Throughout the ages, kings and queens and nobles and peasants have searched for ways to keep their beauty and youthful appearance. Some have bathed in mud, others have soaked in milk baths, and others yet have had their skin rubbed raw with loofahs or salts. Each of these ancient treatments do one simple thing well: they remove dead skin cells in a process we would describe as skin exfoliation.
Even the renowned beauty, Cleopatra herself, used milk baths to help her keep her skin soft and supple. She used finely ground apricot seeds to scrub away the minor flaws that she may have seen in her polished metal mirrors. But, despite her every efforts, she still aged, though with fewer lines and wrinkles than we might have guessed.
Just like that ancient Queen, we can use commonly found household items to help us exfoliate our skin. Take an old nylon sock and put a half cup of wheat germ and non-instant oatmeal inside it. Tie the end so that it is closed off, and then moisten with warm (not hot) water. This will start to “cook” the grains, and make them release their nutrients and healing properties. Now, using a gentle circular motion, scrub all over the face, except in the area surrounding the eyes. When you have finished your scrub, splash with clean water and pat dry.
There are many formulations now available at your local beauty counter that provide exfoliation using various chemical compounds. Some of these use miniscule silica pieces to scrub the outer layer of the skin off, in order to remove the dead skin and reveal newer skin beneath. Others use chemicals to remove the surface of the skin.
Professionally performed chemical or acid peels are being done more and more. However, these can be risky. Even the home treatment of an acid peel include chemicals such as glycolic acid, sulfur and phenol. These chemicals, especially phenol, are dangerous and can cause severe burns and scarring. Always get the advice of your doctor before undergoing this treatment by a skin care professional.
Even microdermabrasion, which is seen as being one of the least harmful professional procedures, does not come without risk. The tiny silica particles used for the treatment might still get into the eye, unless the surgeon or cosmetician gives you goggles to wear as protection. And even then, if you have health conditions such as rosacea or severe acne, you may not be okayed for this treatment.
No matter which treatment you choose, be certain to take good care of your skin afterwards. Remember to apply moisturizing lotion after the treatment. Avoid exposure to the sun. Wear lotion that has 15 SPF or better when ever you must go outside.
If you are trying these treatments in order to look like you have radiant, youthful skin for a special occasion, be certain to have the treatment done no less than two weeks before the event. This will allow your skin to heal, should there be any reactions, and to allow for bruising and scarring to diminish in redness. Then you will have the youthful, glowing skin you long for.
Get inside information on all you need to know about gentle yet effective skin exfoliation now in our comprehensive fabulous skin exfoliator overview.