Hello,
This is Martha Thomas, head of customer care for Tree of Life Beauty, and I want to welcome you to our blog where we discuss important ways to age gracefully, "how-tos" for keeping skin healthy as you age, and so much more.
This week we will discuss "The 5 Major Benefits of Exfoliation" If you missed any of our past blog posts, please check them out here on our website.
Please be advised that we are not doctors or dermatologists, and this article should not be taken as medical advice or any medical statement. Any questions or issues involving your skin-care needs should be taken up with a physician, and we highly recommend you consult with your doctor before taking up any skin-care regimen.
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Have you ever been on the beach and rubbed your feet in the sand? It feels refreshing and stimulating while also making your skin soft and callous-free. This is a natural form of exfoliation.
While sand may be a bit too coarse for the face, these same sorts of benefits can come from exfoliation products. Today we are going to discuss the importance and benefits of exfoliating your face and neck to reveal youthful, radiant, and supple skin.
- Unclogs Pores
The primary function of exfoliation is to remove dead skin cells from the face (and other parts of the body). Although our bodies have natural processes to shed dead skin, our faces can pile up with dirt and debris, halting this natural shedding process.
Thus, exfoliation sheds that first and second layer of dead skin, freeing up your face to work more naturally. It can help draw out all sorts of congestion, such as blackheads and whiteheads.
- Prevents Blemishes
Since exfoliation helps to unclog pores, it can also help to prevent future blemishes from popping up. Exfoliators do not “extract” blemishes like many people believe they do. Rather, they draw out congestion to help your body naturally heal these blemishes on its own. Exfoliating once or twice a week will remove excess oil and skin cells that clog pores and cause blemishes, helping to prevent new breakouts before they even hit the surface.
Keep in mind that over-exfoliation can actually cause irritation and make blemishes worse. Only exfoliate few times per week depending on your skin type. (I like to do Sunday to get ready for my week, and Wednesday to help me get through the rest of the week.)
- Helps Even Out Skin Tone
Not only does exfoliation remove dead skin, but it also helps to rejuvenate and re-energize new skin cells. It works to turnover cells and encourage your skin tissue to grow which leads to younger-looking skin overall!
These new skin cells can help uneven skin tone, pigmentation, as well as post-breakout, red, and dark marks. I always find exfoliation to be incredibly relaxing and soothing as you feel the scrub moving across your face. It’s like you can feel your skin circulating and revivifying!
- Improves Texture
As we age, our skin’s natural ability to shed dead skin cells slows down. This can lead to more clogging, more blemishes, more dark spots, and uneven texture. These built-up dead cells can actually enhance the look of fine lines and wrinkles!
As exfoliation removes dead skin cells and rejuvenates new ones, it can make your skin appear smoother and improve its texture. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, exfoliation is one of the best ways to treat your flakes without heavy, caked-on moisturizers.
However, you should always apply a light serum or moisturizer after your exfoliate to ensure that your new, younger skin doesn’t dry out either (especially in the cold and the wind).
- Helps Other Products
When that layer of dead skin is removed and fresh cells are open and free, your other skincare products will better be able to get down into your pores. Exfoliating regularly will keep your skin free of this “barrier” of dead skin. Thus, your other products, such as a mask or serum, can wiggle down into your pores and do their job more efficiently!
Don’t over-exfoliate, or you could strip away natural oils and do more harm than good. Exfoliating twice a week, though, will keep your skin fresh and youthful while helping your other products work in synergy.
Try our 70% organic exfoliating facial scrub or our 100% natural sugar scrub which are a chock full of antioxidants to help give your skin a healthy, flawless glow!