Exfoliating & moisturizing for soft skin

Skin care is not limited to our faces. It is important to take care of ALL of our skin. Some days there is barely time to get even the most basic skin care needs met. But it is possible to have a simple skin care program that covers all the bases.

As we all know, the four basic steps, cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and protecting are the keys to happy, healthy skin. When showering or bathing we get the cleansing part and clothes should take care of the protecting part (if not, then put on some clothes!) and for exposed skin sunscreen is always a good idea, but we shouldn’t forget the importance of exfoliating and moisturizing.

Why exfoliate? Skin can become dull and gray as a result of dead skin cells on the skins surface layer, exfoliating removes these cells to reveal the plumper younger cells underneath giving the skin a youthful polished complexion.

* Apply your exfoliation product (or bath foam with a loofah, who doesn’t love one less step?) to damp warm skin using gentle circular movements. Take care to not over scrub or drag the skin. Wash the residue away with cool water, pat dry the skin gently.

All skin types need a moisturizer to help keep it nourished and supple. Moisturizers form a barrier film on the surface that prevents too much moisture loss from the layers beneath.

* A moisturizer should be applied after exfoliating to keep skin feeling refreshed with a healthy glow. Use a cream that feels comfortable on your skin, leaving it supple and soft.

If you think of taking care of your skin as a way of pampering yourself rather than a regimen or a chore, it will make these steps much more enjoyable. Stock up on some body care products that smell great, feel great and look great, and have a spa day, every day.