We’ve gone on and on about facial exfoliation – but what about your body? Yes, we need to be exfoliating there too, at least 2-3 times a week. Exfoliating should preferably be done pre or during a shower with a scrub, peel, or brush. Read on to find out why.
Prevents Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are never fun, and if you’re a regular leg shaver, they can be an all too familiar occurrence. Deeply exfoliating your legs pre-shave is your first line of defense in preventing ingrown hairs and giving you smoother legs after the fact. It’s a win-win.
Stimulates Circulation
We all know exfoliating your face is a must in order to age gracefully – so why wouldn’t the same be true for your body? After all, the skin on your neck and chest are often the first to reveal the telltale signs of aging. Regularly exfoliating your body stimulates blood flow and encourages cell turnover, enhancing your skin’s ability to produce collagen and keep itself feeling and looking smooth and youthful.
Prolongs Your Tan
Like to sport the sun-kissed look all year round? If tanning is your thing, then regularly exfoliation is a must. Exfoliating pre-self tan ensures that your tanner isn’t clinging to loose dead skin cells on your body – which can cause your bronzed tone to look patchy and shorten its lifespan. P.S. If you are sunbathing to get your bronzed-glow, which Floridians can do all year round, please tan safely and apply UVA and UVB protection sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher every two hours. And, don’t forget that SPF 30 or higher lip balm.
Body Acne
While you may think you’ve left body acne behind in high school gym class, no one is safe when proper exfoliation isn’t involved. When you’re not exfoliating, sweat, dirt, grime, and even your lotions or other body care products can clog pores and lead to a buildup of bacteria that causes breakouts. The usual trouble areas are the backs of your arms and legs, along with your upper back and shoulders.
It Prevents Chronic Dryness
The most obvious benefit of regular exfoliation is the baby soft skin you’ll experience as a result! Sloughing off the dead skin cells not only improves the texture of your skin but allows your moisturizers and oils to penetrate even more effectively – giving your skin the long lasting hydration it desires. Exfoliating away dry skin is also a must to prevent the itchy flakiness that is not uncommon to those with chronic dryness.
