While nowadays we are aware of the importance of a dead skin exfoliation, it's not a modern trend as Cleopatra used it in her beauty regime. Bathing in a bath of milk daily did wonders for her skin. Milk contains lactic acid which is an alpha hydroxy acid.
What are hydroxy acids?
Hydroxy acid smoothes the skin by dissolving the intercellular “glue” that attaches the cells to the surface. Hydroxy acids are the most common form of bought at-home exfoliate because they are extremely effective and when used properly very safe. Hydroxy acids may be combined with enzymes delivered from papaya and pineapple resulting in even smoother skin.
Lemon and Salt Scrub
In this video Juilia a top model tells us the ingredients she uses in her homemade scrub.
Why Exfoliate?
Everyone exfoliates dead skin naturally. In fact, as you’re reading this, thousands of tiny skin cells are falling off your body. Teenagers regenerate their skin every 14 days. By the time you’re 40 however, that rate has increased to 30-40 days. The result is dull skin. An exfoliation regime gives nature a gentle hand.
Exfoliation for an acne skin should be gentle as abrasive ones can aggravate the condition.
Prematurely ageing skin is often the result of too much sun exposure. Exposure to the sun can cause a build up of surface skin cells. Exfoliation can help brighten up your skin if it has been exposed to the sun especially over a length of time.
Exfoliation on a dry skin can help remove some of the dry flakiness that occurs, making the skin brighter and more alive.
Over Exfoliation
Many people believe if a little exfoliation is good a lot must be even better. It’s a notion which is completely wrong. Over exfoliation will only remove the natural protective barrier on your skin which will result in your skin becoming sensitive irritated and prematurely age.
It’s important to remember after you do exfoliate that you use a sun factor cream on your skin as it will be extra sensitive to sunlight.
Cleanse your skin first before you exfoliate. After you could give yourself a homemade facial.
Place the oatmeal in a bowl and mix in the yoghurt and almond oil. Leave to sit for a few minutes to allow the oatmeal soften. Gently massage the mixture into your face and neck for about five minutes, avoiding the area directly around the eyes. Wash off with warm water.
Dead Skin Exfoliation for Oily Skin
3 tbsp fine oatmeal
2 tbsp chopped parsley
juice of half a large grapefruit
Place the oatmeal and parsley in a bowl and mix the grapefruit to make a paste. Leave for a few minutes to allow the oatmeal to soften. Spread the mixture evenly over your face and relax for 15 -20 minutes before washing off with warm water.
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl before massaging the mixture into your face and neck for about 2 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
What skin type are you?
Oily Skin
If your skin is oily you could have enlarged pores, which sometimes get blocked causing blemishes, blackhead and even acne.
Dry Skin
can often feel very tight and uncomfortable after washing and even be flaky, and red.
Normal Skin
feels comfortable after washing, has only the occasional blemish and no redness.
Sensitive Skin
is reactive to make-up and cosmetics. The skin can be red, blotchy or have a rash.
Mature Skin
The secret of maintaining a smooth, healthy complexion : as your skin matures the key to healthy skin is a routine which suits your lifestyle.
Facial Skin Toner A facial skin toner removes every last trace of cleanser and prevents pores from blocking and causing blemishes.