Beauty Expert

How to Exfoliate

Two approaches that can be used and an endless number of products, here are the basics.

Dry Brushing

Using a natural bristle brush with a long handle - synthetic bristles as they are much too harsh and may actually damage skin.

Follow these steps once or twice per day, before showering or bathing on the body only, avoiding face completely.

1. Starting with dry skin, stand in your shower or tub before turning on the water. This technique is best performed in the morning as the accelerated blood flow that results is very invigorating!
2. Use circular, counter-clockwise strokes, always moving towards your heart
3. Brush the soles of your feet first, - the nerve endings in the feet affect your entire body, move to ankles, calves, and thighs, then brush across your stomach and your buttocks followed lastly with your hands and arms.
4. Brush each part of your body vigorously several times; use gentle strokes around the breast area, avoiding nipples completely.
5. Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on your abdomen.
6. Take a warm, not hot, bath or shower, which should always be followed by a cool rinse at the end to encourage blood circulation.
7. Moisturize after drying.
8. Wash your brush every few weeks and allow to air dry completely.

Body Exfoliating or Polishing

There are many forms of body exfoliants/polishes available; the best by far are those that are all natural. Body polishes are easy to use and leave your skin soft, supple and rejuvenated.

In the bath or shower, or before entering the bath or shower:

1. Using your hands, or body brush/glove, apply your chosen product starting at your feet.
2. Use gentle circular motions, moving upward and replenishing product as necessary.
3. Apply product to each part of your body, avoiding face and nipples.
4. Once you have exfoliated your entire body, rinse in a warm bath or shower, finishing with a cool rinse to encourage blood circulation.
5. Towel dry and apply a moisturizer after showering.
6. Repeat this process 2-4 times per week.

Things to look for in a body exfoliant

1. Chose a product for the body, that contains therapeutic products, such as dead sea salt, organic oils, essential oils.
2. The exfoliating agent is important, for example, pumice is excellent for the feet and for very dry skin, Dead Sea salt is great for feet and body and has many healing properties. Jojoba beads are great for the face, but generally to gentle for the body.
3. Oil based products are excellent for moisturizing the skin at the same time as the exfoliant removes the dead skin.
4. Be aware that many traditional commercial products contain a foaming agent called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is extremely drying to the skin - thereby minimizing the benefit of the body scrub.
   All natural body polishes and dry brushing are alternative whole body skin care methods that are perfect for exfoliating, detoxifying and moisturizing skin, promoting healthy skin in balance with nature, and the body it protects!
   



Jennifer Valentino & Shawna Phillipson are co owners of "Sweet Violet" natural skin care based in Ottawa, Canada. Shawna is an Aromatherapist and Jennifer is an Esthetician, working together to provide skincare products and treatments that take the whole you into consideration.