Even with all the work you do, you may still have a few questions about certain methods you use on your skin to avoid dryness.
One of these questions may be related to exfoliation. You have heard that it is important to keep skin exfoliated, except it does not sound like such a great idea where dry skin is concerned. You may think this because of what you know about exfoliation.
Most people consider exfoliation to mean you scrub away at your skin with soap, water, and a washcloth, or you use some kind of exfoliating cream with abrasives in it, such as micro beads or sand-like particles.
This thinking, while partially right, is not giving you the full picture. Though you are abrading your skin slightly during exfoliation, your ultimate goal is to remove the dead layers of skin cells from the surface of your skin. Removing these layers reveals the healthy skin beneath and can help to get rid of excess dry skin, as well as hide fine lines and possible discolorations to your skin tone.
Some people wonder whether or not exfoliating dry skin is a good idea. It is. Though you are giving you skin a little scrubbing, the trick is to avoid scrubbing vigorously and not to do it too often. Overdoing exfoliation will only lead to drier skin, so you must try and find a balance between the right amounts of exfoliation.
Finding the right exfoliating cleanser is crucial to good exfoliation of dry skin. Cleansers made just for dry skin exfoliation will probably be your best bet for great feeling skin afterward. There are numerous creators and types of cleansers for dry skin, so finding cleansers for your purpose will not be hard; finding one that is ideal for your skin will probably be harder.
Remember that some cleansers contain abrasives that may be too much for your skin and go so far as to cause skin cracking or break capillaries beneath skin. Once you find the right cleanser, start a routine. It does not necessarily have to be daily in the case that your skin becomes extremely dry rather easily, so do a few test runs and decide how often to perform your routine. Follow these guidelines when you finally settle on a routine time.
1.) Get your skin wet either by dipping in the tub or having a quick shower. Remember not to soak in the water or your skin will be more vulnerable to dryness.
2.) Dampen a loofah, exfoliating gloves, or a synthetic sponge. You may even find these implements unnecessary and decide to exfoliate by using just your hands and your cleanser.
3.) Depending upon your preference, add your chosen cleanser either directly to your skin or put some on your loofah or other washing material.
4.) Begin exfoliating by gently scrubbing your cleanser with your hands or loofah in a circular motion. Pay special attention to areas of your body that might need exfoliation the most, and be extra careful around areas of your body that are especially sensitive or delicate. Your cleanser should not feel painful or grinding on any part of your body, but rather refreshing and leave you with a feeling of being cleaner.
5.) Rinse your skin well and pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel. You have already lost enough natural oil; no need to lose more.
6.) Now your skin is exfoliated and left with just the healthy layers showing. Be sure to always follow up your exfoliation routine with a really good moisturizer to help replace the moisture you have lost during the process.
