We've all heard about the magical benefits of exfoliation.
Exfoliating has been known to save marriages, fix credit scores, and even decrease your propensity to choose violence.
Ok, so none of that is true BUT exfoliating is truly a Godsend for your skin! It's been shown to:
-Stimulate Collagen Synthesis
-Boost Circulation and Lymphatic Drainage
-Unclog Pores
-Prevent Acne
Just to name a few benefits!
As our largest organ, our skin requires more TLC than we realize. Our skin protects us from disease, chemicals, ultraviolet rays, infections, etc. A normal skin cell cycle is around 28 days. This is the amount of time it takes the skin to dry up, slough over, and finally fall off.
I don't know about you but 28 days sounds like an awful long time to have dried, dead skin sitting on the surface of your face...
What I haven't mentioned is at its optimal health our skin is highly porous. This means it absorbs whatever we place on it. Without exfoliation that gunk sits on the surface and doesn't allow anything in or out. This is often times what causes breakouts because the oils and bacteria are trapped in the skin.Â
Exfoliation prevents breakouts by unclogging pores and removing that layer of dead skin so that your pores can actually breathe. It also helps whatever products you use absorb into the skin.
As with any manual agitation to the skin, our bodies naturally increase blood circulation to that area which increases the flow of fresh oxygen to the cells. The increased circulation stimulates lymphatic drainage which creates a detoxifying effect for the skin. This also increase cellular turnover rate, which decreases the 28 day skin cycle, leaving you with glowy skin.
As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen. Regular exfoliation helps to stimulate collagen synthesis to improve the skin's texture, integrity, and keep the skin looking plump and tight.
There are multiple ways to exfoliate your skin, chemical v physical. Physical exfoliation may be the best way to go when you're first getting started. There are plenty of DIY recipes on the interwebs but a very basic recipe includes:
1 part oil of your choice; 1 part sugar
These recipes can get a little messy and if you're anything like me, I hate cleaning up. This can make it hard to commit to.Â
This is why MMH has created multiple scrub bars that are safe for daily use. They allow you to clean, exfoliate, and moisturize in one step!
When exfoliating your face, it's important to use products with gentle ingredients and also gentle scrubbing on your part. The skin on our faces are more delicate and require a little more TLC. Normal/Combo skin can handle three to seven times a week with a gentle exfoliant. Sensitive skin can typically tolerate 2-3 times per week. The only way to find a good routine for your skin is by testing and listening to your body... it's always communicating with you.
As I said before, exfoliation can change your life. Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself!