Savvy Style: Sloughing off the Excess

Summer is around the corner and it's time to get glowing. After the spring season, there's nothing better than shedding the flakiness to reveal smooth, healthy skin. I like to call it "sloughing off the excess," but it is known to most as exfoliation.

Technically defined, exfoliation is the removal of the skin's outermost surface, which has the dead skin cells. Not only does it make our skin look better, it makes it healthier by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, while boosting blood circulation and detoxifying the lymphatic system. Esthetician Sumiye Richards in Santa Monica, California recommends exfoliating twice a week during the summer, with a more regular regimen than during the winter months. Use caution and speak to your dermatologist first if you have super sensitive skin, rosacea or broken capillaries.

I've discovered more natural products from smaller companies, as they often have higher quality ingredients than some of the more mainstream brands, but often have less money to market and advertise their products. Here are some of the most indulgent products on the market, which are high-end, yet reasonably priced.

Begin, for best results, by dry brushing your body every day with a sisal loofah. Dry brushing is an age-old method that stimulates collagen and our lymphatic systems, while exfoliating dead skin cells to allow our bodies to emit toxic waste. It also improves muscle tone and prevents fat deposits from forming. Brush upward, towards your heart, 30 strokes for each section of the body. If your skin looks pink, you are doing it right. The best sisal loofahs can be found at anti-aging guru Carole Maggio's Web store. She imports them from Germany, and they last for years. There is a convenient mitt loofah, as well as a strap version that makes reaching your backside easy, ($20 each) and a Beauty Face Mitt ($7.50). For these prices, it's a no-brainer, everyone should have a loofah.

For both the face and body, I discovered this amazing new all-natural line called Luisa New York. I tried two of their uber-indulgent products: Sugar Scrub and Shea Butter Lemon Peel Scrub. Using these luxe scrubs feels absolutely decadent -- it's hard to believe they are so good for you. Packed with anti-aging properties, they are both very gentle, yet exfoliate to reveal a porcelain smooth glow, with an unrivalled, emollient texture. Each time I use them, the aroma smells so delicious that I have to hold myself back from tasting them. Made with natural antioxidant ingredients, such as dark brown sugar, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, raspberry seeds, honey and vitamin E, you absolutely cannot go wrong, no matter what your skin type. To buy, visit www.luisany.com. Through June 6, Savvy readers will receive a 15% discount by using the promo code Savvy.

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For another decadent treat, try Organic Fiji's Lavender Sugar Scrub for the body. There is a great story behind this product line. When on vacation in Fiji, the owner, Bob Rogers, discovered the islanders' local beauty products, which are produced from certified organic plantations. Thankfully, he brought these formulas back to the U.S. The line's amazing body polishes will give you the same level of exfoliation as a spa treatment, with the same luxurious feeling. I tried the Cane Sugar Scrub in lavender and it was one of the best experiences ever! The quality is amazing, the ingredients are all natural and they smell wonderful. Best of all, my skin felt as soft as a baby's. www.organicfiji.com

For the face, I love Leaf and Rusher's Rapid Resurfacing. This product is very aggressive and gets you great results quickly. An aluminum-free formula with rice powder and calcified algae buffs your skin in minutes, leaving a smooth, matte finish. Other ingredients include ceremonial green tea and aloe, which replenishes much-needed antioxidants. I would liken this to the strength of mild microdermabrasion. www.leafandrusher.com

Don't forget your lips. To keep your pout lips looking pretty, regular exfoliation and hydration is a necessity. The smoother your lips are, the longer your lipstick and glosses will stay put. Leaf and Rusher have an impeccable product on the market called TX Lips. I was totally blown away by this stuff -- it has to be the best anti-aging lip therapy I have ever come across. This natural exfoliant literally tastes like sugar and assertively removes dry flakes, yet has this rich emollient quality that makes your lips feel soft and moist. Your lip contour will look and feel smoother and more youthful. Ingredients include shea butter, jojoba seed oil and fruit from the exotic buriti palm combined with natural hops and humectant properties. TX Lips also provides natural SPF protection and plumps the lips. www.leafandrusher.com

Happy Sloughing!

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market. Email her at chaton@thesavvygal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.