Winter is fast approaching, and with the icy winds and freezing
temperatures often comes an aesthetic nightmare: dry and flaky
wintertime skin. It can be difficult to maintain a radiant
complexion when the weather alone is enough to drive you
indoors, but the season of lights doesn’t always have to mean a
dull face. Many of us are well aware of the numerous benefits of
facial exfoliation, but this part of your skin care routine
becomes doubly important during the colder months. If you want
to keep your skin glowing even when the sun hasn’t been out for
days on end, keep these four exfoliation benefits at the
forefront of your mind and a good facial exfoliator next to your
sink. * There are two types of exfoliation: chemical and
mechanical. Chemical exfoliation ranges from mild toners all the
way up to dermatological chemical peels that can cost you
thousands of dollars. Mechanical exfoliation is the most common
form and usually consists of facial scrubs and washes with small
abrasive grains that help to slough off dead skin.
Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation at its most
powerful. Although both mechanical and chemical exfoliation have
their respective benefits, stick with cost-effective home
treatments that are gentle on your skin and also your holiday
money stash–It is possible to achieve non-irritating facial
rejuvenation without breaking your budget.

* Although it might seem counterintuitive, sloughing off dry
skin cells with a mild abradant actually helps to maintain
skin’s natural moisture level. Dead skin cells build up
naturally, and removing this outer-most layer will aid in the
absorption of other products, such as a thick and creamy
moisturizer that you only bring out when the temperatures drop.
Make sure to look for a facial exfoliator with a mild and gentle
formula; it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that could
further aggravate the skin in its delicate state. Also, smaller
grains in an exfoliant tend to be less irritating, so stay away
from larger particles in the scrub you choose.

* For those of us who are looking for the latest tips in
anti-aging skin care secrets, look no further. As we age, the
skin renewal process naturally slows down, and old cells that
would have easily given way to younger cells a few years ago
often outstay their welcome on the surface of the face. This
fact is especially true in winter when we tend to stay indoors
longer and usually settle into a less active lifestyle. To avoid
build up of this skin-dulling residue, it’s important to
exfoliate daily instead of once or twice a week in addition to
your normal skin care routine. An added bonus of daily
exfoliation for aging women is that it greatly encourages the
increased production of natural collagen, which helps to keep
skin firm and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

* Just like you, your skin suffers from staying “cooped up” for
too long. When dead skin cells are allowed to stay on the
surface for extended periods of time, a whole host of facial
maladies can occur. Regular exfoliation prevents clogged pores,
acne, ingrown hairs, and certain types of infection. It can also
thwart scarring from blemishes and help reduce the appearance of
existing scars.

There are plenty of reasons to stay indoors during the cold
winter months, but a dull complexion shouldn’t be one of them.
To keep skin looking young, fresh and healthy for the holiday
festivities, invest in a gentle facial exfoliator that you can
use every day. Do some research and pick a scrub that is right
for you skin type and skin care goals. In addition to daily
exfoliation, make sure to use a light sunscreen during the
winter; just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean that its
damaging rays won’t make it to your face. A regular sunscreen
works hand in hand with an exfoliator in that it reduces the
amount of damage your scrub has to clean up. Let your skin
breathe this season and enjoy the merriment–exfoliation should
be as instinctive to you as relaxing by a warm fire with friends
and family.

Resources: “Winter skin care” by David Maillie; “TCA Peel,
Exfoliation, and Proper Skin Care” by David Maillie; “Get the
Glow Naturally: Five Skin Care Steps to Radiant Skin” on
SkinCare–News.com

About the author:
E. Gilbert spreads the word about new products coming from
ProSoap Inc., a successful soap company for over 30 years. In
addition to offering hand cleaner and cleaning products, ProSoap
now offers ProSoap Exfoliating Face Wash–gentle and effective
exfoliation for everyday use. Check it out at
http://www.ProSoap.com/facewash today!