You can learn a lot from an esthetician, including some very important information about exfoliation. Sure, you may think there cannot be anything else to know about something that seems so simple. Most young girls are taught something about exfoliation from their mothers, whether it be to use your wash rag in a circular motion when you wash your face, or to use harsh scrubs that contain pieces of nut shell. But in this case, mamma may not always know best. Here are three things that an esthetician could tell you that may surprise you.

1. Use a Lubricant

Olive oil, moisturizer, even baby oil is better than nothing. Just do not exfoliate bare skin. No matter how much it claims to be safe for sensitive skin, if you use it without some protection you might as well be using sandpaper. A cream or oil will not get in the way of the exfoliation process. It will actually help it.

2. Less Really Is More

You need to do it, but be careful not to do it too much. It is kind of like eating. You have to eat to stay healthy, but too much food or the wrong kinds of food can actually do damage. Exfoliation is essential to healthy skin, but doing it too often actually defeats the purpose. Exfoliation is meant to remove dead skin cells and leave room for healthy, younger ones to shine through. If you exfoliate more than once per week chances are you are getting rid of healthy skin cells, which increases cell production. The result is too many cells needing attention and care, and a dull or uneven complexion.

3. Step Away from the Sandpaper

Regardless of skin’s condition, harsh scrubs are not the answer. Skin cells are delicate and it does not take much to knock them free. Larger beads are better than jagged sandy ones, and a homemade scrub made with a rich cream and fine grain sugar works just fine. Use a light touch, rinse thoroughly, and beautiful skin is yours for the taking. The rougher the grain, the more irritating and damaging the skin is going to be. Damage and irritation does not result in beauty.

Estheticians are full of useful information and great skin care is their specialty. They take what they learn in esthetics schools and take your exfoliation advice from them and watch glowing skin ensue. Find a beauty school and BeautySchool.com.