By its very definition, exfoliation means the disposal of dead skin cells and the renewal of your skin. The buildup of dead skin cells is bad news because it clogs pores, leads to acne, and speeds up the skin’s ageing process, causing fine lines and dullness.

It is thus important to discard dead skin cells regularly in order to avoid acne and stay young. You can prevent the buildup of dead skin cells by regularly exfoliating your skin.

Exfoliating your skin is simple, and can be done on the face and elsewhere on your body. You can easily find a facial scrub or body scrub, depending on the area you want to exfoliate. Scrubs containing fruit acids or sugar (or both) are known to be especially effective in clearing off dead skin.

For optimum results, stick to a regular exfoliating schedule. Exfoliating should be done at least once, and at best twice a week.

Remember not to use harsh, abrasive exfoliators which may scratch or scar the epidermis. Unlike what the word ‘scrub’ suggests, you should not scrub your face hard. The aim of exfoliation is to dispose of dead skin cells, so apply the exfoliator thoroughly but gently. Then wash your skin well and pat it dry with a clean towel.