Your eating regimen is SUPER important for skin care, but topical skin care is SUPER important too!  Exfoliating your skin should be at the top of the list for topical skin care.  Of course, the big question is…How often should I exfoliate and how?!  Each person has a different type of skin.  Some people are more oily and some people are more dry.  Others have combination skin.  But, In my humble opinion, ALL persons need some type of exfoliation.  Let’s start with “mature” skin.

Why Should I Exfoliate My Mature Skin?

As we all know as our skin “matures” it becomes more dry.  When that starts to happen, fine lines and larger lines “wrinkles” start forming.  This dry skin accentuates those wrinkles making them appear more pronounced.  Having more pronounced wrinkles is NOT what I’m after.  Exfoliating the skin removes the dry, dead skin making room for new skin cells to form.  It helps smooth out the skin giving it a more even and refreshing look.  The wrinkles become less noticeable and a more youthful, vibrant you surfaces!

How Should I Exfoliate My Mature Skin?

Let’s start with the face. Mature skin can tear easily so I’m using the following:

1 teaspoon baking soda mixed into my Facial Cleanser.  Rub into skin with gentle circular motions.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

 

I’m thinking of trying this recipe next month:

1/2 cup oatmeal (ground fine in a blender)  Take a pinch of the oatmeal and add Greek Non Fat Yogurt until the oatmeal becomes a paste.  Rub into skin with gentle circular motions.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

How Often Should I Exfoliate?

I’m exfoliating 3 times a week.  My skin is sensitive, though.  I want my pores unclogged, I want the dead skin cells sloughed away so new ones form.  Three times a week still helps stimulate collagen growth without irritating my skin.  It’s all about balance!

How Should I Exfoliate the Rest of My Skin?

Let’s talk about the rest of the body’s skin areas.  Well, I’m sold on the loofah for those tough areas such as feet, knees, and elbows.  Check out my loofah video below.  Last year’s garden harvest!  I like to cut them up into small 1.5″ slices and exfoliate away!  There’s nothing like using a natural product on your body and since I personally picked it from my garden, I KNOW it’s 100% loofah!  Plus, home grown Loofah’s are fun to make and give away as gifts!

 

Exfoliating my skin has so many benefits!  Just washing isn’t good enough.  Removing the dead skin cells (gently) helps to unclog those pores, remove the dead skin cells so new ones aren’t hindered from reproducing and exfoliation stimulates collagen production.  Sounds like a great addition to my skin care regimen!

Exfoliation DOES NOT replace a nutrient dense diet, though!  So, keep eating healthy and add exfoliation to the routine!

Stay tuned for my next post – skin care 101!