WHY YOU SHOULD EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN NATURALLY

1. The Benefits of Exfoliating Your Skin

2. How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Skin

3. Keratosis Pilaris: Why The Skin On Your Arms Is Bumpy

4. How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Naturally

Exfoliating can be hugely beneficial to your skin. It can help to remove dead skin cells leaving the skin looking brighter and can also improve the effectiveness of topical skin care products such as serums and moisturisers.

There are two main types of exfoliating methods, chemical and physical. Naturally, we want to share with you the benefits of a plant derived (microbead and plastic free) physical exfoliant. Try our DIY Hemp & Coffee Exfoliating Scrub!

THE BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATING

Skin cells have a life-cycle of around 30 days. At the end of their cycle they should naturally shed from our skin. Sometimes this process doesn’t completely occur and our skin can be left looking dry and dull. Exfoliating helps to remove these lingering skin cells and can clear, away flaky patches and prevent clogged pores.

Regular exfoliation has also been shown to improve collagen production. Collagen is a protein that is responsible for skin integrity and elasticity. Lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking and aging causes a reduction in collagen production and can lead to tired, sagging skin and wrinkles.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Exfoliating once or twice a week should be sufficient for most people. With a physical exfoliant it is important not to scrub too hard, light pressure and circular motions for 2 - 3 minutes is best. If you feel as though you may have caused some irritation, then treat your skin to a lathering of a humectant serum following your exfoliant routine, this can help sooth and draw moisture into the skin. We recommend using Kōaka's Organic Moisturising Serum!

KERATOSIS PILARIS: WHY THE SKIN ON YOUR ARMS IS BUMPY

Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition causing rough patches and small bumps that most often affects the outer aspect of both upper arms. Keratosis pilaris is caused by an abnormal buildup of skin cells in the upper part of the hair follicle. The scaly spots or small bumps can appear skin coloured, red or darker in pigment. There can be some mild, superficial inflammation, however it should not be itchy or painful. Symptoms seem to flare during the cooler months with low humidity.

Although the name seems rather odd, this condition affects roughly half of all children (even more so for those prone to dry skin and eczema) and typically lasts into adulthood. Most prominent during teenage years, some will grow out of it and some will have this condition into the elderly years of life. There is no cure, however since it is common and not often talked about, this is the perfect opportunity to shed some light on how exfoliating can help to manage the symptoms.

If you are prone to dry skin or eczema read our eczema management journal here.

HOW TO TREAT KERATOSIS PILARIS NATURALLY

Exfoliating with a natural, physical scrub can help to remove the buildup of skin cells from hair follicles. We have observed improvement of this condition with our homemade natural exfoliant - DIY Hemp & Coffee Scrub. As hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties this combination is perfect compared to other coffee scrub formulations. Let us know about your home remedies by commenting below!