Body Exfoliation to help combat cellulite

An often neglected step in cleansing, manual exfoliation helps the body shed dead skin cells, exposing the healthier-looking, more radiant skin waiting just beneath.

As you shower or bath, spread a small amount of body scrub on a sisal mitt, or on a loofah, Work the gel into a lather and then rub the mitt or loofah all over your body, scrubbing towards your heart to aid the flow of lymphatic fluids.

You can achieve the same effect by skipping the rough-textured applicator and using an exfoliating scrub. First, cleanse as usual in the shower. After rinsing off all the soap and shower gel, turn the shower off. Using a pre-formulated sugar, sea salt, or nut scrub, scoop out about 2 tablespoons into your hand and apply the scrub firmly over your skin in small circular motions, starting with your feet and legs, then your arms. Pay special attention to any patches of dry skin, such as those often found on the heels and elbows. Next, exfoliate your buttocks, stomach, back (well, as much as you can reach), and chest, decreasing pressure when working on delicate areas and adding more product as needed. Rinse with plenty of warm water, using your hands to help remove all the scrub.

Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Body Polish
1 tablespoon castor sugar
1 tablespoon Demerara sugar
1 tablespoon golden sugar
4 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons lemon or lime juice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Going for the Glow
The body sheds up to 500 million dead cells daily from its upper layer, the epidermis. If these cells remained, they would form a thick layer, locking out moisture, and making the skin appear dull or flaky. Manual exfoliation helps the body slough off dead cells, revealing a new layer of skin. It also helps stimulate circulation, loosen ingrown hairs, and lift away dirt and excess oil. As we age, dead cells take longer to rise to the top of the epidermis and then slough off, so exfoliation becomes an increasingly important self-care ritual.

Too Much of a Good Thing
If your skin is dry or sensitive, don’t use an exfoliating scrub and a sisal mitt or loofah – that combination is likely to cause irritation. Also never exfoliate sunburned or broken skin. Be sure to apply a moisturiser after exfoliating, since the procedure can deplete the skin’s reservoir of moisture.