Go For The Glow-Skin Exfoliation
By: Jana Meltd
Exfoliation is one of the best kept secrets in making your skin beautiful. It removes dead skin cells leaving the skin soft, silky, fresh, radiant and shiny. In other words, exfoliating from head to toe will get you glowing!
The word exfoliate comes from the Latin word 'exfoliare', meaning to strip off leaves, and this is a good description of what takes place during the exfoliation process. As your skin regenerates, new skin cells are created in the lower layer, the dermis, which over time migrate to the surface, the epidermis. During their 20-40 day journey, the cells die and become filled with keratin, which protects the skin from outside elements. The dead cells become loose on the skin's surface and are eventually cast off (like dead leaves) to make way for younger cells. Exfoliation, which must always take place after cleansing, removes the outermost layer faster to reveal the newer skin beneath. This shedding process unclogs pores, reduces acne breakouts, and polishes your skin. Another way to think of it is like using sandpaper on a piece of wood, revealing the beauty beneath. However, your skin isn't as strong as wood, so be gentle!
There are two main forms of exfoliation -mechanical and chemical:
THE MECHANICAL PROCESS involves scrubbing the surface of the skin with a gentle abrasive substance, such as salt or sugar; or with specially designed abrasive materials, such as sponges made of plastic mesh, exfoliating gloves, pumice stones, loofahs, and natural bristle brushes, which are used on the feet, knees, elbows, and other tough areas of the body. Body brushing in the morning is not only a gentle way to exfoliate, but also to wake up. Use a body brush to exfoliate your back and other hard-to-reach places.
CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS include scrubs containing acids or fruit enzymes that act to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to ease away. Like all exfoliants, these must be used in strict accordance with instructions.
Begin to make exfoliation a part of your weekly cleansing process, but don’t overdo it. Daily exfoliating upsets the skin and makes it dry and irritated. Also, over-exfoliation in summer or in very sunny climates makes it easier for skin to be damaged by the sun. Never exfoliate your skin if you are sunburned or have any open cuts or wounds.
Now for the practical part. Below are some fantastic homemade recipes that will help you revitalize your skin in simple, natural ways.
Body Scrub
Body scrubs help circulation and are an awesome way to invigorate and rejuvenate your skin. Three essential components of your homemade body scrub are:
· 2 parts exfoliator, such as salt or sugar (most commonly used), cornmeal, poppy seeds, oatmeal, ground almonds, or finely ground coffee beans
· 1-2 parts carrier oils, such as vegetable oil or oil extracted from nuts and seeds like grape seed oil or macadamia nut oil
· A couple of drops of essential oil, such as lavender, which is known for its skin-balancing effects. You may also add things like honey, lemon juice or milk
Spoon out some of the scrub into your hand and massage gently onto your skin in a circular motion. Leave on for a few minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Invigorating Lemon Sugar Scrub
Try this body scrub:
· 1 cup sugar (either white or brown — both work well)
· ½ cup extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil (or ¼ cup oil and ¼ cup liquid soap)
· 1 tsp lemon juice
· 3-5 drops peppermint oil
Soak’n Scrub Foot Care for Dry and Cracked Feet
Soak your feet for 5-10 minutes in a warm foot bath made with 1 cup of milk and 5 cups of warm water, then massage this special recipe into your feet in a circular motion:
· 4 tablespoons salt or sugar
· 1/2 cup oil such as baby oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil or vegetable oil
Finally, scrub bottoms of feet with a pumice stone. Rinse and dry feet before applying moisturizer.
Fruity No-Scrub Facial Mask
· 1/4 cup fresh strawberries
· 1/4 cup sour cream or non-flavored yogurt
Mash strawberries and yogurt or sour cream together, then spread on face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Wash and moisturize.
Strawberries contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) which act like chemical exfoliators. Other fruit that can be substituted when strawberries are out of season, which are also high in AHAs include: pineapple, pawpaw, apple, grapes and lemon.
THREE DELICIOUS FACIAL SCRUBS
For the recipes below follow these steps:
Tie hair back and wash face
To open pores, steam face over hot water or press warm cloth to skin for a few minutes
After preparing scrub, apply it to face (and neck if desired). Avoid eye area
Gently massage into the skin in a circular motion for 30 seconds and leave on the skin for a few minutes
Rinse off with warm water, moisturize if necessary, and enjoy results.
1. Oatmeal Scrub
A stimulating, thoroughly cleansing 3-in-1 scrub! Smooths, tones, and hydrates:
· 1 tbsp rolled oats (ground) or almond meal
· 1 tsp lemon juice
· 2 tsp yogurt
Combine and apply. Optionally, let your scrub double as a mask by waiting a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
2. Banana Scrub
A finely textured, delicious-smelling scrub, this can also double as a mask:
· 2 tsp mashed banana
· 2 tsp rolled oats (ground)
· 1 tsp milk
· 1 tsp honey
3. Honey Sugar Scrub
If you have ever used a body sugar scrub, you know just how amazing they are. This recipe works just as well on your face:
· 1 tsp honey
· ½ tsp sugar
Mix in bowl and apply. Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe is very sticky.
INSIDE BEAUTY
You know, God also wants to polish and beautify the inner you because He sees something precious in you. He wants to remove the rough areas in your life so that you can shine for Him: [Jesus] gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for Himself a special people, zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:14)
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us purify ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
Jana Meldt
Lifestyle Counselor
*For any queries or further information you can contact Jana at benjanameldt@gmail.com
