What is the importance of exfoliation in anti ageing skincare?
The outermost layer of our skin is known as the epidermis. And new cells are continuously formed in the innermost layer of the epidermis. These cells, over a period of about 27 days, travel up to the outermost layer of our skin, dying slowly; and then get sloughed off. This is a continuous process.
As we age, the balance between the production of these new cells, and sloughing off the dead cells, is upset. This results in accumulation of dead cells on the surface of the skin; giving it a dry, scaly, rough and dull appearance.
Exfoliation or scrubbing helps us remove the excessive dead cells from the surface; smoothing the face and allowing younger skin (cells) to surface. Moreover, the process itself, promotes cell renewal, by stimulating the blood circulation. This two-way action makes exfoliation and important part of any anti-aging skin-care regimen.
How does Cinnamon oil help exfoliation?
Cinnamon oil is highly anti-bacterial and anti-microbial; and mildly astringent. These properties help fight acne and other skin infections; while helping ease any redness and inflammation. Cinnamon oil is also a rich source of anti-oxidants; neutralizing free radicals; and delaying the aging of our skin.
Moreover, because of its warming effect, cinnamon oil stimulates blood circulation; granting your skin an increased supply of nutrients. This too reduces acne break-outs, as well as improves the overall health of the skin.
How do walnuts make a good exfoliation scrub?
Walnuts shells are hard and fibrous, making them naturally abrasive; perhaps a little too abrasive for our skin. However, when crushed to a fine powder, they are an effective natural exfoliant ingredient. As their angular, multi-faceted particles retain the same hardness, yet owing to the fine particle size, are rendered gently abrasive.
Walnut scrub helps restore the natural exfoliation process of the skin; while ridding the epidermis of f the dead cell accumulation. It is also effective in removing impurities from our skin, which are not taken care of by routine cleansing. Thus, walnut scrubs smooth the skin and eliminate dullness, but gently.
What is grapefruit oil and how does it benefit the skin?
Grapefruit oil is not obtained from the fruit grape; but from the fruit of another citrus tree, namely grapefruit or Citrus paradisi. With anti-oxidants lycopene and Vitamin C, grapefruit oil effectively fights signs of aging, including tissue degeneration; by combating the harmful free radicals. It is also known to have strong anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties; which is helpful towards treating acne and other skin infections.
Grapefruit oil is also a popular decongestive. It disperses pockets where impurities and fluids might have accumulated; making it especially suitable for oily skin, which is prone to congestion. This also helps in tightening and toning the skin; making it much smoother.
What is saffron and what are its exfoliating benefits?
Derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, has been used as a cleanser and a toner since ancient times. It removes dead cells, reduces oiliness and unclogs pores. Its anti-bacterial activity keeps the skin free from infections, and helps against acne too.
Saffron has also proved effective as a skin-lightening agent. As such, it reduces the appearance of sun-tan, pigmentation and blemishes; while evening out the skin-tone and granting a smoother complexion.
Also known for its anti-oxidant properties, it stimulates cell regeneration and collagen production. This helps in healing of the wounds, as well as in firming of the skin. Saffron even brightens up the skin, by rendering it a ‘golden’ (tinted) glow.
What makes Sandalwood a good exfoliating agent?
Sandalwood is a great skin care product for both dry and oily skin. It happens to effectively hydrate the skin, as well as protect it against sun damage. It also has anti-microbial properties, owing to the presence of beta-santalol. This helps in treating minor skin problems; including cuts, sun burns, acne and even blackheads.
Apart from healing, sandalwood also soothes dry, irritated and/or inflamed skin. Even blemishes that are left by stubborn acne, sun tan, etc can also be effectively removed by it. The cleansing, toning, moisturizing and sun-protection properties of sandalwood result in a clean and flawless complexion.