There are three musts when it comes to a skin care routine; cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. While each are equally important for different reasons, exfoliating is often a step that can be missed yet is vital in achieving healthy, vibrant skin. The trick is to understand the natural process that our skin goes through and to work with the skin, using organic and natural skin care products that aid in this process, not work against it.
Cell turnover is a phrase you might be familiar with. This is a natural process by which the skin sheds old dead skin cells and creates new ones. In other words, this is the skin’s natural way of exfoliating. This process is a function of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). Depending on climate and lifestyle, dead skin cells can often build up faster than the skin is able to replace with new ones, making the skin look dull, dehydrated and sometimes even flaky. Exfoliating the skin once a week helps the skin with this process tremendously and the results are immediate-healthy, glowing skin.
Before exfoliating the skin, it is important that the skin be cleansed. We recommend using an oil based facial cleanser such as our Purifying Cleansing Facial Oil as it is more gentle on the skin and doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Once this step has been completed, it is a good time to exfoliate. For exfoliation, we recommend using our Montana Clay Facial Masque. This masque is gentle, yet has a little bit of grit to it, which makes it a perfect solution for exfoliation. When exfoliating, use slow, circular motions so the skin does not become irritated. Exfoliating on a regular basis (once/week) will keep the pores from being clogged, resulting in fewer breakouts. In the long run, it can even reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles.
Not only is the skin our largest organ, but it is also the most responsive organ. It is constantly undergoing natural processes that aid in the health of the skin. When it comes to the way we take care of our skin, the goal is to help what our skin is already doing in order to achieve the best results. When the skin is exposed to environmental elements such as pollution or bacteria, a barrier is triggered which doesn’t allow the substance to penetrate deeply. The skin also produces an acidic mantle that doesn’t allow bacteria to survive. Even when the skin undergoes some sort of abrasion or friction, it triggers more cell turnover in order to heal itself. Our skin really does know what it’s doing.
Lastly, exfoliation and moisturizing go hand in hand. Living in higher elevation climates climates such as Montana, the skin is more susceptible to dryness and is in desperate need of even more hydration. Although the skin is constantly producing its own oil called sebum, it’s often stripped by everyday life activities such as being outside or washing off makeup at the end of the day. Especially when cleansing the face, and/or exfoliating, the skin needs to be replenished of that moisture in order to remain vibrant and healthy. While many turn towards a moisturizer for this step, oil is actually one of the best ways to give your skin the ultimate hydration. For oil hydration, we recommend our Rejuvenating Facial Oil. Oils have the ability to really be soaked up by the skin and provide longer hydration in the end.
In every skin care step, no matter what it is, it’s important to remember the products used on the skin can either help or hinder good skin health. Using products that contain chemicals, parabens, or fillers actually work against our health, even if it’s not visible. Our skin is the most absorptive organ which means anything we put on it enters the bloodstream soon after and can affect the body in different ways. Products that are organic and natural have the power to promote skin health while also protecting your overall wellness.
I love this! Great information