Scrub your way to a smooth, healthy skin
May 22, 2011
YOU may have known an elderly person whose skin is always glowing and youthful, and wondered how they achieved that. Well, bathing, alone, will not get you that glow.
By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
YOU may have known an elderly person whose skin is always glowing and youthful, and wondered how they achieved that. Well, bathing, alone, will not get you that glow.
According to Florence Ndiwalana, a beautician at Beauty Tips in Kampala, the skin breathes, and can also be suffocated if the pores are blocked. But you can restore the glow by exfoliating.
Exfoliation is a process of removing dead skin cells from the outer skin to expose the healthy skin underneath.
When carried out routinely, exfoliation removes dry flakes, Ndiwalana adds.
And because the skin is routinely exposed to the sun, the cells tend to degenerate. Therefore, exfoliation helps to restore the natural complexion.
“To achieve a radiant and glowing skin, one has to invest in a scrub recommended by a beautician,†Ndiwalana advises.
Apricot scrub is one of the best because of its vitamin content. “Before scrubbing, wash off make-up with warm water to open up the pores and make application of the scrub easier,†she adds.
Ndiwalana advises that one applies a Vitamin E-rich lotion, bio-oil or olay oil on the area that has been exfoliated. This enables the oil to sink into the pores, keeping the skin healthy and supple.
She, however, cautions especially women to tread carefully as they exfoliate or scrub their skins. Ndiwalana adds that a woman’s skin is so sensitive compared to a man’s.
In fact, the skin under the eyes is so sensitive that if over scrubbed, may turn red and form dark circles, locally known as binamakula.
According to Clere Adong, a beautician in Kampala, exfoliation is not restricted to women. “Body exfoliation is not restricted to the face as most people think. It can also be done all over the body,†Adong says.
Due to the pressure exerted on the feet, for instance due to wearing ill-fitting shoes, one may develop a rough skin on the feet. Exfoliation therefore, gets rid of the dead skin.
Dr. Enid Byakagaba, a dermatologist and beautician in Kampala, says exfoliation gets rid of dry and dull skin as well as blackheads and acne.
Consult a beautician before buying an exfoliating cream. Byakagaba stresses that mild scrubs are recommended for the face, and the rougher ones for the rest of the body.
When exfoliating, it is best to work in circular motions because this enables blood to flow freely in the blood vessels. Circular motions also prevent skin wrinkling, especially in the face, Byakagaba adds.
“When choosing exfoliating creams, choose natural ones especially those made from fruits such as papaya, apricot, pears and lemon.â€
If your skin is oily, it may be hard to scrub off the dead skin cells, therefore you need a cream that is meant for oily skin. Whereas if your skin is dry, so as to get rid of the flakes from accumulated dead skin, invest in moisture-rich exfoliating creams.
“Exfoliation is healthy, but can be disastrous. If over-scrubbed, the skin moisture and essential oil levels may diminish, leaving the skin looking tired,†Byakagaba adds.
How to exfoliate
Rub a dry loofah (kyangwe) on your skin, starting with the heels to remove dead cells and dry skin.
Apply a specific exfoliate for the face and another for the body while bathing. Exploits the fact that water vapour opens the pores to remove impurities and revitalise your skin easily.
When applying the scrub, do a gentle circular massage with your hands, or a loofah if you want it intensive.
To remove the peeling skin, rinse with cold water to help the pores close quickly.
Pat your body and face with a towel.
Apply a moisturizer to revitalise the skin instantly.
YOU may have known an elderly person whose skin is always glowing and youthful, and wondered how they achieved that. Well, bathing, alone, will not get you that glow.
According to Florence Ndiwalana, a beautician at Beauty Tips in Kampala, the skin breathes, and can also be suffocated if the pores are blocked. But you can restore the glow by exfoliating.
Exfoliation is a process of removing dead skin cells from the outer skin to expose the healthy skin underneath.
When carried out routinely, exfoliation removes dry flakes, Ndiwalana adds.
And because the skin is routinely exposed to the sun, the cells tend to degenerate. Therefore, exfoliation helps to restore the natural complexion.
“To achieve a radiant and glowing skin, one has to invest in a scrub recommended by a beautician,†Ndiwalana advises.
Apricot scrub is one of the best because of its vitamin content. “Before scrubbing, wash off make-up with warm water to open up the pores and make application of the scrub easier,†she adds.
Ndiwalana advises that one applies a Vitamin E-rich lotion, bio-oil or olay oil on the area that has been exfoliated. This enables the oil to sink into the pores, keeping the skin healthy and supple.
She, however, cautions especially women to tread carefully as they exfoliate or scrub their skins. Ndiwalana adds that a woman’s skin is so sensitive compared to a man’s.
In fact, the skin under the eyes is so sensitive that if over scrubbed, may turn red and form dark circles, locally known as binamakula.
According to Clere Adong, a beautician in Kampala, exfoliation is not restricted to women. “Body exfoliation is not restricted to the face as most people think. It can also be done all over the body,†Adong says.
Due to the pressure exerted on the feet, for instance due to wearing ill-fitting shoes, one may develop a rough skin on the feet. Exfoliation therefore, gets rid of the dead skin.
Dr. Enid Byakagaba, a dermatologist and beautician in Kampala, says exfoliation gets rid of dry and dull skin as well as blackheads and acne.
Consult a beautician before buying an exfoliating cream. Byakagaba stresses that mild scrubs are recommended for the face, and the rougher ones for the rest of the body.
When exfoliating, it is best to work in circular motions because this enables blood to flow freely in the blood vessels. Circular motions also prevent skin wrinkling, especially in the face, Byakagaba adds.
“When choosing exfoliating creams, choose natural ones especially those made from fruits such as papaya, apricot, pears and lemon.â€
If your skin is oily, it may be hard to scrub off the dead skin cells, therefore you need a cream that is meant for oily skin. Whereas if your skin is dry, so as to get rid of the flakes from accumulated dead skin, invest in moisture-rich exfoliating creams.
“Exfoliation is healthy, but can be disastrous. If over-scrubbed, the skin moisture and essential oil levels may diminish, leaving the skin looking tired,†Byakagaba adds.
How to exfoliate
Rub a dry loofah (kyangwe) on your skin, starting with the heels to remove dead cells and dry skin.
Apply a specific exfoliate for the face and another for the body while bathing. Exploits the fact that water vapour opens the pores to remove impurities and revitalise your skin easily.
When applying the scrub, do a gentle circular massage with your hands, or a loofah if you want it intensive.
To remove the peeling skin, rinse with cold water to help the pores close quickly.
Pat your body and face with a towel.
Apply a moisturizer to revitalise the skin instantly.