Benefits of Exfoliating Your Skin

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from the surface of the skin. When done correctly it will lead to younger looking skin. Skin naturally sheds dead cells which are replaced by new cells. However, aging can slow this process. This makes skin appear duller and rougher. The benefits of exfoliation include an increase in the skin renewal process. This also minimizes the harmful rays of the sun and the affectation of dirt and dead cells on the skin which can lead to acne. Blocked pores are opened through exfoliation and allowed to freely secrete again. There are three main types of exfoliation: manual, chemical and enzyme.

The benefits of manual exfoliation include an inexpensive price. Generally the products used for manual exfoliation are cheaper. Exfoliating creams have finer grains which do not irritate the skin. When used early these creams can reduce blemishes and skin discoloration. Facial scrubs can be made at home. Oatmeal is a passable ingredient. There are also tools like electric face brushes, exfoliating gloves or pouches which have facial cleanser. These tools are not recommended for sensitive skin. This type of exfoliation should not be done more than twice a week.

The benefits of chemical exfoliation are shown most in acne prone skin. Sun damage can also be reversed. This leads to the reduction of wrinkles. Those with dry skin should consider chemical exfoliation. Chemicals used for this type of exfoliating include alpha hydroxyl acids and beta hydroxyl acids. These two acids were developed to treat sun damaged, dry and acne ridden skin. These acids remove dead cells and leaves skin healthier looking and clean. Normal skin types and people with sensitive skin should avoid chemical exfoliation. These are traditionally prescribed by dermatologists because of their aggressive action.

The benefits of exfoliation are not lost for those with sensitive skin. Enzyme exfoliation is a perfect choice for those people. This type of exfoliation does not involve scrubbing. Instead, proteolytic enzymes (found in pineapples and papyas) are used to break up dead skin cells and remove impurities from the skin. The complexion of skin is heightened and radiant.   A great product utilizing both alpha hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes is Mad Hippie Exfoliating Serum - http://www.madhippie.com/shop/exfoliating-serum/

There can be such a thing as too much of a good thing. One should not over exfoliate, as this can lead to skin problems including increased appearance of wrinkles, blemishes or skin discoloration. People with dry skin should not exfoliate more than three times a week. Normal and combination skin should not be exfoliated more than twice a week. Oily skin should not exfoliate more than once a week. Also, the face is the area people most think about exfoliating, but the rest of the skin can also use help.

Antioxidants Are The Cure To Free Radical Damage

Free radicals can occur naturally within the body during normal processes such as metabolism. The body is made to co-exist with a certain amount of free radicals. However, when the amount of free radicals created becomes excessive due to the sun's UV rays, pollution and other toxins, the damage to our bodies can be quite serious.

Free radicals are formed when a molecule loses one of its electrons. Since that molecule is now unstable it tries to rip away an electron from surrounding molecules to stabilize itself. This sets off a chain reaction among surrounding molecules. Though free radicals exist for only a short time they are able to damage the tissues, DNA and cell membranes of surrounding molecules. Cells that are damaged by free radicals quickly multiply, contributing to skin lesions, cancer, accelerated aging and more than 50 serious diseases.

For the last several years the public has been turning more and more to the beauty industry to stop free radical damage (aging) in its tracks, literally. A plethora of nerve paralyzers are on the market today. Whether it's a Botulism-related compound or other type of face paralyzer, the process is the same. A neuro- toxin is placed within the skin to smooth wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles below the surface of the skin.

However, the use of face paralyzers are counterintuitive because when muscles are paralyzed they become very weak, leading to increased loss of firmness, lines and wrinkles in the long run. Think of a person whose leg is in a cast for a few months. The cast prevents movement of the leg and so when the cast is removed that leg is much smaller and weaker than the other leg because with no use the leg muscles have become weaker.

To truly repair the skin antioxidants should be the first line of defense against free radicals because antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals for healthier skin cells, slowing the effects of aging.

Antioxidants can be found most easily in fresh fruits and vegetables, so it is very important to incorporate them into your daily diet. Make every effort to eat organic fruits and vegetables as organic produce tends to be about 30% higher in antioxidants than conventional produce, according to a report by the Organic Center's Second State of Science Review.

Antioxidants can also be absorbed by the body when placed on the skin, in fact the body absorbs up to 60% of what's placed on the skin. For this reason it is very important to use skin care products which contain abundant antioxidants and natural, plant- based ingredients.