Are signs of premature aging taking a toll on your skin, and are people starting to notice?

YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS TRICK…DIY REMEDY

Author

M Hallam
November 11, 2023

Exfoliation is one of the most important secrets of a youthful look! It has many benefits: it’s the best way to keep your skin smooth and radiant by sloughing off old and dead skin cells to reveal new and healthy skin. Exfoliating unclogs the pores (easing acne), helps with uneven skin tone, keeps lines and wrinkles in check.

There are two types of exfoliators: PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL.

PHYSICAL EXFOLIATION

Things uses such things as; beads, brushes, cloths, powders, plant particles or other tangible agents that scrub the skin. Chemical exfoliation, however, uses a functional ingredient, usually a natural fruit acid or extract, that literally dissolves dead skin cells.

I’m not a big fan of physical scrubs as they can create micro-tears in your skin. This can allow bacteria, dirt, and other teeny particles to get in that may trigger breakouts and wrinkles. On top of that, using harsh exfoliators not only slough off dead skin cells, but also the fresh cells underneath. This causes direct damage to your healthy layers, which is why people end up with redness, irritation, and total imbalance.

CHEMICAL EXFOLIATION

These are my preference. Chemical exfoliators work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to slough off and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. They are typically formulated with acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which have different properties and target different skin concerns.

·       AHAs: AHAs are water-soluble acids that work on the surface of the skin to gently remove dead skin cells, reveal brighter, even-toned skin, and stimulate collagen production. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and tartaric acid. Some AHAs, such as glycolic acid, can stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, leading to improved skin texture and firmness.

·       BHAs: BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate deeper into the skin to unclog pores, remove excess sebum, and reduce inflammation. They are particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA.

If not used carefully can cause irritation. It's always a good idea to start with a low concentration and gradually increase the frequency of use as your skin tolerates it. You should also use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, as chemical exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

DIY FACE MASKS RECIPES

the simplest and cheapest way to exfoliate is to use…..

NATURAL YOGURT

Yogurt is great as a natural exfoliator as it has high concentrations of fat and lactic acid. Fat infuses suppleness, hydration, and a softening effect to skin, while lactic acid gently dissolves dead skin cells.

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons of fresh, plain yogurt (preferably full-fat)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.     Using clean fingertips or a soft brush, apply the yogurt evenly to your face, make sure your face is clean. Avoid the eye area.

2.     Gently massage the yogurt into your skin using circular motions. Allow it to sit on your face for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the lactic acid time to work on exfoliation.

3.     Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, pat your face dry and follow up with your regular moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Note:

Use this yogurt exfoliator no more than once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation.

FRESH PINEAPPLE

Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme that serves as a natural exfoliant, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it valuable for soothing the skin, potentially reducing signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

INGREDIENTS:

Use Fresh pineapple slices or 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks, blend it in a food processor until you get a smooth puree.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.     Using a cotton pad, apply the pineapple puree to your face, avoiding the eye area.

2.     Gently massage the yogurt into your skin using circular motions. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as the enzymes are doing the work. Keep it on for 5-10min

3.     Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, pat your face dry and follow up with your regular moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Note:

Perform a patch test before using pineapple on your face to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions. If you have sensitive skin, consider diluting the pineapple puree with a bit of yogurt to mitigate the strength of the acids.

Pineapple contains natural acids, and excessive use or leaving it on for too long may lead to skin sensitivity or irritation. Use this exfoliator no more than once a week.