subject: Top Eye Creams: Using Exofoliants [print this page] Natural exfoliants have been with us for many centuries. Ages-oldskin care techniques included clas masks and milk baths. You've heard of Cleopatroa? It's recorded that she and other ancient Egyptians used natural exfoliant. In fact, it's likely that in-the-know caveman benefited from caches of mineral clay near riverbeds or lakes. A couple minutes' rest witha mudpack on her face felt good, even if she didn't have the use of a mirror to admire her results.
We love exfoliants because they make all of us look good. In today's world, you can purchae excellent exfoliant at your local grocery, drugstore, or discount outlet. Fancier versions are available at department stores, spas, salons, and health food stores. Yes, we still use clay masks, but rather than trekking down to the local riverbed, acquiring a good exfoliant is as easy as a quick trip to the store.
Properly Using An Exfoliant
Let "gentle" be your guideline when exfoliating. Go soft and easy and you'll like the results. Use a heavy hand or use an exfoliant too frequently adn you'll need time out to ehal from overindulgence. For some skin types, it's tempting to overdo it, but avoid this at all costs. You could create yet another skin problem. That problem is called cortisol overload. The stress of overexfoliating causes an increase in your cortisol levels. Too much cortisol is bad for your health and can lead to to serious disruptions--not just in your skin, but throughout your body. So take it easy. The point is to soothe your skin, not punish it.
You know you've gone too far with an exfoliant if your skin turns red. Your face might also peel or flake. Leave the skin peels--as in heavy-duty chemical peels--to a trained professional.
If you ever accidentally overdo exfoliation, apply aloe vera gel or a washcloth dipped in soothing chamomile tea to the damaged areas. Both of these remedies are soothing and reduce inflammation and redness. Plus, they cool the skin and make it feel better.
You can find aloe vera gel at the health food store, or simply snip a leaf from an aloe plant and apply the somewhat stick gel directly to your face. History tells us taht the army of Alexandar the Great pulled along wagons filled with aloe plants as they conquered Mesopotamia. The fresh aloe gel was great for healing battle wounds.
Wait until your skin is healed before exfoliating again.
