The benefits of exfoliation is removing dead skin cells(squams) from the epidermis, removes dirt, even skins tone and reduces fine lines.
I try to explain to people that not only people with dry skin should exfoliate.
If you have a oily skin type, exfoliation can help you reduce the dirt, bacteria and keratin build up on the skin which makes up whats inside a pimple(papule, pustule) and blackhead(comedone).
There is 3 different types of exfoliation:
Granular:Usually will be a emollient(semi-liquid) with smooth beads to rub away dead skin cells. I've seen homemade kinds with coffee grinds and almond oil, yogurt and oatmeal.
This I would more recomend for someones body, not a face. Simply because it could be very irritating by the harsh rubbing of the beads.
Gommage: Placed on the face like a mask(with a brush) it will be a paste texture usually. Apply, wait till it hardens like a mask then take one hand to stretch skin out and other hand to rub off. It isn't as harsh as the granular exfoliant.
Now the gommage I worked with, was for oily types, while drying it would absorb secretions and when rubbed off, would leave skin matte not shinny.
Enzymatic: Like a mask also, but instead of manually rubbing it off, there are enzymes or AHA's in the product which will act like little pac men and "eat" the dead skin cells. Once the peel is on for a few minutes you simply remove. This is the best option for any skin type, because it's the only exfoliant that isn't harsh, no rubbing.
To make an enzymatic exfoliant
You can find enzymes in a lot of fruits but pineapples and papaya are the best. Pineapple's enzyme is called
bromelain and papaya's is papain.
The Gelatin is for consistency and
texture, but some studies say that the gelatin's collagen may help you're own.
What you need:
- 1 fresh Papaya or Pineapple(raw not canned)
- 1 package of unflavored Gelatin
- 1.5 fl oz. Mineral water (=3 tablespoons)
How to do it:
- Peel the papaya, take out the seeds and cut it in pieces. Put these in a food processor and mash them thoroughly. Strain this through cheesecloth and keep the juice for later.
- Put the gelatin and the mineral water in a small pan. Then gently warm this up over a slow fire, while constantly stirring, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour this in a bowl and add the papaya juice.
- Let this cool down for a while and place the bowl in the fridge until it is firm, and almost set but still liquid enough to be applied, this will take about 25-30 minutes.
- Stir to see if it is the right thick consistency, if so spread the paste gently and equally(not too thick) with a facial mask brush, on your clean face and neck; keep the eye and upper lip area clear
- Now lie down, relax and leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
- Then peel it off, start under your chin and peel it off in an upward motion, this will tingle a bit. Finally rinse with warm water and a soft warm wash cloth, end with a splash of cold; pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Or if it didn't dry like that(mine didn't the first dew times) just rinse off.
Comments are always appreciated
