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Scrubs, masks and peels all have a role to play in your home spa treatments. In general, scrubs are what you will use to gently exfoliate the skin and cleanse the build-up of dead cells that comes from the natural process of aging.
Exfoliating will also increase circulation, loosen surface blackheads and encourage the natural oils of the skin to come to the surface, rather than remaining locked under a layer of dead skin cells. Dirt is also removed during the process. Most people are surprised to think that there could be dirt on their face, but as you walk through the smog of the city, fine particles certainly cling to every part of both clothing and skin. In hot weather perspiration also helps it to stick there.
A good facial mask will gently cleanse the skin of both natural impurities such as dead cells and the external impurities in the atmosphere. It will make your skin feel softer, smoother and look younger. It works only on the topmost layer of skin. Care must be taken not to scrub vigorously, as that can damage the skin, which is a great deal more delicate on the face than other parts of the body. Too coarse a product will damage the skin rather than restore it.
A chemical peel is a somewhat harsher means of removing the several top layers of skin. It is intended to remove skin that may be scarred due to acne and wrinkled or lined due to aging. Not everyone needs to have a chemical peel. Only if the scrub and mask did not fix the problem should you consider a chemical peel. This treatment should only be done monthly or less and a dermatologist consulted for problem skin.
Exfoliating creams and scrubs may be purchased over the counter, but examine the list of ingredients to be sure they have enough of the right ones. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorides and bromides are the ingredients in Dead Sea salts that help to purify your skin by drawing out impurities such as oil and other debris. Bromides are especially good for healing psoriasis, while magnesium combats stress and removes acids from the skin.
Those who suffer from oily skin may apply a mud mask three to four times a week. However, an oatmeal mask is much softer and soothing to skin that is irritated, itchy or has a rash of any kind. They can be purchased over the counter, or oatmeal from a supermarket packet can be applied in paste form.