Exfoliation
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin. While this is great for the health of you skin, if not done properly it could damage the skin and do more harm than good.
Consider your skin type:
Sensitive Skin may sting, burn, or feel ‘spicy’ after product use.
Normal skin is clear and not sensitive.
Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough
Oily skin is shiny and greasy
Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others.
Types of exfoliation
Chemical Exfoliation: This form uses enzymes and acid-based products that have an exfoliating effect as they dissolve protein bonds that exist between dead skin cells. Products that contain chemical exfoliators such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), salicylic acid, or glycolic acid help with that breakdown.
Manual Exfoliation: This form is when you use a tool to remove the dead cells on the surface of your skin. Often times someone may use textured cloths, sponges, loofahs, or scrub with a gritty texture.
Factors to consider before exfoliation:
Skin care products you are currently using: Some products may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel. Prodcuts that include retinoid creams, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide may cause you to have more severe adverse reactions to exfoliating.
Your skin type:
Dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin may want to use a soft washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator. Manual exfoliation may be too irritating.
Oily, thicker skin may want to use a stronger chemical exfoliator or manual exfoliation. Avoid strong chemical or manual exfoliation if you are prone to; uneven skin tones, acne, sunburns, or have bug bites.
Tips & Tricks for exfoliating:
Be gentle to your skin. If you are using a ‘gritty’ scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product to your fingers and gently massage onto skin in small, circular motions. Do this evenly over the entire face and neck. Do not over work the skin. Over exfoliating can cause irritation.
Use lukewarm water. Using too hot of water will cause the skin to dry out. If you are someone with oily skin this may sound appealing but can actually cause your skin to begin over producing those oils over time to overcompensate for them being stripped away.
Follow up with moisturizer. Exfoliating can dry out the skin. Apply moisturizer immediately after to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Make sure your moisturizer has at least SPF 30+ if you are applying before going out for the day. For evening use, use a heavier moisturizer so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
Find the right schedule, how often you exfoliate will depend on your skin type and exfoliation method. A general rule of thumb is that the more aggressive the exfoliation the less often it needs to be done. Typically 1-2 times a week is ideal.