As we age, cell turnover slows down from about every 14 days to about 28 days and dead skin cells can build up and give us a give us a dull complexion. Exfoliating both the face and body weekly helps get rid of the dead top layers of skin. This allows moisturizers and serums to better penetrate the skin, giving you better results.

If your not exfoliating weekly, your skin is covered in dead skin cells that are mucking up the surface of your skin and causing your skin to not only look dull, but older exfoliation can help your skin appear younger and brighter, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Physical exfoliants such as oatmeal, salt or sugar gently remove dead cells from the skin’s surface, exfoliate with a scrub once or twice a week. Don’t over-exfoliate or use a product with granules that can tear at the skin. Rub the product in a circular motion for 30 seconds and then rinse off with lukewarm — never hot — water. To save time, mix in a dime-size amount of your favorite facial scrub into your cleanser and do it all at once.

Products that contain chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, should be used less frequently. Although they effectively exfoliate skin, they can also cause dryness and irritation, exacerbating acne-prone skin.

A dry brush or exfoliating gloves, work wonders on the body, especially if you have regular hair removal services. All those dead skin cells trap the new hair under the surface of the skin and cause ingrown hairs. Regular exfoliation and moisturizing help prevent ingrown hairs, and reduce the signs of aging.