Babyboomers.com

We scrub it, shave it, expose it to the hot sun and cold wind. We ask a lot from our skin, and without the proper care, it can lose its healthy glow and become dry, itchy and prone to breakouts.

The first line of defense is sufficient cleansing, according to Tim Worms, brand supervisor, 3M Buf-Puf Facial and Body Sponges. “Exfoliation — the thorough removal of dead skin cells and dirt — is the best way to protect the skin from environmental elements and to prepare it for further treatment with lotions and sunless tanning products.”

Worms offers these skin care tips:

An Even “Tan”:

Sunless tanning lotion is a great way to have a golden tan year round without the harmful exposure to UV rays. Gentle exfoliation before applying sunless tanner leaves skin smooth and soft, the perfect preparation for sunless tanning lotion.

Shaving Survival:

Exfoliation lifts hairs for a closer, smoother shave. This tip holds true for women and men –exfoliating before shaving also helps prevent razor bumps.

A Full-Body Workout:

After gym class, sports practice or a tough aerobics workout, your entire body will benefit from gentle cleansing and exfoliation to remove perspiration and dead skin cells that can cause breakouts.

On the Go:

Just because you’re away from home doesn’t mean you have to skimp on skin care. Individual facial sponges, with or without cleanser, are perfect for your locker or gym bag.

AHA Alternative:

Stress, dry fall air, fading tans and chlorine from the gym pool can make skin dry and flaky, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Like much-touted alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), exfoliation sponges, used with a gentle cleanser and followed with a moisturizer, slough away dry, dead skin cells to reveal smoother, softer, healthier-looking skin.

For additional information, contact Robbyn Shulman, Karwoski & Courage Public Relations, 612/342-9766 or Carie Anderson, 3M Health Care, 612/737-5090.

Courtesy of Article Resource Association, www.aracopy.com