How to Properly Exfoliate Skin | 4 Simple Steps

Your skin cells are going through a constant cycle. As they serve their purpose in protecting your internal organs, they are replaced with new healthy skin cells. Yet, sometimes, they still need a helping hand in removing old cells and making room for their healthy counterparts. Without removing these dead cells, your skin can become clogged, weak, and blocked from performing its healthy cycle. Exfoliating acts as the “deep cleaning” for your skin cells. Adding this simple act into your skincare routine can make quite the difference in the health, performance, and appearance of your body's largest organ.

How Does An Exfoliator Work?

The most common way to exfoliate is with a physical exfoliator. These usually come in the forms of scrubbing agents, ranging from finely ground grains to dry brushes, which physically brush away the dead skin. Since ancient Egyptian times, this method was used through scrubs composed of sand, sea salt, and aloe vera. On the other hand there are acids like AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) which gently break down the dead skin cells' hold onto your skin. Cleopatra was claimed as one of the first to use this exfoliating method by her ancient practice of bathing in Camel Milk, which holds lactic acids and AHA’s, both friendly exfoliants. You should only really aim to exfoliate 2-3 times per week, as over-exfoliating can lead to skin weakness, dryness, and irritation. While both of these differ in their components, they ultimately serve the same purpose, to gently buff away your skin's weak layer and promote circulation. 

Skin Benefits From Exfoliating

Just as you would imagine, scrubbing away the dead skin particles makes room for new ones to grow. The act of exfoliating can unclog your pores, helping with stubborn blockages that can cause acne and blackheads. By removing old damaged skin cells that may hold dark spots, sun damage, and scarring, you will notice a smoother, brighter, more even complexion. In turn, this can improve the skin turnover process, where your fresh skin cells can remain on top and normally be replaced as their time comes to end. Even the simple act of scrubbing your skin can help in promoting blood circulation to the skin, boosting collagen production, and detoxifying the skin's upper layer. Best of all, when you exfoliate the rough dead skin away, the new skin that is left behind can best soak up any other products you apply onto your skin. 

How To Properly Exfoliate Skin

1. Preparing the Skin

Before you start the act of exfoliating, you have to prepare your skin. Make sure your skin starts a little wet, and free of any grime or dirt. A mild cleanser is best for this as it won’t excessively dry out your skin but will prep it nicely for the next step.

2. Scrubbing the Dead Skin Away

Now comes the exfoliating process. Apply a nickel-sized amount of the exfoliator, starting high and working your way down, massage it gently into the skin in circular motion. Don’t scrub too hard as you don’t want to be rough on your skin and cause sensitivity. Take some extra time to focus especially on rough areas, such as your elbows, knees, and heals of your feet. Once you have thoroughly rubbed down your entire body with your exfoliator, simply rinse it all off with water. 

3. Drying Off

It’s time to dry off. Grab a plush towel and gently tap your skin dry. Don’t rub the towel against your skin as these new skin cells can be more delicate and tender. You want to keep as much of the natural oils on your skin as possible, where the patting motion will remove the water easily and lightly. 

4. Protecting the New Skin

You have new precious skin cells that need some extra care. It is so important to moisturize your skin after exfoliating, as this will protect, nourish, and hydrate the new fresh skin. After exfoliating, your skin can become parched and sensitive to the sun and other environmental factors. A thick moisturizer can easily penetrate the new skin cells and leave you feeling soft and radiant. 

Cammellatte Exfoliating Shower Cream

The Camel Milk Exfoliating Shower Cream contains the perfect blend for gentle exfoliation. Finely crushed almonds and apricot shells work as a physical exfoliant, delicately buffing away dead skin cells for radiant resurfacing. Shea butter is packed with Vitamins A & E, helping fight against wrinkles and boosting your skin's elasticity. Avoid those annoying razor bumps with the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in shea butter, soaking into your skin easily and quickly. Coconut oil is one of the best bases for an exfoliator, soothing the irritated skin. Not only do the fatty acids in the coconut oil help seal in moisture, but the oil also creates a protective barrier from air pollutants. The highest quality Camel Milk contains lactic acid and other AHA’s which help in breaking down the bond between the old cells and the skin. Among other natural and skin-loving ingredients, the Camel Milk Exfoliating Shower Cream is formulated to gently cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin while invigorating your senses with our signature fresh, clean, and delicious scent.