Have you ever heard the expression out with the old, in with the new? We might think of this when cleaning out our closets but the same also applies to our skin. In this case, exfoliating our skin is akin to purging our closets. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, leaving you with skin that is naturally beautiful, soft and radiant. However, exfoliation isn't as simple as it may seem. Here are the top tips and tricks to make sure you are getting the most out of exfoliating your skin.

How often should I exfoliate?

To achieve great results, you must be consistent. Aim for at least once or twice a week to achieve the silky, smooth skin you are looking for. Exfoliating once a month or so just isn't enough. By exfoliating regularly, you are reducing the amount of dead skin on your face and body, thus allowing targeted anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments to penetrate your skin more easily.

When is the best time to exfoliate?

When to exfoliate is dependent on your personal habits and lifestyle. If you wear makeup on a daily basis, exfoliating at night would help lift any remaining makeup particles from the skin and ensure that any other targeted treatments are penetrating properly. However, you may prefer to exfoliate in the morning if your face tends to be dull or if you have oily skin.

What tools do I need?

A basic washcloth and a good exfoliating product are all you need to achieve the radiant glow you're looking for on your face and body. Loofahs and other sponges can be too abrasive for the skin. For your body, another great tool to use is the body brush, which you can be used to dry brush your body before you have a shower or a bath.

What product should I use?

Before you buy any products or begin to exfoliate, make sure that you know your skin type. The products you use and how you use them should align with your skin's needs.

If you have sensitive skin, try an exfoliation product that doesn't contain any granules and will naturally buff your skin without vigorous scrubbing. If your complexion tends to be drier, try a manual scrub with beads or granules like Pure Fiji's exfoliating scrub. This gentle manual exfoliant contains papaya enzyme that cleanses without stripping skin. It gently loosens and dislodges dead skin cells and impurities to help brighten and even out skin tone. It can be applied simply using your fingers or, for an even deeper clean, try using it with a cleansing brush like the Clarisonic.

For your body, try using an exfoliating cleanser that contains sugar like Pure Fiji's coconut sugar rub. This scrub contains fresh sugar cane crystals that gently buff away aging skin cells, polish skin and unclog pores. The alpha-hydroxy acids in the sugar loosen up dead skin cells with chemical exfoliation while the sugar granules buff away the dead skin cells with manual exfoliation. Simply apply the sugar rub all over the body with your fingers, no need for any special equipment!

How do I exfoliate my face?

When exfoliating your face, make sure you use a gentle motion. Use small circular movements rather than rubbing roughly up and down. Be even more gentle when exfoliating your lips, as scrubbing too hard can make them crack and bleed. Once you've finished exfoliating your face, be sure to finish with a serum and moisturizer. By exfoliating, you've revealed fresh, radiant skin - the best time to reap the maximum benefits of your targeted products.

How do I exfoliate my body?

When exfoliating, it's important to focus not only on your face but on your body too. For silky, smooth skin try using a granular scrub that's specifically designed for the body, like Pure Fiji's coconut creme body scrub. This scrub contains pineapple extract that gently buffs away dull skin cells and coconut oil that deeply moisturizes and nourishes your skin. After exfoliation, be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to help soothe and rejuvenate your skin. Remember to exfoliate neglected areas of your body as well, like your elbows and feet, as these areas tend to be the most dry. It is especially important to exfoliate your skin prior to applying spray-tanning products to ensure a nice, even tan.

Exfoliation is an important part of any natural beauty routine. By removing the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, you're revealing fresh, new skin underneath. The result is skin that is bright, rejuvenated and revitalized. Add an exfoliation product to your natural skincare routine today to start reaping the benefits!