Exfoliation

Today Im covering exfoliation.

First of what is exfoliation?This is the explanation from Wikipedia

Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, and has been used for many years to help maintain the skin. Exfoliation is involved in the process of a facial and during body treatments at spas. Exfoliation can be achieved through mechanical or chemical means
So we know that we need exfoliation to remove the dead skin cells. Your skin regenerates itself every 28-31 days. The skin cells start to shed to make room for the new skin cells created in the skins lower layer(the dermis). The old skin cells sometimes remian attached to the surface on your skin. This can make other products you use on your skin(serums,moisturisers etc) less effective as they have to try and get through the dead skin cells to get to and penetrate the new skin cells. Who knew?!

There are also two types of exfoliation maual(or mechanical) which is where you physically scrub away the dead cells,this is where a scrub exfoliator comes into play.
A chemical exfoliator is when the product you are using dissolves the  old skin cells without any additional effort from you. 

Now how to choose an exfoliator?
If your skin is very sensitive or very dry you need to choose a gentle exfoliator and only use it 1-2 times a week,look for a product that has "beads" or "spheres" as these are generally kinder on your skin. An exfoliator that can be wiped off rather than rubbed off is generally best to avoid skin irriation

If you skin is oily using an exfoliator which is quite abrasive that can be rubbed of rather than gently wiped off is best

When choosing  a chemical exfoliant look for ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids(AHA's) and retinoic acid

The tube and info provided should usually guide you and state what type of skin it is designed for.

If you have pretty normal skin you could try the most inexpensive exfoliator available:Baking Soda! No Im not kidding! Take about 4 teaspoons of baking soda,mix with about a teaspoon of water and gently rub it onto your dampened face. Because Baking soda is so inexpensive if it doesnt work you havent really wasted any money,you can use baking soda as a body scrub,a stain remover for your teeth(yes it really works!) as a cleaner,the uses are endless!

After using an exfoliator sun protection is so important as your skin is very vunerable so slap on that SPF!

I hope this has been helpful,info on choosing an exfoliator isnt very easy to come by and I have done my best. Here are some exfoliators you can try

Nivea Young $10 from most supermarkets

St. Ives Naturally Clean $11.49 from most supermarkets

Neutrogena fresh foaming scrub $14,79 from most supermarkets

Trilogy gentle facial exfoliant $39.90 avaiable from trilogyproducts.com

Clarins  Gentle exfoliating refiner $42 available at http://nz.strawberrynet.com/main.aspx?region=NZ

Now just quickly,other ways to help you achieve beautiful skin with no products
-Water,hydrate your skin from the inside out and drink at least 8 glasses(2 litres) of water a day! Water flushes out toxins giving your skin a healthy glow.Try carrying a bottle of water around with you,you consume much more water if its right there.
-Excersize is good for your skin!! It increases circulation which delivers nutrients to your skin. Excersize helps you sleep better giving your skin a better shot at rejuvination.
-Keep your make up songes,applicators and brushes clean. These harbour lots of dirt and bacteria. Sponges and appliactors should be replaced regularly.
-Always remove make up before you go to bed,allow your skin to breathe!
-Have one make up free day a week
-Wear sunglasses to protect the delicate eye area
-Get lots of sleep,7-8 hours. Not enough sleep can give you dark circles and under eye bags.

Disclaimer: All prices were correct at time of posting.  The information provided here should not replace those of your doctor,dermatologist or other skincare professional