Exfoliating your skin has many benefits . Exfoliating removes impurities, improving both its health and appearance . In this post, we'll explain why it's important to exfoliate your skin and how you can do it using natural products , which will benefit both you and the planet .

WHY EXFOLIATE

We start with the reasons related to improved health :

• Eliminates dead cells

The skin is our body's largest organ. It protects us from external agents and is our vehicle for expelling toxins from our body. It works all day long. This is why it undergoes significant wear and tear and is constantly being renewed. As a result, skin cells die every day. Exfoliation helps remove these cells and allows new ones to perform their function better.

• Frees the skin of impurities

As I mentioned in the previous point, our skin expels toxins from within our body. By exfoliating, we help eliminate all those impurities. This frees up our pores so they can continue to do their job.

• Prevents spots and acne

By keeping your skin's pores free of toxins, we can prevent inflammation, infections, and other skin ailments. This makes acne more difficult to treat and results in a more even skin tone.

• Activates circulation

Exfoliation processes require massaging the skin. This activates circulation and the epidermis is better oxygenated and able to work more intensely. This prevents premature skin aging.

• Activates the lymphatic system

This massage also activates the lymphatic system, which has benefits for our overall health, not just our skin. An active lymphatic system prevents fluid retention and better protects us against various types of infections.

• Hair removal ally

Exfoliation lifts the hair and prevents it from becoming ingrown.

• Prepares the skin for treatments

Exfoliated skin is clean, with pores free of toxins. This way, they'll be able to absorb moisturizers or any other products you use to treat your skin.

As a result of all the above, thanks to the health benefits of exfoliation, we also find a collateral aesthetic benefit. Skin that is exfoliated regularly looks more beautiful . It is smoother, more evenly elastic, has a better color, and is more pleasant to the touch because it is softer.

WHEN TO EXFOLIATE

Exfoliation is a process we should do regularly . But be careful, don't overdo it . In short, it's an intense scrubbing that requires more or less intense scrubbing. If we do it too much, we can irritate the skin.

Observe your skin , feel it, communicate with it. Little by little, you'll understand when it's asking for exfoliation.

Generally, it's fine to exfoliate your face once a week (for oily skin, maybe twice). For the rest of your body , we can increase the frequency to a couple of times a week .

Summer care . Skin is more exposed and, on the one hand, requires more care and help to eliminate toxins and dead cells; but, on the other hand, excessive exfoliation can cause irritation more easily.

As we've already seen, it's ideal to exfoliate your skin before applying other products . Sometimes we'll do this at the same time as cleansing, and other times after a gentle initial cleanse. This will depend on the product we use. We'll focus on this next.

WHAT TO EXFOLIATE WITH

The product or products you use to exfoliate will depend greatly on your skin type and, as we've seen, also on the time of year. But, of course, we always recommend using natural products and materials . These will, of course, be better for your body because they don't contain chemicals that can cause irritation, allergies, and even endocrine disruption.

But, in addition, ditching conventional cosmetic exfoliants can be a tremendous benefit to the planet . Not only because these products are often packaged in plastic, but also because many of them contain microplastics inside. These tiny particles are responsible for drawing out impurities and removing them from the pores. When rinsing the product, these microplastics go down the drain, wastewater treatment plants can't filter them out, and they end up polluting rivers and oceans.

Let's see the different options for the face and body

• To exfoliate the face

It's delicate skin, so we'll use products that exfoliate less intensely. Therefore, we recommend, first and foremost, the konjac facial sponge . Made from the root of a plant, it has remarkable exfoliating power considering how gentle it is. However, its highly porous surface allows it to effectively remove toxins. Its rounded shape also adapts well to the shape of the face and effectively reaches areas like the sides of the nose.

Pair this sponge with the detox soap for the perfect combination. This soap contains activated charcoal, which also helps draw out toxins and unclog pores.

Another option is to use another combination that gives great results: makeup remover pads + cleansing lotion . The pads have two sides, one smoother and the other rougher. You can choose which side to use depending on your skin's condition at any given time.

Finally, clays are also a great exfoliating option. You can use them to make a mask, as we show you in this video . It will help expel toxins and leave your skin very smooth. It's very important to apply moisturizer afterward because its astringent effect is very powerful.

• To exfoliate the body

Shower sponges and mitts . All of the ones we have have a good exfoliating effect. You'll find them made of loofah ,jute , and also konjac , which is softer and can be great for summer. The soap scum bag , made from sisal (a type of agave), is sewn in such a way that it also exfoliates.

When it comes to soaps, we admit we're divided. We love two: the coconut oil with coffee beans (which provides a very intense exfoliation) and thedetox body scrub bar , which is gentler and may be better for more sensitive skin or in the summer.

For areas with hard skin, such as heels or elbows, that require deeper treatment, we recommend volcanic lava stone .

Finally, for exfoliating after showering, a great option is Matarrania's exfoliating cream , which contains cane sugar and coffee beans. This product can also be used on your face after washing it with soapy water, but only if you don't have sensitive skin.

Do you already exfoliate your skin? What do you use? Are you up for trying any of these options? We'd love to hear what works for you. And if you have any questions, we're here for you.