Note: I am not a skin care professional. If you have questions or concerns about medical conditions, it is highly recommended that you contact your doctor or dermatologist.
I am getting back to my old selfcare routine, part of which includes routinely exfoliating my skin. For many years, at least two times a week I exfoliated my skin and followed up with coconut oil to moisturize. This normally occurred on Tuesday and Thursday during my evening shower or bath. I loved those nights because I always slept better, woke up feeling refreshed, and spent the next day marveling at my soft, supple skin.
Sometime during the last year or two I stopped exfoliating my skin. I’m not sure exactly when or why it happened, but I can see and feel the difference in my skin. And I do not like it. Certain areas of my skin have become rough and I’m noticing more breaks and scarring.
As I have gotten older, my skin cell turnover rate has slowed down. Typically, when you are younger your skin cells renew about every four weeks. It takes roughly two weeks for the new cells to reach the surface of your skin. And then they hang around for another two weeks before your body naturally sheds them.
The three most commonly used methods of skin exfoliation are body scrubs, brushes, and chemical peels. There are other methods with different acids, microdermabrasion, etc. But because I have eczema and enjoy simple easy treatments that I can do at home, my go-tos are body scrubs, body brushes, and exfoliating towels.
When it takes longer for your skin to shed, there is more of a chance for the dead skin cells to become trapped in dirt, sweat, and oil which can lead to acne breakouts and scarring. That’s why exfoliation is so important. You are helping those dead skin cells to go ‘bye, bye’ and clearing the way for those new skin cells to shine.
As you age, this process slows down. Meaning that it takes longer for new skin cells to reach the surface of your skin and takes longer for those older cells to shed. A common measurement used to gage your skin turnover rate is your age. But, your health, diet, and environment can also play a factor as well.
I love the two in one treatment of body scrubs. You get aromatherapy via amazing scents and a gentle massage at the same time. Body brushes are convenient because all you need is a brush. On dry skin, brush towards your heart in short even strokes. Washing after is highly recommended to help get rid of the loosened dead skin cells. It is a wonderful way to gently polish and soften your skin. Exfoliating towels are wonderful when you are short on time. There is no work before or after you wash. It is just wash and go. And I love, love, love the long towels that make it easy for you to scrub your back (Chef’s kiss).
A few tips to keep in mind if you are starting an exfoliating routine: Only use one exfoliation method per day. It is possible to over exfoliate your skin which can create rashes, redness, and bruising. Do not exfoliate every day. I would say three to four times a week max. It is important to give your skin a day or two of rest and recouperation. Be gentle with your skin. The three methods I use are manual, which means your can determine how rough or gently you exfoliate your skin. Slow, gentle exfoliation is best to prevent bruising and possible scarring. And no one wants that.
I want to hear from you. Do you have an exfoliation routine? What products do you use and why? How have your results been?
Thanks for stopping by!
I Am Madeline Holt 
Leave a comment