What is exfoliating and how can it improve your shave?
For many women, achieving soft, silky-smooth skin is a top priority. But did you know that exfoliating can be an absolute game-changer in your skincare routine?
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, and it can help to reveal brighter, more radiant, youthful-looking skin.
But that's not all…
Exfoliating can also improve your body care routine and all-around shaving experience. In this blog post, we explore what exfoliating is, how it works, and how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine to achieve a closer, dreamy smooth shave.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of exfoliating, read on to learn more about the benefits of exfoliating for feminine grooming.
After all, you and your skin deserve it!
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Our skin cells constantly renew themselves, with new cells growing from the bottom layer of the skin and pushing their way to the surface.
However, dead skin cells can accumulate on the top layer of the skin, making it look dull and dry. Exfoliating helps to remove these dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother, and healthier-looking skin.
There are a few exfoliation options including physical and chemical.
Physical exfoliants use a granular substance to physically scrub away dead skin cells. Some examples of physical exfoliants include sugar, salt, coffee grounds, and microbeads.
⚠️ Mircoplastic warning ⚠️
If you are on the lookout for a good exfoliator, we recommend steering clear of microbeads.
They are small, spherical plastic particles that are commonly used in personal care products including body scrubs, body washes, and exfoliants. They're typically made from polyethylene or other types of plastics.
Because they are made from plastic, they don't break down easily and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. When they enter the water supply, they can be ingested by marine life and other organisms, causing harm to the ecosystem.
Microplastics have even been found in humans!
A study by the WWF found that on average, people could be ingesting around 5 grams of plastic every week, which is the equivalent weight of a credit card. People could be consuming on average over 100,000 microplastics every year; that’s approximately 21 grams a month, just over 250 grams a year.
As a result, many countries have banned the use of microbeads in personal care products. Sadly, there are still many companies that continue to use microbeads instead of more eco-friendly alternatives.
If you're looking to try an easy - more natural - DIY body scrub recipe for your face and body, check out these natural options by Healthline.
Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. Some examples of chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and fruit enzymes.
A third and natural option for getting that coveted glow is the Egyptian loofah.
Made from the fibrous skeleton of the loofah plant, this all-natural sponge is the latest buzz in skincare and the secret to achieving a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Egyptian loofahs have been used for centuries in traditional Egyptian beauty rituals, and for good reason. They're eco-friendly, sustainable, and gentle on the skin, making them a must-have in any skincare routine.
What's great about the Egyptian loofah is that it works wonders without being harsh on your skin, especially when paired with your favourite cleanser or body wash. We also recommend soap, one without harsh chemicals or plastic!
The loofah gently removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and leaves you with soft, smooth skin. Plus, it's perfect for those with sensitive skin who need a gentle touch — and who like a more natural approach to skincare.
But that's not all.
Unlike synthetic exfoliants that can be harmful to the environment, the Egyptian loofah is a natural and renewable resource. Once you're done with it, simply compost it and rest easy knowing that you've made a conscious choice for the planet. Yay.
If you’re searching for an all-natural exfoliating experience, the Self-care Bundle Box by Make My Shave includes a loofah alongside a high-quality womens razor, razor holder and organic travel bag.
So, why is exfoliating important for your skin?
Here are some of the benefits:
- Helps to unclog pores
- Improves skin texture
- Brightens the skin
- Allows for better absorption of skincare products
Helps to unclog pores: Exfoliating can help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Improves skin texture: Exfoliating can help to smooth out rough patches of skin and make it feel notably softer.
Brightens the skin: Exfoliating can help to remove dull, dead skin cells, revealing brighter and more radiant skin.
Allows for better absorption of skincare products: When you exfoliate, you're removing the layer of dead skin cells that can prevent your skincare products from penetrating into the skin. This means that your moisturiser, serum, or any other product you use will be more effective.
However, it's important to note that exfoliating can also be harmful if done too often or with the wrong type of exfoliant.
Over-exfoliating can lead to redness, irritation, and even damage to the skin barrier. It's important to choose the right exfoliant for your skin type and to use it only once or twice a week.
How can exfoliation improve your shave?
In addition to being wonderful for your skin — exfoliating can also do wonders for your shave!
By removing dead skin cells and other impurities from the surface of your skin, exfoliating can help to prevent ingrown hairs, razor burn, and other shaving-related skin irritations.
When you exfoliate, you're essentially sloughing away the top layer of dead skin cells that can clog your pores and make it difficult for your razor to glide smoothly across your skin.
This buildup can also cause hair to grow in uneven directions, leading to ingrown hairs and razor bumps. By removing this buildup, your female razor can get a closer, smoother shave, resulting in fewer nicks, cuts, and irritations.
In addition to helping your razor glide smoothly, exfoliating can also help to soften your hair and make it easier to cut.
When you exfoliate, you're removing any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells that may be coating your hair follicles. This allows your razor to get closer to the hair, resulting in a closer shave.
Exfoliating also helps to hydrate your skin, which is essential for a comfortable and irritation-free shave.
When you remove dead skin cells, you're exposing the fresh, new skin underneath, which is more receptive to moisturisers and other hydrating products. By following up your exfoliation with a high-quality shaving cream or gel, you can help to lock in moisture and protect your skin during your shave.
Your choice of womens razor is also important. Opting for a 5-blade reusable razor can be one of the best grooming decisions you can make. Check out Make My Shave's women's razor subscription for a convenient, high-quality shave, delivered to your door!
In conclusion, if you're looking to improve your shaving experience, exfoliating is definitely worth considering.
By removing dead skin cells, softening your hair, and hydrating your skin, you can achieve a closer, smoother shave with fewer irritations and bumps. Here are a few top tips for shaving your bikini line.
So next time you're getting ready to shave, take a few extra minutes to exfoliate — your skin (and your razor) will thank you!
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