Detox for the Mind and Body Part 2 of 5 ~ Exfoliating

In Part 1 of this series we learned about the benefits of Dry Skin Brushing today we are going to explore Exfoliation. 

We may be great at taking care of our face and exfoliating BUT when it comes to the skin on the rest of our body we often forget that it needs some TLC too. Just like on the face exfoliation of the body is a great way to help the skin shed the dead cells that can clog pores and make skin look dull and flaky. Select exfoliating cleansers that contain sea salt, sugar, ground almonds or other grainy component. 

You can purchase an exfoliating cleanser or make your own. Laura Mercier's almond coconut milk and crème brûlée sugar scrubs; and L'Occitane SHEA ULTRA RICH BODY SCRUB ARE AMONG MY PREFERRED CHOICES FOR STORE BOUGHT. Here a couple of home-made scrub recipes I have tried in the past.

Memories of the Tropics:

1/2 coconut oil

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

Memories of Provence:

1/2 cup of sea salt (I prefer Himalayan)

1/3 cup of jojoba or almond oil

1 tablespoon dried lavender

10 drops of lavender oil 

Below are some of the exfoliating applicators I use to apply the exfoliating cleanser. 

High Heeled Life Exfoliating Tips:

Loosen dead skin cells ~ prepare the skin for exfoliation before getting in the shower use your exfoliating glove or loofah to brush your dry skin. Like dry skin brushing start at your feet and work your way up. This loosens dead skin cells

Moisten your skin ~ get in the shower and wet your body from head to toe

Exfoliate ~ Use a pumice stone on your feet to remove dead, dry skin and callouses. Then after applying your body scrub to your loofah or exfoliating gloves work your way up the body - starting with your feet in circular motion. NOTE: the area around your bikini line is very sensitive - be very gentle in this area. Use a long handled loofah to apply the exfoliant to your back and hard to reach areas.

Face ~ Only use an exfoliating product formulated specifically for the face and be gentle. 

Hands ~ be sure to exfoliate your hands. If using exfoliating gloves, remove them and apply exfolianting product by massaging the hands together or using the loofah or folded glove in circular motion.

 Rinse ~ Rinse your body completely with warm water to remove any exfoliating product and finish off with the coldest water temperature you can handle.

Drying skin ~ pat your skin with your towel to gently remove water and dry skin.

Moisturize ~ starting with your feet apply moisturizer in circular motion working your way up the body.  Again for the face use only a moisturizer that has been formulated for the face.   

Not a shower girl ... 

No problem. You can exfoliate in the bath too!

Run a warm bath (not hot). Lay back and relax for at least 10 minutes. Lift each limb out of the water starting with feet and legs and apply the exfoliating cleanser in a circular motion. Kneel in tub and with a long handled loofah exfoliate your buttocks and back. Rinse off with hand held shower wand or slip body under water to just below neck. Pat your self dry with a towel.

You can exfoliate your face at sink (using an exfoliant formulated specifically for the face); rinse face with cool water and apply your facial moisturizer. 

What is your favorite body exfoliating cleanser ?



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