The word “exfoliation” sounds a lot more clinical and technical than it really is. It simply means removing the top layer of your skin—which is made up of mostly dead skin cells—to reveal the live, healthy cells underneath. That dead-cell layer, full of cells that have been dead for about a month (ick!), is blocking essential oxygen to your skin. And, when skin can’t breathe, it looks dull and dry, especially in the winter.
How much do you know about exfoliation? Try this short true-false quiz:
True or False? Slathering on rich body lotions or facial creams helps rejuvenate dull, dry skin.
False. Applying a heavy cream over dead skin cells actually adheres those dead cells to your skin. Exfoliate first!
True or False? Not exfoliating regularly can cause breakouts.
True. Dead skin cells clog pores, which can lead to acne and other skin conditions, and no one wants that!
True or False? Approximately 3,000-4,000 dead skin cells fall off your body each hour.
False. That number is way too low… it’s actually 30,000-40,000 per hour, or about a million in a 24-hour period!
True or False? Exfoliation helps makeup look more natural.
True. Makeup goes onto exfoliated skin much smoother and won’t cake the way it would if it were going on top of dead skin cells.
Exfoliation is something you can—and should—do regularly. Buff away that top layer, and you’ll be amazed at how the skin you reveal really glows. Your skincare products will absorb better, your makeup will go on smoother, you’ll unclog pores, and you’ll look younger, too!
Fancy, expensive spas are one option for exfoliation, but it can be done just as easily in the comfort of your own home. The Naturopathica Espresso Mud Body Scrub in the current Yuzen box is a great way to get started with regular full-body exfoliation. The black silt clay, Indian tobacco, and Indian sarsaparilla draw out impurities, while the volcanic pumice gently sweeps away dead skin cells. African shea butter helps moisturize the new skin, and the rich aroma of coffee Arabica really helps get you going in the morning!