Exfoliator Tips: How to Remove Dead Skin Cells Safely
Your mother might not have known that her belief in a daily cleanse with a washcloth was exfoliating her skin, but it turns out—again—that mother knows best. It’s likely that your mother’s glowy complexion didn’t just come from her Ponds cold cream, but also from her use of a washcloth in her nightly shower or bath. According to dermatologists, you might not have to spend a lot of time debating between sugar scrubs and walnut shell exfoliators, when the best exfoliator might just be in your linen closet, along with your bath towels. In fact, you might want to ask your mother if she has some old washcloths you can have, because the nubby texture of old washcloths exfoliate even better than brand new ones!
Why a Washcloth Might be Your Best Exfoliator
Exfoliating with a washcloth is gentle on your skin. Unlike a harsh, scrubbing exfoliator, it’s safe to use a washcloth to exfoliate nightly, while both chemical and natural exfoliators should only be used once per week. A washcloth may be the best exfoliator for those with sensitive skin who have to worry about adding products to their skin regimen that might cause rashes or breakouts.
Washcloths may be the best exfoliator choice for those who prefer low-key skincare at home, rather than a trip to the spa, or even to the drugstore skincare aisle where there is an overwhelming number of options to choose from. A washcloth is a simple exfoliator that most of us already have at home. Follow it up with your favorite moisturizer and your skin will glow.
Another reason to choose a washcloth as your exfoliator is the fact that the price certainly beats even the least expensive scrubs or exfoliators on the skincare market. Most of us already have a stack of these at home, but if not, they can be purchased for less than a dollar at Walmart or Target. And don’t bother spending a little more money on thicker, more plush washcloths, because the rougher texture of the cheaper ones will better exfoliate your skin.
Finally, using a washcloth is much gentler than most chemical or physical exfoliators. With typical exfoliating products, you are at risk of over-exfoliating your skin. Exfoliating too much can lead to acne, tight-shiny skin that’s been stripped of oils, and even redness, irritation and bleeding. While it’s great to remove dead skin cells, some products over-exfoliate and can remove too many layers of skin cells, leaving immature cells at the surface of your skin. Your face requires a layer of some older, more mature skin cells to protect it from damage from the sun and other environmental factors. Over time, frequent harsh exfoliating can lead to dryer, faster-aging skin.
How to Use A Washcloth for Your Best Exfoliator at Home
You may think you already know how to use a washcloth, but when you are using one for the specific purpose of exfoliating, there is a way that works best according to skincare experts.
If you are exfoliating while washing, simply dampen the washcloth in warm water, add your cleanser, and rub in small circles on your skin beginning at the forehead and working your way down, continuing the circles with medium pressure. Be sure to concentrate on the areas at the creases of your nose where most people experience the most oil production.
Be gentle around the fragile skin of your eye area.
If you don’t wish to combine cleansing and exfoliating, you can exfoliate using only warm water and a washcloth.
Be sure to follow up any exfoliation with your favorite face moisturizer, and be sure to launder your washcloths after every use.
A Washcloth is Also The Best Exfoliator for Your Legs
Your face isn’t the only skin that needs exfoliating. A washcloth will also gently exfoliate your legs to give them a healthy glow. It’s also essential to exfoliate your legs and the rest of your body before applying a sunless tanner. Exfoliating before applying self-tanner will help you to avoid streaking, and give you longer lasting color.
Resources— Love to Know, SkinCareReview , Allure, OstaraSkinCare
About The Author
