What are the skin exfoliation benefits of dry brushing? Dr Robert Singer MD explains that “Exfoliation removes dead cells and encourages the production of new cells on the surface level.”
In addition, it can slow down pre-mature aging and help clear noninflammatory acne. However, Board-Certified Dermatologist Mary P. Lupo, MD says that it can aggravate certain skin issues such as warts.
Note: While dry brushing can work well to exfoliate skin, WebMD.com recommends that people with sensitive skin use salicylic or glycolic acid washes instead.
You can exfoliate your skin using a variety of different natural and healthy methods. In fact, some of these strategies include ingredients or instruments that you already have at home.
1. Foods that Exfoliate Skin:
For instance, many natural exfoliators come in the form of food. These include honey, sugar, lemon, papaya and yogurt.
In addition, oatmeal, baking soda, sugar and coffee grinds are known for getting rid of dead skin cells. In fact, baking soda is my personal favorite exfoliant for my face since it offers mild abrasion without being too harsh.
2. Body Scrubs and Exfoliating Creams
Creams and scrubs are convenient because they require minimal time. You can apply facial exfoliants like Dermalogica Microfoliant in 30 seconds. Apply and rinse off this exfoliating cleanser at night right before you go to bed. That’s it.
In addition, you can use a body scrub to smooth rough patches of skin as well as exfoliate dead cells. These are easy to incorporate into your showering routine, and therefore don’t really require extra time.
This Exfoliating Detox Scrub uses very fine walnut shells to gently exfoliate skin. Plus, it contains minerals, green coffee bean and green tea extract to detoxify. On top of that, the company makes a cellulite skin-tightening cream that you can apply afterwards if you want.
3. Exfoliating Gloves
Exfoliation Gloves cost virtually nothing (about $5 a pair!) and are really easy to use. Simply slip them on in the shower and use them with your favorite body soap. You can even use them on your face.
Although they are cheap and easy, exfoliating gloves may not generate skin renewal as well as nutrient-rich exfoliation creams or scrubs. That said, you could apply coconut oil or a vitamin-rich moisturizer afterwards.
4. Loofahs and Pumice Stones
Loofah bath sponges can exfoliate skin well, especially on rough areas like elbows and knees. However, they often can be too rigid and scratchy for more sensitive areas like your face.
Similarly, Pumice Stones are more effective on rougher skin patches, like the bottoms of your feet. In fact, they often come with pedicure kits.
Pumice stones that come with a coarser side and a smoother side offer more versatility as to where you can use them. In addition, the smoother surface allows you to get your feet really smooth.
Tip: Soak your feet until soft before using the pumice stone. This will help loosen dead skin and make it easier to remove.
5. Dry Brushing
Dry skin brushing just requires a basic $10-$20 natural bristle brush. You can exfoliate your entire body in under 10 minutes.
Also See: How to Dry Brush in 6 Minutes.
Like other methods, you’ll want to brush regularly and on a consistent basis to get results. If you want to dry brush you face, get smaller, softer brushes like these.
The advantage here is that dry brushing can also stimulate blood circulation and your lymphatic system. Therefore, in addition to exfoliation, your immune system gets a healthy boost.
6 Skin Exfoliation Benefits:
Karen Reed at Positive Health Wellness shares some of the many ways that exfoliation can benefit skin. Considering the amount of ways that exfoliation can improve both our health and beauty, it makes 10 minutes a day of dry brushing seem like a more-than-fair trade off. Don’t you think?
- Improves Circulation
- Prevents of Ingrown Hairs
- Reduces the Appearance of Age Spots and Scars
- Diminishes Acne Breakouts
- Improves Elasticity of Skin
- Increases the Effectiveness of Moisturizers and Other Skin Care Products