Benefits of Exfoliating

The Benefits of Exfoliation

As I get older, I have to pay more time and attention to my skin. This includes my entire body and not just my face.
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During my college years, I paid very little attention to my skin except washing and moisturizing my face. I washed my face morning, noon, and night, and I never ever ever ever slept in make up. No matter how tired (or intoxicated I was lol), the make up was coming off.  As minimal as this was, I'm glad I did it because it created a great base to build upon in my skins health. As much as I washed my face, I paid very little attention to the rest of my skin.

My skin care routine has drastically changed as I have gotten older to now include exfoliation.

On my legs, I had a common issue called strawberry legs. I had never heard the term before. 
I thought having small spots on my legs was just a characteristic of my skin. 
I had no idea it was preventable and a build up of dead skin.

So, what are strawberry legs? Strawberry legs are considered legs with dark pores or blackheads. The pores are filled with dead skin, bacteria, and oil and make little dots all over your leg. So your legs in turn look like a strawberry, hence the term strawberry legs. 

So what are the causes of this? Not exfoliating, dull razors, and improper shaving are some of the main causes. Who knew there was a right way to shave your legs? I know I didn't!

The good news is these are 100% preventable and treatable.
Shaving correctly is a key preventative method. When shaving, shave is the direction the hair naturally grows.

Next, exfoliation has been a major factor in removing these spots off my legs. I bought this Rose body polish by Herbivore to try out. I’m also a fan of Beauty Counter’s sugar body scrub in lemongrass.

 I love Herbivore because their products are 100% vegan with no animal by products or synthetic ingredients and are cruelty free.

Herbivore's coco body polish includes
Virgin coconut oil for hydration, Moroccan rose to increase moisture, Shea Butter for skin softening, pink clay for skin detoxing, and sugar for exfoliation and skin softening.

To exfoliate, I massage the scrub all over my legs, feet, arms, and any other part I feel may need it. I let it sit for 5-10 mins. After letting the scrub penetrate I rinse off either in the shower or in the sink. I normally just exfoliate prior to showering to make things easier.

After rinsing, it's important to put moisture back into the skin. I'll moisturize with a deep hydration lotion. I prefer Lubriderm advanced therapy. This is a good option if you have dry skin like me.

Exfoliating is not just using a body scrub. Buying a dry bath brush is beneficial as well. On completely dry skin, use the dry brush to brush your skin in upward strokes. Dry brushing helps remove dead skin while increasing blood circulation.

I have noticed such a difference in my skins condition. My legs have become so much softer and smoother and the strawberry spots have begun to fade.

So why exfoliate? Well the benefits to name a few are
1. Improving the texture by ridding dead/dry skin from your body
2. Getting a closer shave for a smother look because you have rid an extra layer of dead skin
3. Increase blood circulation which leads to health glowing skin
4. Prevent breakouts and Improve overall health of the skin. Exfoliating will unclog your pores!
5. Even out your skin tone
6. Get the most for your money with your skin care. Exfoliation opens up the pores and therefore allowing products to penetrate deeper into your skin.

I hope this helps with your skin care needs. Have a great week.


XO, Ashley