How To Exfoliate In 5 Simple Steps!
Summer is here and it’s time to show off that beautiful body in sundresses and swimsuits.
Chances are your face and hands may have taken a bit of a beating during the last few months, after exposure to bright sun and cold winds, not to mention dry indoor air conditioning.
This often leaves the skin looking dry and dull.
But thankfully, there’s a solution…
And best of all, you can do it yourself at home, without having to invest much time or money.
Time to say bye-bye to flaky, chapped skin, a dull complexion and uneven skin tone!
How to begin?
Exfoliation is key, but everyone’s always wondering how to exfoliate.
Well here’s how, in just 5 simple steps:
- Remove all makeup, preferably using an oil-based makeup remover formulated for sensitive skin.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water (not hot!) and apply an exfoliating cleanser. I like to dab a bit onto my forehead, nose and each cheek.
- Move your fingers in small circles to evenly distribute the cleanser, applying light pressure to all areas of your face. Avoid the delicate skin below your eyes, and focus instead on your T-zone (forehead and nose) cheeks and chin.
- After cleansing, rinse your face thoroughly, again using lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply moisturizer to all areas of your face. I prefer to use a hypoallergenic lotion that’s specially formulated for faces and sensitive skin.
Even if you don’t have particularly sensitive skin, exfoliating can be a harsh process that leaves the skin red and irritated if it’s not done with care.
For best results, use an exfoliating cleanser 3-4 times per week.
Remember, a little bit goes a long way.
Cleanse gently, using the tips of your fingers rather than scrubbing.
This will help to exfoliate your hands a bit as well!
On the other 3-4 days, use a foaming cleanser instead to give your skin a bit of a break.
This will still help to clear away the dirt and gunk that’s built up on your skin throughout the day, but alternating with an exfoliating cleanser every other day or so will help to slough off dead skin cells and oily buildup.
Though exfoliating can be done first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed at night, I prefer to add this particular step to my evening skincare routine.
Even when using products that are meant for sensitive skin, exfoliating can sometimes lead to a bit of redness or irritation.
An exfoliating cleanse at the end of the day allows me to apply a soothing moisturizer, and to give my skin a break until the next morning.
Though it’s okay to apply makeup right after an exfoliating cleanse, I find I’m able to achieve the best results if I wait to do so until after a good night’s rest.
So there you have it– a few tips and tricks to get your skin in tip-top shape!
If you’re looking for which exfoliators to try, be sure to check out our rankings of the 10 best exfoliators.
You can’t go wrong with any of those!
