EXFOLIATING is the key to getting that great looking skin especially if you have combination or oily skin. I never really understood the concept of exfoliating and I thought it was just another way brands were getting us to buy more useless products, BUT people this works, since I went back to the basics of looking after my skin and of course being consistent with my treatments, I have seen a major change in my skin, not only have the blackheads been sent packing, my skin is positively glowing.
Reasons to Exfoliate
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the top layer of our skin, which can clog pores causing breakouts and black and whiteheads,
Exfoliating improves the texture of your skin, it gives your skin that soft smooth appearance
Exfoliating stimulates the flow of blood to your skin, this gives that glow to your skin which makes you look younger
Types of Exfoliators
There are different types of Exfoliators available on the market which are safe to use at home things like Scrubs, AHA's, BHA's and Brushes.
Scrubs
Scrubs are very popular with most brands and are also affordable my current favorites are the Eucerin Dermo Purifyer which comes with lactic acid micro-beads and the Himalaya Neem Scrub. The key with a scrubs is not to to be over zealous, do not scrub your face as if you are cleaning a pair of tackies. This will cause tiny scratches on your skin which can get infected with bacteria and cause breakouts be gentle and use circular motions around your face. I wouldn't advise you use a scrub that is for the body on your face as these tend to be far too abrasive, if you are going to DIY you scrub make sure you use materials that will not cause damage.
AHA's and BHA's
Lets start by looking at Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) these are acids derived mainly from fruit acids things like sugar cane, apples, lemons, banana's and of course yoghurt. I am sure you all know the legend of Cleopatra, supposedly the Egyptian Queen used to bathe in milk and she is said to have had the most beautiful soft skin in the world, well that came from Lactic acid.
What AHA's do is breakdown the bonds that hold the dead skin together and then acid "eats away" at the dead skin I know it sounds disgusting but that is the best way to describe it AHA's are best used for skin that has sun damage and dry skin as they also add a moisturizing property to the skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) these are acids are more anti-inflammatory, the use of BHA exfoliator is mainly recommended for skin that is oily and acne prone. A source of BHA is Salicylic acid (which is found in Aspirin). BHA's work by firstly calming down the inflammation in pores and then gently exfoliating the dead skin.
I have never had much success using over the counter AHA's and BHA's, they just irritated my skin and caused redness. I have done DIY face mask using milk powder and citric acid and I enjoyed this mask very much as it had a really nice smoothing effect on my skin.
Brushes
There is such a wide range of brushes to choose from a few years ago you could only find a facial brush from Dischem, but now most of the brands have a facial brush that you can use with their products, I know Olay, Clinque and Sorbet have brushes that are pretty good. I use a Sorbet brush as I find that it is affordable and works for me, I use the cleaning brush almost everyday with my cleanser to get rid of makeup and any oils but he exfoliating brush I use once a week to really give myself that deep clean. I find that exfoliating with a brush really does get rid of those blackheads but you have to be careful not to go to far and be gently, I wouldn't recommend a brush for the more sensitive to dry skin types as this will just aggravate you skin.
Face Masks
I am not a fan of this at all as I am busy woman and don't have time to be sitting around waiting for stuff to dry but desperation can lead you to try new things and to gain patience. When my skin broke out and I looked like chocolate bar with raisins and nuts, I tried almost everything and one of the things I tried was face masks. I honestly believe that the introduction of mainly the clarifying clay masks was definitely a game changer, firstly I found that they minimized my pores and also they seem to "suck" out even the most deep rooted of blackheads. My favorite mask at the moment is the Himalaya Neem Mask. This masks literally SUCKS all the dirt and oil out of my pores and it has an exfoliating factor about it as well the clay is not a smooth clay, so when you rinse the clay off make sure you GENTLY and I mean gently rub you fingers in a circular motion and you will not believe how smooth your skin will feel after this and how you pores will look almost closed. 
As with all other products we spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a face masks most brands do masks as part of their offering but one brand in particular that stands out for me is Sorbet their masks are really easy to use and you don't have to google or guess what the mask is for it says so on the pack. I particularly like these masks as they are affordable and you don't have to fuss with creams and serums after you have used the mask.
Remember whatever products you choose to use make sure you are consistent, using a face mask or exfoliating once in a pink moon will not get you the results you want to see. Also I must emphasize that what you put inside your body will show on your skin if you are not staying hydrated, eating healthy exercising and sleeping well the first place you will see the results of an unhealthy life style is your face believe me I know, so make sure you take care of the inside as much as you work on the outside.
Do you exfoliate? What DIY masks and scrubs do you have? What are you major skin concerns
Love yourself beautiful
Mzansifro
Some Recipes you might want to try
DIY Lactic Acid Mask
2 Tbsp Full Cream Milk Powder
1Tsp Citric Acid (you can also use 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice)
2 Tbsp Distilled water
Mix all of the above together let it sit for at least an hour before you use it. Apply on freshly cleansed face and let it dry on your face. Rinse off with luke warm water and apply your moisturizer or serum of choice.
DIY Aspirin Scrub
3 Non Coated Aspirin Tablets Crushed
1 Tbsp Distilled Water
Lemon cut in half
Dissolve the tablets in the water and then squeeze some of the lemon juice into this this, use the lemon to gently scrub your face in circular motion rinse off and apply moisturizer or serum of choice. (Do not use if you allergic to Aspirin)
Dry skin buster
1 Tbsp Oatmeal
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tsp Jojoba Oil
1 Tsp Water to mix
I like to blitz the oats in a grinder to make them really smooth then I warm up the honey a till its a bit runny mix in the oil and a bit of water let it sit for about 20mins then apply it on my face.
* all images from brand website except for Sorbet Brush from Clicks Website
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