We all know that exfoliating takes away dead skin cells and leaves behind a fresh canvas, but do you really know how to do it properly?

Too many people use an aggressive rubbing motion, falsely thinking that this is the best way to rid your skin of the cells that it doesn’t need, but this can actually do more harm than good. The truth of the matter is that a gentle approach is always best, and also that different types of skin need a different approach too.

For instance, if you are exfoliating your body, you should use a natural brush with bristles, a loofah, or an exfoliating glove. You can then use a specialist exfoliating scrub, to help keep your skin fresh and moisturised too. If you are exfoliating your face, then it depends on the type of skin you have, as to what you use.

• Sensitive skin – A gentle facial cleanser should be used,  a simple terry cloth. This should always be followed with moisturiser.
• Normal skin – A mild facial scrub can be used in this case, as well as a gentle exfoliating brush or a glycolic pad, depending on your preference.
• Oliy skin – Oily skin can actually be treated the same as normal skin in this case, but be careful of the type of moisturiser you use afterwards, as you don’t want to add further oil.

The method is really similar, whether you’re using a cloth or a brush, but the important thing to remember is not to use excessive force, and simply to be gentle!

• Wet your skin with warm water
• Soak the cloth and hold it to your face for a few seconds, to open the pores and allow a deeper exfoliation to occur
• Using the brush or the cloth, depending on your type, use small, circulation movements to remove dead skin cells, but remember to be gentle! Start on your forehead and work your way around your face
• Rinse your face with warm water – not hot
• Pat dry with a new, dry cloth
• When your skin is dry, use a moisturiser to put back nutrients and moisture to your exfoliated skin

It’s really that easy, and you basically just use the same procedure when exfoliating your body too. It’s still important to be gentle when exfoliating the rest of your body, however your facial skin is obviously a little more delicate, so less force is required here.

In terms of how often you should exfoliate, you can do a very gentle exfoliation as part of your skincare regimen nightly or in the morning, but a good exfoliation should be done once a week.