One of our often overlooked regimen is exfoliating. Let's face it, humans are the only species that don't molt as well as the other animals. Molting is the periodic shedding of hair, skin, shells and even horns of animals. Snakes and lizards are the most prolific when it comes to shedding of old skin. Twice a year, they literally and beautifully acquire bright clean and shiny skin as if they're re-born.
Humans' skin do shed as well, but not as drastic. Our skin cells have a lifespan of 35 days. So, technically, we are shedding off and getting new skin month after month. But then again, if we don't exfoliate, those dead skin cells will literally stick like stubborn barnacles in body.
Most neglected areas are undersides of the nose, upper forehead, elbows, ankles, underneath the butt, breasts and those prime real estate that doesn't get sunshine. (If you know what I mean!)
Two of my super favorite exfoliating medium are from the American personal care company Nu Skin, with offices at 15th floor Octagon building, San Miguel avenue, Pasig City, Philippines.
For my face, I use Exfoliant Scrub extra gentle. It's made from marine phytoplankton and aloe vera. I like it because it's not harsh and doesn't leave my skin feeling scratched. I have huge pores, and I normally have white heads and black heads if i neglect to exfoliate 3x a week.
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| Nu Skin Exfoliant Scrub |
But then again, I'm careful not to overdo exfoliating because it also strip skin's natural moisture and stimulate further oil production. If you have oily skin, it's a fallacy that you should use face wash with exfoliating beads daily.
Once your skin gets strip of moisture, it sends the signal to the cells to stimulate more oil, thus, your oily skin aggravates. Just be cool with it. Use 2-3 weekly or every other day.
Most of the time, when I burn the midnight oil for deadlines, I get dull, dry and flaky skin. I use this scrub and I unearth my bright skin again.. in an instant! Luv it!
For my body, I'm absolutely crazy in-love with Nu Skin Liquid Body Lufra. It's a body scrub made from walnut shells / husks and aloe vera. I use it 3x a week instead of my bath soap or body wash. I love how it sloughs off, thick layer of dead skin on my feet, ankles, knees and elbows. Actually, I use it all over my body except my neck and face.
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| Nu Skin Liquid Body Lufra |
This body scrub leaves me feeling like a pampered newborn, all the time! Remember to follow-up with your favorite moisturizers!
Now, moisturizers are another field of discourse altogether! I have moisturizers to just feel sexy, moisturizers for dry cold weather, for warm climate, for firming and tightening the skin. Oh, those moisturizers deserve another fabulous blog entry!
'til next time! happy scrubbing!
xoxo,
ripemango
*Should you be interested in any of the mentioned products, Nu Skin has offices at 15th floor Octagon Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines, with telephone numbers 632-8-NUSKIN.
