scrubbing using loofahs, brushes, or exfoliating products.

Dry Skin

Dry skin tends to become flaky with every passing day. If scrubbed excessively, it becomes even more dehydrated. Hence, chemical exfoliators work best on dry skin. Chemical exfoliators with AHA content will gently whisk away the dried skin from the surface and facilitate fresh skin regrowth.

Pro Tip: Always use sunscreen and moisturizer after exfoliating dry skin.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is irritable. It can get inflamed or have acne outbursts. Thus, chemical exfoliators with fruit enzymes work best for this type of skin. Fruit enzymes gently remove the dead skin cells and impart a supple and fresh feel.

HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK SHOULD YOU EXFOLIATE?

Excessive exfoliation can cause skin irritation and breakouts. It can take away the natural moisture of the skin and make it flaky and dry. Thus, exfoliating twice a week is the best way to go about your exfoliation routine.

SHOULD YOU EXFOLIATE BEFORE OR AFTER A SHOWER?

It's always better to exfoliate the skin after a shower. Why? You ask. Well, when you scrub your body, it opens the pores. When you shower after exfoliation, products like soap, shampoo, and conditioners can clog the pores and cause more damage to the skin. Using lukewarm water also causes the pores to enlarge. Thus, take a shower before you exfoliate the body.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU NEVER EXFOLIATE?

You may be wondering, what if I don't include exfoliation in my body care routine? Lack of exfoliation causes dead skin cells to build upon the body and make the skin dry, patchy, dull, and flaky. It will also clog the pores on the skin and cause an uneven skin tone. Therefore, exfoliating is as mandatory as cleansing your body. If you want soft, radiant, and glowing skin, do not give body exfoliation a miss!

Now that you know the importance of exfoliation make sure to accommodate it in your daily body care routine. You can check out exfoliating products on Kiehl's website and find the one that best suits you.