Why you should be exfoliating your body
We often hear about how exfoliating our face is an important part of our skin care routine, but did you know that it’s just as important to regularly exfoliate your body?
If you don’t exfoliate regularly you could end up with clogged pores, which blocks moisture from getting into the deeper layers, and ingrown hairs.
If you want to have healthy, smooth skin add body exfoliation to your regular self care routine!
Here’s my top 7 reasons why you should make body exfoliation a part of your regular self care routine.
Your skin will feel smoother!
Exfoliating your skin helps to remove dead skin cells to reveal the newer cells below. These skin cells are more hydrated and healthier so your skin feels (and looks) smoother! The dry skin tends to build up around your elbows, knees and heels so it’s important to remove it to stop painful cracking.
Minimises breakouts on your back
Exfoliation helps to draw out and prevent congestion from clogged pores, which is a major cause of breakouts. This is especially important in winter when we’re all rugged up.
Helps to reduce the appearance of pigmentation
Pigmentation is the dark areas that come from age, pregnancy and changes in your hormonal balance. These areas tend to become more apparent and darker as the skin ages. Exfoliation gently removes the dark, damaged skin cells and encourages new healthy skin tissue to grow through.
Reduces the appearance of large pores
Dead skin cells tend to build up in larger, open pores causing a shadowing effect that makes them appear larger than they are. Regular exfoliation stops this, so the pores appear smaller.
Moisturiser works better
Moisturising after exfoliating allows your moisturiser to absorb deeply and nourish the fresher, younger skin cells below.
Helps prevent ingrown hairs after hair removal
Removing dead skin build-up helps to prevent ingrown hairs as they don’t get trapped below the dead skin layer. Trapped hairs keep growing and as they can’t penetrate the surface they curl back under, causing a lump and often getting infected. If you use a hair removal method, you also need to exfoliate!
Reduces stress
When you exfoliate your body you are increasing your blood circulation and boosting your lymphatic system. This helps to encourage new skin cells, break down fatty tissue and drain toxins from the skin. It’s also part of your self care routine – add some essential oils and give yourself a massage with moisturiser and you’ll feel any stress melt away.
How often should I exfoliate my body?
Twice a week is a good start for your body (once a week for your face). See how your skin responds – if you have sensitive skin then maybe once a week is best for you. If your skin is still dull and dry after the first week try three times weekly. Be gentle with your skin – best results come from gentle, regular exfoliation. If you’re too ‘heavy handed’ your skin will be red and irritated so try to tone it down a bit.
Another effective way to exfoliate is to dry brush your body. Start with a soft, dry brush before bathing or showering, so you can rinse off after you’re done.
After exfoliating, your skin should be slightly red and a bit tingly but not irritated or painful. Finish with your favourite moisturiser and you’ll see (and feel) the results straight away.
Further reading: The secret benefits of dry brushing your body.