Buff Up! Why Exfoliating is So Good for Your Skin...

Exfoliating your skin regularly is a great way to keep your face and body looking healthy, bright and clear.

Clogged pores can lead to blackheads and acne, and a build up of dead skin cells can make your skin appear dull.  Regular exfoliation removes the build up of dead cells and excess oil, and can transform your skin.  It also keeps your skin toned and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

FACE

It’s important to choose the right exfoliant for your face, as there are hundreds out there on the market.  Many of the cheap exfoliants from chemists and supermarkets are made from quite rough exfoliants such as ground apricot kernels or walnut shells.  These can be a bit too abrasive for the delicate skin on your face.  Gentle exfoliants such as oats, wattleseed, rice flour or sandalwood powder are much softer on the face but still do a great job.

You can buy face scrubs in powder form, which you mix with water, or as a cream scrub ready to apply.  Always avoid the eye area when you exfoliate, massage gently and concentrate on the nose and chin areas, as they are generally the oiliest areas of the face.  Even dry and sensitive skin can benefit from weekly exfoliation, as long as it is a really gentle exfoliant.  For oily or combination skin, every couple of days is fine.

BODY

There are all types of scrubs for the body – sugar or salt and oil scrubs, or cream based.   When mixed with essential oils they are a heavenly addition to the shower regime! 

A loofah or facecloth is also just fine in the shower as a gentle body exfoliant.

You can make your own body scrub by mixing:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sea salt

Optional extras:

¼ cup freshly ground coffee

Grated  citrus rind

A few drops of essential oil (eg. grapefruit, peppermint, lavender)

FEET

There is nothing more relaxing than a foot massage.  Treat your feet with a scrub – any type is great.  It stimulates all the meridians (think acupuncture/acupressure points). Soak your feet first in warm water with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil.  This is a great way for toxins to exit your body too.  Adding tea tree or lavender oil is a good idea if you have any sort of fungal infections.  Herbs are wonderful thrown in too, for their therapeutic and fragrant benefits.

Once the skin has softened up it’s time to exfoliate – with a scrub, cream, pedi-paddle, loofah or pumice stone.  Finish off with another soak and some oil or moisturiser.  Heavenly!