Beautyland | Buff Your Body Smooth

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by Livia Mercer
As we shed our winter clothes and get ready to strut our stuff at the beach in beautiful but revealing summer dresses, shorts and bikinis one of the most important things we can do to make sure we look fabulous is to have smooth, supple, well moisturised skin. In order to achieve this exfoliation is crucial. Why and how?

Why? Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells that are on the surface of the skin. As our skin is continuously producing new skin cells at the lowest levels of the skin (dermis), these cells push the older ones towards the surface of the skin (epidermis). When these cells reach the surface they are naturally supposed to detach and fall off.

The problem arrises as we get older and this whole process starts to slow down. Instead of the dead skin cells falling off naturally, they pile up on top of each other, causing the skin to appear dry, flaky, rough and dull. Even worse, they can block the pores causing pimples and milia and they can block and slow down the absorption of serums and moisturisers applied to the skin. Exfoliation promotes even skin tone, younger, fresher looking skin and prevent blockages and breakouts.

How?
There are two ways to exfoliate:
1) Mechanically. The dead skin cells on the surface of the skin are physically removed with an abrasive product. These may include small, round or abrasive ingredients such as; salt, sugar, crushed almond halls, jojoba beads, ground coffee or any number of things that will rub the skin.

Face:
1. Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. Combining cleansing with exfoloation
2. Stem Organics Smooth Skin Exfoliant. Organic goodness that moisturises the skin while exfoliating.
3. Lancome Exfoliance Clarte - Fresh Exfoliating Clarifying Gel. Providing cool freshness to the skin.

Body: 4. Yes To Carrots C the Body Moisturising Body Scrub. Combining Beta-Carotene (anti-oxidant) with Dead Sea Mud and Water and essential oils.
5. Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Body Polish. The ultimate pampering product with a sensual fragrance.
6. Premium Spa Frangipani & Coconut Sugar Body Scrub. Utilising cane sugar with coconut oil to evoke tropical spa experience.

2) Chemically. Enzymes, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. They can either be very gentle or very powerful, depending on the strength of the active ingredient in the product.

Living Nature Manuka Honey Vitalising Exfoliant, $50.00, 50ml. A mask to detoxify and exfoliate while you relax for 15-20 minutes. Clinique Clarifying Lotion. Gently wipe over skin once with cotton wool to exfoliate.

Tips: It is very easy to get carried away when exfoliating. Remember less is more. You are dealing with delicate skin and you only want to remove the very outer layer of the skin. Removing too much may cause irritated, sensitive and dry skin, the opposite of what you want to achieve. Never use body scrubs on your face as they are too rough for the delicate facial skin.