Dry brushing involves using soft bristles to brush dead skin cells away. Use a small brush with natural bristles, like this one, and gently brush damp skin in small circles for up to 30 seconds. You should only use this method on skin that's free of any small cuts or irritation.
Oatmeal also makes a great exfoliator or mask. Mix 2 tbsp of oats with 1 tbsp of honey and a dash of water. Crompton suggests warming up the mixture, then rubbing it into your skin. You can use it just to exfoliate and wash it off right away, or leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes as a soothing, hydrating mask.
While you can apply scrub to clean, dry skin and then work it in with damp fingers, this can cause a bit of uncomfortable friction on the skin. Remember that your skin is softest when damp, so applying a scrub on damp skin will allow it to remove the dead skin cells easier.
Over-exfoliating is only going to irritate (and therefore dry out) your skin more. Limit your exfoliation to one to three times a week, and avoid any products that have beads or grains that tear at your skin.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Take an ordinary washcloth and moisten with warm water, then use this to rub the skin gently in small circles. Cleansing the face before exfoliating may also be beneficial as this opens up the skin's pores. A natural sponge can work well to get rid of dead skin cells on the face.
According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.
If your face has dry patches after exfoliation, it means you need to slow down or space out your exfoliation sessions. If your skin is prone to breakouts or acne, over exfoliation can make it worse.
How often should you exfoliate if you have dry or sensitive skin? People with dry or sensitive skin should be wary. Harsh products may irritate, leading to further dryness or sensitivity. According to aesthetician Elena Duque, these skin types should only exfoliate once or twice a week.
Vaseline is a very good moisturizer for dry skin. Applying a layer of Vaseline to dry skin helps lock in moisture. Vaseline is great for treating all the usual dry areas, such as the: heels.
Your skin needs moisture, especially after you exfoliate. Using a super-hydrating facial moisturizer after you exfoliate helps replenish any moisture loss from exfoliating.
Avoid abrasive physical exfoliators with harsh grains, sugar, or salt, as well as facial brushes as much as possible. “If you have breakouts, use a chemical exfoliator to fight oil and acne from a deeper level in the skin,” says Loving. “AHA and BHA acids (like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic) will be most effective.
Whether you use your exfoliator in the morning or evening make sure you apply a moisturizer after exfoliating to perfectly prep your skin for makeup or the day ahead, or feed your skin effective, plump-effect, moisturizing ingredients overnight!
There are many ways to exfoliate skin naturally. Coffee grounds, sugar, finely ground sea salt, cinnamon and oats are some of the best ingredients to use in a homemade exfoliating scrub, Roff says. She is a big fan of sugar face scrubs, as they can brighten dull skin and fight signs of aging.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Baby oil works by forming a semi-breathable barrier over the skin. This barrier locks in moisture already on the skin's surface. Some adults also use baby oil on their bodies to relieve dry skin. Some swear that it gives their facial skin a special smoothness and glow.
Coconut oil may have many potential benefits for the skin. Research suggests that it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Coconut oil is also very moisturizing for dry skin. A person can apply coconut oil directly to the skin.
Pure petroleum jelly is very gentle on skin, making it perfect to soothe dry skin on all areas of the body and keep it hydrated at the same time. Choosing a good moisturizing lotion containing micro droplets of Vaseline® Jelly will help heal dry skin deep down for fast relief from itchy dryness.