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I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to discuss on my first column.  I thought about it today as I was running my morning errands and enjoying how beautiful the day was and how lucky we are to live in San Diego.  Then I instantly thought, “You need to exfoliate!

Your skin has been in hibernation, and this weather means spring is approaching!” It is imperative to exfoliate your skin this time of year since most of us have been covered up for months.

Exfoliating, or for my father, (who, bless his heart, uses soap as shampoo) “scrubbing” helps to slough dead surface skin. It’s going to improve your overall tone and texture, leaving your skin vibrant and polished.  Also, exfoliated skin will aide in the skin’s ability to retain the nutrients and key vitamins in the serums and moisturizers applied post-exfoliation.  It helps with surface damage, whether it is discoloration, fine lines, or scarring.

Although it is recommended to see a facialist or esthetician for the rather aggressive exfoliation treatments, you get even better results when you exfoliate consistently at home.  I recommend at least once per week for normal skin, and 2-3 for oily-combination skin.

My new favorite exfoliator is the Leaf and Rusher RAPID RESURFACE.  It is the best alternative to salon or doctor’s microdermabrasion treatments, which can be extremely abrasive. Usually, the “microderm-alternative” products don’t feel like they are doing anything to help my skin. With the RAPID RESURFACE, I see and feel immediate results after each use.   It’s gentle, yet still effective, buffing rough, dull skin using rice powder and calcified alge.  The aloe and green tea are also in the product for their great antioxidant power.

Adding exfoliating to your skin care regimen is going to greatly increase the clarity and vitality of your skin. You will feel completely refreshed after you get rid of your winter coat and let that radiant, gorgeous skin show darlings!

Margaret Hipwell