Exfoliation is a method of deep skin cleansing that removes dead cells and makes way for the natural replacement of new dermis cells.
Exfoliation is basically a deep cleansing done on the skin to remove dead cells. This occurs because these small parts of the body are greatly affected when the hydration of the dermis is uncontrolled. Therefore, cell death happens because they become dry, leaving them trapped between the pores.
That’s why we must do the procedure, because the pores are clogged with lifeless cells, making it impossible for the skin to breathe and hindering the production of oil that is essential for your health. With life in the dermis renewed, its surface is also renewed. Not to mention that the massage done during exfoliation is very positive for stimulating blood circulation.
Before getting used to the technique, you need to know how it can be done and its frequency. Contrary to what many people think, exfoliation is a methodology that can be done not only on the face, but on the entire body. Just read below and look beautiful with smooth, well-hydrated skin.
What is exfoliation?
In principle, there is a natural cycle of skin cell renewal. Every 30 days, the dermis automatically eliminates dead cells and creates new cells for the rejuvenation process. This is where the act of facial and body exfoliation comes in.
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and the release of waste from the pores to make room for new cells. This procedure can be done in different ways and directly influences the appearance of blackheads, pimples, ingrown hairs, the regulation of skin oiliness and so on.
In fact, skin oil is the first sign we have when exfoliation is necessary. You know when we wash our face and still don’t feel like our skin is completely clean? This is where the key is for you to run and prepare your exfoliation, because your dermis is already saturated with residue in the pores. Be alert!
Benefits of exfoliation
There’s no way around it, we are always prone to the effects of wind, city pollution, low or high humidity. Or, we are careless enough to spend many hours in the sun, without worrying about sunscreen. And even so, once the protector is worn, the skin – that is, the largest organ in our body – suffers from all the factors mentioned.
This is where the benefits of exfoliation come in. After suffering all these negative effects, exfoliating means recovering the healthy appearance of your skin, leaving everything more balanced and your self-esteem improving.
See what the positive effects of the habit are:
Regulates excess oil
Excessive oiliness is one of the most obvious signs that your cells need space to renew themselves. With the pores dilated and filled with waste, the sabaceous glands begin to produce more sebum than normal. This leads to the appearance of blackheads and pimples.
As a result, exfoliation eliminates dead cells, natural cell production increases, pores return to normal and skin oil is consequently balanced. Therefore, this is a super positive point of this practice.
Prepare for hydration
When exfoliation is done, the pores are ready to receive hydration. The act is more effective after the procedure because there is better absorption of the moisturizer, as the pathways are freed. Whenever you exfoliate, remember, this is the exact time to hydrate.
Improves blood circulation
Nothing better than combining exfoliation with a good massage. The fact is the procedure also helps to improve circulation, thanks to the movements made on the skin with the exfoliant. Therefore, in addition to unclogging pores, it improves blood traffic.
This can even lead the body to eliminate excess water. In other words, it promotes a type of lymphatic drainage.
Blemishes and acne eliminated
It’s easy to understand why this benefit from exfoliation. As mentioned above, the elimination of dead cells makes room for new cells. With this, those acne marks and blackheads, and sun exposure spots, go away. So, know that exfoliating will also help with that part that makes us feel so low.
Scrub recipes
Firstly, there are two types of exfoliation, physical and chemical. The first is done through granular products, which come into contact with the skin and enter the pores. The second involves the help of chemical procedures, such as acids and some specific application instruments.
For you, who want to make your own exfoliation at home, we have put together some basic recipes for easy-to-use physical exfoliation so that your skin looks beautiful, rejuvenated and hydrated, without leaving your place. Look:
Cornmeal scrub
With a spoonful of cornmeal and a little moisturizer or oil, you can give your entire body a quality exfoliation. Cornmeal is perfect for this because it has the ideal grainy consistency to reach the pores. The method is highly recommended for application to elbows, knees and heels.
Sugar with almond oil
Take a little sugar, proportional to the area where you will apply the exfoliant, and add almond oil until the contents are moistened. Then, apply to the skin using circular movements.
This recipe is perfect to make at home, because the sugar grains penetrate the pores better. After the procedure, hydrate!
Coffee powder
This recipe can be made either with damp skin and pure coffee powder, or with coffee powder mixed with a moisturizer. The biggest tip is that you should never exfoliate with coffee grounds, that is, with already used coffee grounds. After passing through hot water, the grains can be deformed in the process, scratching the skin.
Furthermore, the wrong procedure can also cause changes in the skin’s pH. Therefore, use coffee powder normally without the observations described above.
How to exfoliate?
If you still have doubts about how to apply, pay close attention. It’s not difficult, just apply one of the recipes above to your skin and make circular movements. The action will cause residues to be removed and the skin to be deeply cleansed.
However, you do not need to apply force in the act. Just lightly wipe it with your hands or fingertips.
Another important tip is how often exfoliation should be done. Normally, the step-by-step procedure should be done at most twice a week, so that the skin is not so exposed.
However, remember that skin oil is a natural protector against the sun. Removing it is also synonymous with attention.
Finally, read more about skin in Skin types – What they are, how to identify and special care
Sources: Derma Club, Glamor Magazine, Tua Saúde, Mulher, Aesthetics and Hair, Ask a Dermatologist, Extraordinary Beauty, ecycle
Image sources: Ask the Dermatologist, Aesthetics and Hair, Revenge, M de Mulher, Vix, Eu sem fonteiras, Um doce dia, Mulher, Dep365, Vepakum,
