If you are cleansing, moisturizing and slathering on sunscreen, but not exfoliating…your skin may not be as healthy as it could be. The summer heat and sun quickly damages delicate skin. But exfoliating regularly, will ensure that your skin remains healthy and strong.

Exfoliation is the process of removing the layer of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can be done manually with scrubs. For the face, you’ll want to choose one with smooth, round granules. Or for the body, try one with sugar or sea salt. Scrubs seem to be the popular choice as a regular exfoliant. Chemical exfoliation is another go-to method but typically it’s used more intermittently.

As we age, our cell regeneration process slows down and causes old skin cells to build up. This leaves your skin dull, rough and dry; and it can lead to excess oil, clogged pores and then breakouts. But with proper exfoliation, you’re uncovering fresh new skin cells and opening the way for moisturizing products to penetrate deeply into the skin, making them more effective. This is especially important during the summer when your skin needs extra hydration and protection.

Regular exfoliation is a must if you want healthy, glowing skin—but limit it to once a week. Over-exfoliating can cause your skin to become dry, irritated and damaged. Keep in mind, if you have extremely sensitive skin or severe acne you may want to speak with a professional esthetician to help you choose the best exfoliant for you.

To feel your best, start with taking good care of your skin. Try this homemade beach body scrub with firming caffeine, nourishing sesame oil, and purifying eucalyptus!

Beach Body Scrub
1/2 cup finely grained sea salt
1/2 cup finely ground coffee beans
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/2 tsp eucalyptus oil

Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. (This recipe will make enough for about three treatments.)

To use: Make sure the skin has been softened with warm water. Apply scrub and rub into the skin using circular motions with your fingertips. Be careful not to scrub too hard and don’t scrub the same area for too long. Rinse skin well, then applying a hydrating moisturizer is recommended.