How to get smooth skin for summer
Skin is the largest organ in the human body and has many functions including:
Allowing us to sense touch, heat, cold and pain.
Regulating our body temperature,
Eliminating toxins and minerals when we sweat, and
Protecting us from the UV rays from the sun.
So, it’s well worth making some effort to look after it your skin.
Skin cell renewal by Mother Nature
We get some help from nature as our skin maintains itself naturally by constantly shedding dead skin cells from the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and replacing them with younger cells every 28 days or so.
But, as we age our skin cells take longer to renew (up to 40 days) which can leave it looking dull, ashen and flaky.
Why you should exfoliate your skin
According to L’Oreal Paris, everyone including men, should add a weekly exfoliating session to their skincare routine whatever your skin type. Exfoliating will help to unclog your pores, clear off any flakes and leave skin looking brighter.
Your skin will thank you for it by making it feel softer and smoother.
As an extra bonus, when you exfoliate before shaving your razor will effortlessly glide over your skin which can reduce the appearance of ingrowing hairs, as well as little nicks from the razor.
How to exfoliate your body
By exfoliating, you can speed up the natural freshening up of cell renewal without visiting a salon. Remove dead skin cells manually by gently brushing all over with either a natural body brush or applying a lightly abrasive skincare product made with small natural granules e.g. either sugar or salt.
TIP: It's best to exfoliate before shaving to minimise the risk of irritation
But before you reach for your razor give this homemade and vegan friendly moisturising Tropical Citrus Body Scrub a try just before you shave your legs.
You’ll find everything you need for this DIY pampering treat on your next trip out for groceries.
Homemade Sugar Body Scrub Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
125g sugar
30g olive/sunflower oil
2 tsp lemon zest (zest from 1 lemon/lime)
2 tbsp lemon/lime juice
METHOD:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and then pour into a squeezy bottle which will make using it quick, clean and easy.
Hop into the bath or shower for 5 minutes to soften the hair.
Squeeze the mixture into your hand and apply to your legs.
Leave the mixture on your skin for another couple of minutes, make a nice creamy lather with some soap for super-smooth slip and then shave as usual.
Rinse off with warm water.
Finally, smooth on your favourite moisturiser or body oil to your skin when it’s still damp from the water. Applying when damp will help the oil to penetrate through the skin layers and keep it hydrated. If you apply oil to dry skin not only will you use more oil, it will coat the top layer but won’t sink in well. You may end up having re-apply moisturiser sooner than necessary.
How to exfoliate your face
Please go very gently as the skin on your face can be very sensitive. Follow the same process as you would on your body. Slough away dead skin with a soft facial brush, natural sponge or apply a skincare product to wet skin using gentle circular motions on your face with your fingertips. To avoid redness or soreness use a product infused with a lightly abrasive natural exfoliant with tiny granules eg., ground oatmeal, activated charcoal or clay.
Why men should exfoliate before shaving
Men’s grooming experts Gillette recommend that men exfoliate before shaving for a smoother wet shave. Exfoliation removes any build-up of dirt, oil and dead skin cells and lifts the hairs to stop them from lying flat against your skin, allowing your razor to glide over your skin easily - meaning fewer shaving cuts and less pain! It will also give you extra protection if you’re prone to razor bumps. If the hair is very coarse applying a few drops of oil will help to soften the hair before lathering up.
Don’t forget to moisturise after shaving to keep your skin hydrated.
Homemade Coffee Facial Scrub recipe:
Time for a bit of recycling and repurposing.
Before you empty out the coffee grounds from your morning coffee down the sink, save them for your face! Ground coffee makes an excellent natural exfoliator which is gentle enough to use on your face. Caffeine is rich in antioxidants which can help to protect your skin from sun damage.
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon ground coffee
1 tablespoon olive oil
Apply very gently to your face in small circular motions. Rinse with warm water and use a washcloth to remove any residue. Finish with your usual skincare routine or, for men, follow with your usual wet shave.
Not only does it improve your blood circulation, regular exfoliation helps your skin to absorb the ingredients in your skincare products much more effectively allowing them to work deep into the epidermis, which means you’ll get much more value from them.
Why not give it and try and see the difference?
Until Next time ...
Sharron
