Always use lukewarm water during exfoliation and use a loofah with salt and oil to gently remove dirt and oil from your skin, says beautician Jasmine Man
One of the key steps to having radiant, younger looking skin is to get rid of old, dry, dead skin cells. And the best way to do that is to exfoliate. Beneath that rough, flaky outer layer of facial skin lies a lustrous canvas of beautiful, silky skin. But it won’t shine out on its own, you’ve got to give it a little help by exfoliating regularly to regenerate your skin. New skin cells are created in the skin’s inner layer (dermis). As they form, the old, dead skin cells are pushed to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Exfoliating the skin removes these dead cells.
Here are the best natural exfoliants and do-it-yourself homemade facial scrubs.
For face
In each step of exfoliating the face should be cleansed thoroughly and rinsed with lukewarm water. The proper hydrator or moisturiser for your skin type should be applied immediately post these treatments.
· Gently rub your skin dry with a clean, dry towel, post shower. This creates light friction, which will remove superficial layers of dead skin.
· Use half tablespoon of baking soda mixed with half tablespoon of a gentle cleanser, applying medium to light pressure and circular rotations for one to two minutes.
· Dryer skin types can mix half raw coconut oil with half spoon baking soda.
· Oilier skins can use baking powder and leave on for 10-15 minutes for further oil absorption.
For body
· Sugar scrub: Rinse the skin first to remove dirt and oils. Then mix half part sugar with half part oil of your choice — coconut oil, olive oil or jojoba oil. Apply with a cloth to protect the skin on your hands from becoming irritated. Using mild pressure, and circular motions; don’t spend more than 1 minute per limb.
· Use loofah with salt and oil. For more stubborn areas like the knees and elbows, follow the same instructions as the sugar treatment only supplement the wash cloth with the loofah and the sugar with the salt.
· Use a dry, natural bristle brush on dry skin. Start at your feet and gently glide the brush bristles against your skin, using upward strokes toward your heart. This should only take about three to four minutes for your entire body. Skin should be cleansed and then moisturised afterwards.
The author is manager, Shanaya Spa, Kempinski Ambience Hotel