Here Is The Best And Right Way To Exfoliate Your Face, Body And Lips

As we age, the turnover of our cells slows down, and dead skin can stick around, creating an unappealing complexion. Exfoliation can revive your skin, taking it from dull and lackluster back to bright and radiant. So, if you’re ready to unleash your inner glow, here’s everything you need to know about exfoliating for a flawless complexion.

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to reveal the newer skin beneath. Working to create a clearer and more youthful complexion, exfoliation is an essential beauty treatment for achieving radiant skin on your body, feet, face, lips, and scalp. Whether the dead cells are buffed away with an abrasive surface or broken down with the use of active ingredients and chemicals, all exfoliation aims to achieve brighter, fresher, and younger-looking skin. As a bonus, exfoliation will also help your skin better absorb other products and create a smoother base for makeup.

Exfoliate Your Face

# Scrubs:

Traditional scrubs and exfoliating cleansers are an easy way to exfoliate the skin on your face. They’ll clean your face and leave it looking refreshed with minimal time and effort. Simply add one to your beauty routine every two days when washing your face. Use a washcloth and gently massage the product into your skin in a circular motion. Be aware, though, some scrubs contain microbeads (small plastic particles) that, when washed down the drain, can build up in lakes and endanger wildlife.

# Skin-Care Brushes

One of the most effective new ways to exfoliate the skin on your face is with the use of a skin-care brush. These electronic cleansing brushes are masters of cleaning out oily pores that collect dead skin cells. It’s most effective on your T-zone and will see you have clearer, more radiant skin on a regular basis.

# Face Peel

If you have acne, consider using an at-home face peel to exfoliate your skin. Look out for products with glycolic or salicylic acids to help create clearer skin and fight acne. Just make sure that you only use facial-specific peels on your face. Body peels are much too harsh for this delicate area of skin.

# Exfoliating Face Lotions

If you’re a fan of two-in-one products (who isn’t!) then an exfoliating facial lotion might just be the product for you. Exfoliating and moisturizing at the same time, these multitasking products are ideal for creating radiant, hydrated skin. Choose one with glycolic acid for an added boost toward clearer, more youthful-looking skin.

# Rolling Exfoliators

If you’re after an exfoliator that packs a punch, try a rolling exfoliator. These gel-based products roll away dead skin cells before your eyes. Just massage the product into your skin to uncover a clearer complexion and promote collagen production. Rolling exfoliators are especially good for those noticing deep wrinkles or who suffer from acne scarring.

Exfoliate Your Body

# Gloves

Exfoliating gloves can either be used on their own or in conjunction with products, such as body scrubs. The woven fabric quickly and easily buffs away excess skin particles to reveal the new skin underneath. Use it all over your body by gently rubbing in a circular motion. If you have dry skin, however, skip the glove as it can irritate your skin and cause further dryness.

# Body Peels

Those with dry skin should use a body peel instead of exfoliating gloves. Body peels work to leave skin supple and exfoliated with the use of fruit enzymes, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. As well as working to reveal your more youthful-looking skin, body peels are also great at clearing out clogged pores and follicles. Use them in summer when you’re skin is more prone to body acne and ingrown leg hairs.

# Exfoliating Body Lotions

While peels may be too intense for sensitive skin, exfoliating body lotions get the job done while staying gentle and kind. Perfect for those with easily irritated skin or conditions such as keratosis pilaris, most exfoliating body lotions release their active ingredients slowly and can be used daily. Make sure to choose varieties containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids for the best results.

# Dry Brushing

Like exfoliating gloves, dry brushing can see significant benefits without the use of any beauty products. Look for a brush with soft, short bristles and use in light, circular motions, moving from your feet upwards. As well a buffing away old skin, this method is also thought to help stimulate lymphatic drainage, creating temporarily smoother skin.

# Pumice Stones

Don’t forget to exfoliate your feet, as this is where a lot of dead skin cell build-up occurs. After every shower rubs the bottom of your feet with a pumice stone for a minute on each one. Doing so will scrub off dead skin, leaving you with soft, supple feet in no time.

Exfoliate Lips

There are times when we all suffer from flaky and scaly lips. Instead of just continuously layering on lip balm, buff away the excess skin and moisturize to reveal perfect lips below. An easy way to do so is by gently brushing lips with a toothbrush and some petroleum jelly, like Vaseline. This method will leave lips soft and scale-free with ease. Alternatively, purchase a pre-made lip scrub and apply using your finger.