Fresh, dewy skin starts with regular exfoliation. Though it's certainly possible to have great skin without ever exfoliating, exfoliation makes the process easier. By increasing the flow of blood to your skin, exfoliation makes sure your face has the oxygen and nutrients it needs to repair itself. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps deflate puffiness, according to the Wall Street Journal Magazine. Even better, exfoliation primes your skin to better absorb moisturizers so that they work more effectively.
Step 1
Choose an exfoliating scrub that's man made to ensure perfectly even, spherical granules, recommends Dawn Diorio, a trainer and aesthetician for Ahava, in an article published in Elle magazine. According to Diorio, uneven or broken granules can scratch and break your skin. The Wall Street Journal magazine suggests Chanel Extra Radiance Exfoliating Gel or Sisley Gentle Facial Buffing Cream as possible options.
Step 2
Clean your face completely after a shower or a bath, and while your skin is still damp and your pores are open from the steam, use your fingers to apply a small amount of exfoliating scrub to your face. Dot small amounts of the scrub onto your forehead, chin and cheeks.
Step 3
Use your fingers to massage the scrub into your skin, pushing up and out to make small circles. Start at the bottom of your face and work your way upward, avoiding your eye area.
Step 4
Rinse your face with lukewarm water until you completely remove all residue from the exfoliating scrub from your skin. Pat your clean face dry with a towel.
Step 5
Apply your regular moisturizer to your face immediately.
Step 6
Repeat once a week if you have dry skin and two or three times a week if your skin is prone to oiliness.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't exfoliate more than three times a week or your skin won't have time to rebuild its protective barrier between scrubs, Diorio warns in Elle magazine. Too much exfoliation can make skin as dry and flaky as too little. If you can, wait at least two hours before applying makeup after you exfoliate.
Things You'll Need
- Exfoliating scrub
- Towel
- Moisturizer
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