As you get older, cell turnover slows down. This allows dead skin to accumulate, which can give you a dull-looking complexion. Exfoliating once a week is a key to getting rid of dead skin so that you will have a healthy glow.
Exfoliating will allow other beauty products, such as moisturizers and serums, to penetrate your skin better. It will also help your foundation go on smoother, rather than sitting on top of dry, flaky skin.
Before you exfoliate your skin, it is important to have the right tools. The best choices are a washcloth, a dry brush, exfoliating gloves, and a pumice stone.
The best time to exfoliate your face is in the morning. Use a scrub to exfoliate once or twice a week. Don’t do it too often because that can dry out your skin. Avoid products with large or harsh granules that can tear your skin.
Use circular motions to rub the scrub into your skin for 30 seconds using a washcloth, and then rinse your face with lukewarm (never hot) water. If you want to save time, you can mix a dime-size amount of an exfoliating scrub in with your normal cleanser and use both at once.
You can buy an at-home microdermabrasion system if you have oily or acne-prone skin or large pores. If you want to use another stronger product, you can try chemical peels, beta alpha hydroxy pads, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinoids.
To get rid of dead skin on your lips, rub on Vaseline or lip balm and gently scrub with a toothbrush.
To exfoliate all over, you can give yourself an at-home body scrub that is just as good as one you could get at a spa. Apply oil to your skin, and then use a dry brush or exfoliating gloves to remove dead skin. Start at your feet and work your way up, using short, light strokes. Then get in the shower and use a sugar or salt scrub and massage your skin using circular motions, beginning at your feet.
After you have finished, rinse with lukewarm water. Then apply a salicylic acid body wash, focusing extra attention on your heels, elbows, and knees. Pat your skin dry, and then apply a moisturizer while it is still slightly damp.
After you shower every day, use a pumice stone to exfoliate the bottoms of your feet for a minute each. Scrub around your toes and on your heels.
If you have dry skin on your elbows, cut the toes out of a thick pair of clean socks, rub Crisco on your elbows, slip your arms into the socks, and leave them on for eight hours.