Stupid question...

[Bella_Lass334]

I feel really stupid asking this, but what does it mean to moisturize and exfoliate?

 

[FrockRadar8]

This is the best I can put it...to moisturize is to put products that hydrate or soften your skin using oils or special butters. Exfoliating involves using either an abrasive or chemicals (usually acids like glycolic or salicylic) to remove dead skin cells that create a dull complexion, bumps or uneven skin tone.

Hope that helps!

 

[cosmogrl5]

^ Good explanation.

To go a little more into detail about exfoliating:

source: ehow.com

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]If you want your skin to look healthy and radiant, exfoliate regularly. By removing the top layer of dead epidermis cells, you will make your skin appear smoother and less wrinkled.
[/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Steps: [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]1. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Brush dry skin before getting into the shower. You can use either a loofah, exfoliating gloves or a body exfoliating brush. Start at the soles of the feet and work your way up. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]2. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Get into the bath or shower and wet your entire body. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]3. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Apply exfoliating cleanser to your loofah or exfoliating brush or gloves. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]4. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Scrub your body with it, using gentle, circular motions. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]5. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Opt for grainy types of cleansers to clean the skin, rather than soap. Choose exfoliating cleansers that contain ingredients such as oatmeal, ground almonds or even sea salt. The grainy texture exfoliates the skin. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]6. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Make your own exfoliating cleanser, if you prefer. Mix sea salt, olive oil and lemon juice together, or mix ground almonds and powdered milk. The combinations are endless. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]7. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Use a washcloth for mild exfoliation. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]8. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Rub rough spots, such as heels, with a pumice stone or stick. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]9. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Apply lotion containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids after you exfoliate. This will continue the exfoliating process because the acids further abrade and remove dead skin cells. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]10. [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Be sure to use body moisturizers at least once every day. Regular exfoliating is extremely drying to the skin and will do more harm than good unless the skin is rehydrated liberally with lotions. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Tips: [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Some products are more abrasive than others. If your skin is very sensitive, use as little friction as possible and stick to the least abrasive products. [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Warnings: [/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Never overexfoliate with excessively abrasive exfoliating cleansers, or you run the risk of bursting the delicate blood vessels under the skin. If the vessels burst, your skin may appear permanently flushed. This condition, known as telangiectasia, must then be treated using laser surgery. [/SIZE][/FONT]

source: freebeautytips.com


The Why And How Of Exfoliating
After you cleanse your face, you should "exfoliate." This is very much like the process of peeling an onion or removing tiles from a roof. Exfoliating is necessary for getting the blood flowing into the face, as well as for removing grime.
Take a packet of sugar (raw sugar works the best), add a couple drops of olive oil to create a spreading condition, then gently rub it into the creases of your face.
Open a packet of instant oatmeal, mix it with water and create a paste. Rub this mixture into your face, then rinse off the residue.
Suggestion: Use instant oatmeal on your face, while using the traditional "old-fashioned" oatmeal to exfoliate the entire body. Rub sea salt (available in health food sotres) all over both your body and your face. You'll love its invigorating effects.

 

[cosmogrl5]

On moisturizing (from magnoliaspa.com)

Dump Your Skin in the Drink – Moisturize!
Moisturizers are an important part of your proactive skin care treatment. They work by duplicating and strengthening the role of your body’s own naturally produced sebum and thus protect the skin against excessive moisture loss. Sebum emulsifies with sweat (99% water) on the surface of the skin, lubricating the upper layers of the epidermis by softening and plumping out the dry, dead skin cells producing a fine protective layer of oil to render the skin more water-tight.
Maximize Your Moisturizer:
All moisturizers can be made to work more effectively by dampening the skin first, as the top, dead layer of skin will absorb a small amount of water. In warm weather, store your moisturizer in the fridge. The chill feels good on your skin and helps it look firmer too. In cool weather, warm your moisturizer between your hands for a few seconds before you apply it to your face, it will absorb better.

More on exfoliating: http://beauty.ivillage.com/skinbody/facecare/0,,q7pv,00.html