by Andi Bradshaw

Exfoliating should be a consistent part of your skin care routine, if you want to get the best results from your skin care products and moisturizers. Healthier, smoother looking skin will help keep you looking younger than your age. That may not be such a good idea if you're fifteen, but for those of us who are over 30 or 35, well...

Frequently referred to as scrubs, exfoliators are made to lift and remove dull, dry or dead skin cells. They are comprised of sugars, salts, dried fruits, nuts, grasses, flowers and grains (wheat, corn or oats). They may be roughly ground for use on the body and very finely ground for use on the face and you can usually find one or more in creams, oils, lotions and compressed (bar) or liquid soaps.

Why Do I Need Exfoliators?

Exfoliators are needed because every 25 days, your skin renews itself and without an exfoliator, any un-removed dead cells can accumulate and result in white heads or hair bumps. If either becomes infected, you have the beginning stage of acne, particularly on your shoulders or back where the skin is dryer. The body requires larger scrubbing particles, which won't harm or scratch the skin unless used with more than usual pressure.

Exfoliating is necessary for polishing and allowing the skins natural oils to surface from beneath those dead cells; thereby keeping the skin soft and smooth. Exfoliators should be used by men and women. Most men regularly remove or exfoliate the dead skin on the lower halves of their faces - while shaving. So, the top half could benefit from weekly exfoliating.

What do they do?

In order for your skin's natural oils to come to the surface, your dead skin cells should be sloughed off and with correct use, exfoliators also polish the skin which leaves it feeling soft and smooth. When you don't use an exfoliator, those cells pile up and the results can be hair bumps or acne, especially in dryer skin areas like your back or shoulders.

How do I use Facial Exfoliators?

If you have dry skin, you can use the oil based scrubs and oily skin should use the gel based products. Combination skin can use the lotion types and sensitive skin should use the mildest or baking soda based scrubs. After cleansing and while your skin is still wet, apply about a teaspoon of your exfoliator to a clean, wet wash cloth.

Gently scrub in a circular motion; all over your face and throat for about 30 seconds. Rinse your cloth thoroughly, and use it to rinse/wipe away the exfoliating grains. Use a clean towel to pat your face dry and then complete with the application of your toner, eye treatment and your moisturizers.

Women often believe that scrubbing longer or more often than recommended will result in better looking skin; it doesn't and it could make your skin extremely dry. Companies formulate their products to respond to the recommended time that will give the best resultsExfoliator directions usually recommend a twice weekly use, so if you follow the directions, you'll enjoy the benefits of your home facial.

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