How to Exfoliate Dry Skin


Exfoliation is an important process of the skin care regime and one that is often overlooked in the rush of the day. Skin care requires a good amount of time, and it is only those to give their skin this kind of time are the ones who can flaunt smooth, soft, glowing skin. Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, exfoliation is important. Yes, it is a common opinion that dry skin should not or cannot be exfoliated. This, however, is a misconception as dry skin must be exfoliated on a regular skin so that it can be moisturized and hydrated. Here's a little guide that tells you how to exfoliate dry skin with some very simple measures.

Exfoliating Dry Skin

Dry skin is likely to be a little sensitive, so excess exfoliation can be very harmful for this kind of skin. In the process of exfoliation, you are expected to use a mildly abrasive product on your skin so that your dead and dry skin can peel off and reveal a healthy layer of skin. Now, exfoliating dry skin not only requires you to follow a specific procedure, it also requires you to use specific products meant for exfoliating dry or sensitive skin. The steps that you are required to follow have been mentioned here.

Step 1: Hydrate Your Skin
Because your skin is dry, it is important that it be hydrated before you exfoliate it. If you miss out on this step, your skin will feel itchy and irritated after exfoliation. It is also possible that you may experience burns because of the exfoliation process. So, before you start exfoliating, ensure that you wet your body or face thoroughly. Now, don't soak in water for too long as that may just dry your skin further. Step into the shower, wet your body thoroughly for a few minutes, and then move on to exfoliating your skin. You may also give your body a green tea rinse before you start exfoliating as it has extremely hydrating properties.

Step 2: Exfoliate your Skin
The process of exfoliation for dry skin involves using a mildly abrasive cleaner such as a sponge or a loofah, or an exfoliating product that is specifically meant for dry skin. When using a loofah or exfoliating gloves, use a gentle cleanser meant for dry skin. Try to use a soap-free product for best results. When using a gentle exfoliator for dry skin, don't use any sponge or loofah. These products have ingredients that will moisturize the skin while exfoliating, instead of drying it out further. If you wish to and have the time, you can make a natural exfoliator for dry skin by following this simple recipe:
  • Oats (not pre-cooked or instant), finely ground in a grinder, 2-3 teaspoons
  • Pure Honey, enough to make a thick paste
  • Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon
  • Tea Tree Oil, 2 drops
To make this exfoliator, add enough honey to coat the oats and just a little more. To apply, dip your fingertips into this mixture and start rubbing it gently into the affected area in a circular motion. Don't be too rough in the application process. Allow this mix to remain on the skin for about fifteen minutes before you wash it off with lukewarm water. You may find this mixture a little difficult to use because it is so sticky, but it works wonders and allows the skin to soften and come back to its normal self. If you wish to exfoliate your feet, you will have to use a pumice stone to do so, as the skin on the feet is hard. Use a gentle cleanser to lather up the feet and then use a pumice stone on it.

Step 3: Moisturize Your Skin
After you are done exfoliating your skin, dab it dry with a towel. Don't rub the towel all over your body or it will irritate the skin more. Once dry, apply a moisturizer designed specifically for dry skin. Ensure that you apply it well all over your body. There are non-greasy formulations available even for dry skin, so you may easily apply them without their stickiness. Ideally, olive oil makes for a good moisturizer for dry skin, but its use depends on how comfortable you may be with the sticky factor. Use a product you are comfortable with and that has been tested for sensitivity on your skin. You may also use aloe vera gel to tackle dryness.

After understanding how you should exfoliate dry skin, you should also know how often you should do this. Exfoliating dry skin regularly is good, because it allows the skin to absorb the moisture that you add to it by use of a moisturizer, and reduce the dryness. However, overdoing it can lead you to develop highly sensitive and drier skin. As such, you should exfoliate sensitive skin no more than twice a week for best results. Since it is a natural process, it is going to take some time before you can completely get rid of your dry skin. On the other hand, if you give it enough time, it is sure to give you the exact results you were looking for.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and does not attempt to replace the diagnosis of an expert. It is best to consult a skin care expert before following any such process so as to avoid further dryness or irritation of skin.

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