Body Exfoliation – Want softer, smoother, healthier skin? You’re not alone! Exfoliation is your only way to go to achieve supple, satin smooth skin. Prepare your skin for that radiant Summer glow!

Your body naturally sheds dead skin cells every 30 days. But that cycle slows down as you get older. Introducing Body Exfoliation everyday (or two) to your body care routine can help ensure the skin below your neck stays sufficiently smooth and supple. Generally speaking, there are three ways to exfoliate. Granular, chemical, and with a device – and each comes with an array of options. Here, we’ve rounded up the best exfoliating options. They will help you choose the best form for your skin type and needs.

Why we should exfoliate?

Exfoliation is the removal of the dead, keratinized skin cells sitting on the skin’s surface. Exfoliation leaves the skin smoother and fresher looking, and makes it easier for active  products like serums to penetrate the skin’s surface.

• To remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to reveal healthy, fresh looking skin.
• To help keep blemishes at bay- if we didn’t exfoliate there would be a build up of dead skin cells causing clogged pores, and there would be excess oil production. This would cause blemishes and spots.
• To help with absorption of active products- If there is a build up of dead skin cells lying on the surface of our skin, when we put our products on every morning/ evening they are being absorbed by the dead skin cells and not penetrating into the skin as much as they could be.
• To improve circulation to the skin- When we exfoliate we are bringing the blood to the surface of the skin, causing that flushed pink colour. The blood carries nutrients to the surface of the skin, feeding the skin from within.

When Should We Exfoliate?

When we should exfoliate differs depending on the individuals skin type and condition.

For the face, a good place to start is exfoliating once a week. All skin types will benefit from a weekly exfoliation. The oilier your skin is the more often you should exfoliate.

For the body, the skin on the body isn’t as delicate as the skin on the face, exfoliating once/ twice a week will help improve the skins texture and help remove any dry patches on the skin.

You have to be careful not to over exfoliate the skin, as you don’t want to start stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Ways to Exfoliate.

There is a wide range of at home and professional exfoliating products and treatments available.

• Face/Body scrub- physical exfoliant, there is little beads in scrubs that help to lift the dead skin from the skin.
• Exfoliators with active ingredients- chemical exfoliant. These products contain Glycolic or Salicylic Acids, they encourage cell turnover and break through dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy skin.
• Dry Body brushing- should only be used on the body as the skin is tougher. The bristles of the body brush removes the layer of dead skin cells. Great on areas of cellulite as the blood flow to the area is increased.
• Exfoliating Gloves- just like the dry body brush, the gloves remove the layer of dead skin from the surface of the skin. They can be used on there own or with product. Great to remove tanning products.
• Professional Body Exfoliating treatments- A body scrub in a salon/ spa is one of the most revitalising treatments we can treat ourselves too! Using professional grade products every inch of your body is exfoliated and you leave with your skin feeling like silk. Perfect treatment before going on holidays or before getting a spray tan.
• Professional Facial Exfoliating treatments- From a mini facial to professional peels, there are so many different treatments offered to help make the skin look fresher and healthier.

Body Scrubs

If you are looking to add a multitasker to your skincare routine, a body scrub is it. Scrubs help to improve the texture of your skin by removing dead skills and reducing ingrown hairs. They are generally safe for all skin types. Making them the “go to” form of exfoliation for many people. They are easy to us. Yet effective in softening the skin and removing all those dry, dead skin cells. They can be used before the shower. They can be used on dry skin for a vigorous exfoliation or when your skin is wet in the shower for a gentler scrub. These scrubs are usually made with a base of sugar or salt and essential oils. Creams or lotions are added to help nourish the skin as you exfoliate.

Decleor’s 1000 Grain Body Exfoliator is a fabulous product. Use it to transform your skin leaving feeling silky soft. Its formula contains grapefruit essential oil for a invigorating fragrance. A combination of pearl sugar, argan shell and fruit acids to ensure skin is full of moisture. Easy to apply, this indulgent gel turns into oil when massaging. It changes into a milky liquid with water contact for quick rinsing. It can be used before or during the shower, in circular motions all over the body or on any areas with tough, dry skin.

Chemical Exfoliator

Many people suffer with breakouts or acne across the back, shoulders or chest. Do you have skin that is prone to breakouts or dullness, but are afraid to exfoliate too harshly? Using a body wash with alpha or beta hydroxy acids (think: glycolic or salicylic) is a great alternative. Unlike scrubs and exfoliating devices, these body washes have ingredients that will penetrate your pores and encourage cellular turnover.

Blemish & Age Cleanser from Skinceuticals is formulated to target breakouts and blemishes on the skin. Generally used on the face, this cleanser can also be used on the body or any other areas where you are suffering with breakouts and blemishes. It contains Salicylic acid and Lipohydroxy Acid. Which gently exfoliates the skin and clears out any excess dirt and sebum from the pores. Simply foam a small amount of the cleanser in your hands and massage it on the area for 60 seconds to purify the skin and leave it feeling clean and fresh.

Body Brushing

Body Brushing or Dry brushing is a triple-threat. Not only is it a great technique for Body Exfoliation, but it also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite and detox your body through assisting with lymphatic drainage. Before you get in the shower, take a dry brush made with 100 percent natural boar bristles.

Try the one from our Voya Home Spa Retreat Set.  Using it to create circular motions on your skin starting at your feet. Work your way up your body in a circular pattern. Allowing yourself to get a bit more aggressive around your thighs and midsection. This is where the skin there tends to be heartier. If you have thick varicose veins on your legs, skip them so they don’t become over-stimulated. The Home Spa Retreat from Voya also comes with a body oil and a citrus essential oil. To nourish the skin after your body brushing.

Nourishing the skin after any type of exfoliation is a vital step when looking to achieve that smooth glowy skin. It prevents the skin from becoming too dry or flaking off and stops any irritation from occurring. Applying an oil, cream or a lotion, suitable to your skin type and skin needs. Applying after exfoliating will help to lock in moisture and soften the skin leaving you with baby smooth skin!