smartskin101

An important component in any good skin care regimen is exfoliation. Sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells has many great skin benefits. First, exfoliation will help to improve your skin’s texture, softening the look of fine lines and wrinkles. (Ladies, think of how smooth your nails appear after having them buffed during your mani/pedi. Men, think about sanded, wooden floors… ) Pimples and blackheads are sometimes the result of dead skin cells trapped in pores, so exfoliating may help to prevent breakouts. And with regular exfoliation, you can improve skin discolorations, such as hyperpigmentation, sun spots/freckles, and red marks left from acne. If that weren’t enough, exfoliating brightens dull skin, helps your moisturizer to be more effective, and promotes the healthy skin cell turnover that’s crucial in anti-aging.

There are many products on the market and treatments available at spas and doctors’ offices. But I recently discovered a really great DIY, at home trick that beats some of those megabucks, super brand products! Just add a teaspoon of baking soda to your cleanser, et voila – you’ve turned your face wash into a superlux, gentle exfoliator.  Mix the two in your palms (it may fizz) then using your fingertips, gently scrub your face in upward-outward, circular motions for no more than 2 to 3 minutes. (Add a little water to your fingers if the mixture becomes dry or too sandy.) Then rinse off or gently remove with a wet rag.

Exfoliating your skin using this trick is effective and inexpensive. And who doesn’t love them apples! Though, as my sister recommended to me today, try NOT to use the stuff that’s been sitting in your fridge. That box of baking soda has been absorbing all that funk in the fridge, so it’s probably best to buy a new box that you keep in a closed container. Whoops! x-P