Are you making the same mistakes as I do while exfoliating your face? {Skin Care}

photo credit: FoundryParkInn via photopin cc

So, now that winters are almost in full swing, hopefully you are doing what I am doing these winters! And, then, now my skin is absolutely perfect. But, then, I suddenly noticed my entire face is not so soft! In fact, one of my readers also sent out the same query. Check out!

I use fair n lovely face wash I also apply the same cream after my wash....n when I touch my skin honestly I do not feel anything like cracking and all...I sense it smooth...but at the same time when I touch the corner part of my nose I feel it rough n its like skin coming out! What should I do?

So, now you would have already understood what I mean to say in this post. So, let us see if we really exfoliate our face properly!! And, discuss what are the proper exfoliation methods. Lets start.

What is the best time to Exfoliate?

So, this is the first thing I would like to clear. Now, my favorite time is the night time. Because, a proper exfoliation in the night helps the moisturizer to soak in better. Also, exfoliating in the night avoids the fresh skin to get exposed to the morning sun! 

Where as, the morning time is a better time. Because, the skin rejuvenates in the night and in the morning, your face has a layer of dead skin which is ready for removal. But, then, the fresh skin is exposed to the harsher sun light and might tan unless one is diligent in applying sunscreen. Btw, exfoliating in the morning also helps the makeup go on better. 

So, you can decide which is the best time for you! 

What to use for Exfoliation?

So, what is your favorite ingredient for exfoliating your skin? For me, it is sugar and salt!! Well, is it really correct for my skin type? Ok, so sugar is an all-rounder when it comes to exfoliation and gives a smooth and perfect skin. For dry skin, it is quite hydrating and nourishing.

But, for oily skin, salt is an absolute must. Salt absorbs the oil and provides the minerals which sugar can not. It also detoxifies the skin which is why even people with dry skin should use salt once in a while for exfoliation. Do check out my homemade DIY body polishing scrub!

Never Exfoliate on Dry or even Damp Skin!!

Have you ever done this, anywhere on your body? Like scrubbing the dead skin on your heels or even nails? If yes, DO NOT ever repeat it. It is extremely harmful for your skin and you can end up injuring yourself. Exfoliate only completely clean and dripping wet, preferably soaked with warm water so that the pores are open, skin.

Don't forget these areas during exfoliation!

And, then, we take the scrub and apply it to the face. Start from the forehead and proceed to the cheeks in light circular motions. Be gentle and have a light hand. And, DO NOT forget these areas -  

• crevices around the nose where it generally gets dry and skin peels off - extend your nose as if you are removing blackheads and scrub the crevices thoroughly!
• corners of the lips - extend your mouth like you are applying the lipstick and scrub off the corners.
• inner curve below the lower lip and above the chin - extend the lower lip over the lower jaw to make the curve flat and scrub it
  
• on and behind the ears
• lips - press your lips tightly to avoid tasting the scrub :P, and, finally 
• neck lines - extend your neck like a giraffe and giving it a thorough scrub. Moisturise in the same way!!   

photo credit: FoundryParkInn via photopin cc

Leave the scrub on for sometime to help it soak into the Skin

So, now that you have scrubbed your face, leave it on for sometime while you finish washing or scrubbing yourself. That will make the skin even more softer and helps the active ingredients of the scrub to soak into the skin.

And, finally, wash off with luke warm water and last rinse should be cold water. Do NOT forget to Moisturize. Just because your skin is feeling awesome does not mean you forgo the skin care routine. So, do not forget to tone and moisturize your skin with your favorite oil or serum.  

And, now, we have one more thing!

Type of Skin and Frequency

Now, this has been said time and again that oily skin should not be exfoliated as often as dry skin. For one, oily skin if exfoliated regularly produces more oil causing more oiliness. And, dry skin accumulates more dead skin which needs to be removed regularly for a fresh and glowing look. So, twice a week is enough for oily skin and for dry skin, thrice a week of exfoliation is enough.  

So, what all steps do you follow? Do you have any exfoliation tips!!

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Do you find more dirt on your neck than face? {Your Opinion}

Hey! So, following the Clinique 3-step skin care system I have been almost regularly using a toner. I am loving it because it hydrates my skin and I get to remove the dead skin cells also with it. You should definitely check out what Paris talks about exfoliation while toning. 

So, yes, since I have read her post and that was the same time I got to use the Clinique products, I decided to continue with the toning part. Right now, I am using Paul Penders which is an Australian brand. Anyways, coming back to the topic, I apply toner in the morning and evening both.

Now, I have noticed that in the morning even after washing my face, the cotton pad turns gray in color while wiping the toner and in the evening, it turns brown depending on whether my face got cleansed well or not otherwise sometimes it also turns gray.  

What's gray and brown? Gray are the dirty dead skin cells and brown is the left-over makeup and in my case sunscreen. So, it also becomes a good reason to double cleanse your face and neck instead of just using a face wash.

But, I have noticed consistently that more dirt is on the neck area than the face. I do not know why it would be so because I cleanse my face and neck equally while having the shower and I use my face cleanser till the décolletage! Have you ever face such an issue?

PS: Writing a post after so long feels really weird! I have been absent from the blog because of some issues and deadlines. And, now that I am back, I would like to remind you that I have rescheduled my timings. I shall be posting only three times a week - Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I want to follow this routine slowly and get back on track! Thanks a punch for your patience :) And, yes, I remember I have to reply for the comments and the queries.

   

So, what do you say? Does your neck look more dirtier than the face?

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Nivea Aqua Effect Skin Refining Scrub {Product Review}

Price: Rs 149 for 75ml

Pros

leaves the skin clean, no film

can be used without any problem on alternate days

Cons

not fit for a serious scrubbing session

scrub beads may feel harsh on sensitive skin

My Experience

I love the color of this product. Oh btw, what do you think of the snap quality :D My new cammy at work!! The blue grains which you are finding in the product are the scrub beads. They are a little harsh I felt :( But, not extremely so!!

But, then, the main issue which I noted with the product is that it is not fit for a heavy scrub duty. For example, it can't scrub away the dead skin cells in the curves of the nose or the curve below the lips. 

But, the product can be used on alternate days without any issues. Since the product clearly states it is for normal skin, I really doubt if it does anything to remove the oiliness or moisturize the skin.

But, as a regular scrub, it does a great job. It leaves the skin smooth and soft and clean. It leaves no film behind either. So, it is worth a try!! And, meanwhile, did you check out the accompanying face wash with this scrub??

PS: Product sent by brand.

Other products from Nivea:

Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion
Nivea Whitening, Cell Repair & UV Protect Body Lotion
Nivea Nourishing Body Milk