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 ?



Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Week-end Inspiration ~ It's Your Life

Are you living YOUR Life?

Wishing you a High Heeled Life week-end.


Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Detox for the Mind and Body - Part 1 of 5 - Dry Skin Brushing

When most people hear or see the word DETOX, images of Cleanses and foods which help the body's filtration system start to emerge in their mind's eye. But internal detoxing is only part of the process to ridding the toxins from one's system.

Not many people think of skin when they hear the word detox, yet skin is the largest organ of absorption and elimination. The skin is responsible for 1/4 of the body's daily detoxification process. It is estimated that about 1 lb of waste and dead skin cells are eliminated from the body each day via skin.

images via google ... collage and edits HHL

One of the best ways to help in the detoxification process is with daily dry skin brushing for about 5 minutes. I first started using the dry skin brushing technique shortly after my accident. Since I was not very active this was a great way to stimulate blood and help with circulation.  Dry skin brushing stimulates sweat glands and increases blood circulation to underlying organs and tissues a vital part of an intestinal cleansing program.

Starting with the feet (be sure to brush both sides of the feet and legs) working your way up the body. Make sure to always brush towards the heart and over the breast. Brush the stomach in a gentle clockwise circular motion - this follows the natural flow of your intestine. Raise each arm in turn, brushing from the hand to the arm pit (both sides of arms). Lastly brush from the buttocks up the back to the neck ( a long handled skin brush makes this area much easier to do).

Some Fabulous Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

Shed Dead Skin Cells ~ which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.
Stimulates Lymph Canals ~ greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body by encouraging the body to discharge metabolic wastes.
Increases Circulation ~ by increasing the flow of blood it helps tighten the skin, which also reduces the appearance of cellulite.
Helps Distribute Fat Deposits ~  this distribution helps improved muscle tone
Rejuvenates the Nervous System ~ the brushing helps stimulate nerve endings in the skin.
Keeps Pores Clear ~ by eliminating clogged pores your skin is able to better absorb nutrients. And also helps to prevent skin irritations (acne/breakouts).

Is dry skin brushing part of your daily body care routine?

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...