Medically reviewed by Keria Tia Bean, APRN
Exfoliation can flip dry, boring pores and skin into softer, smoother pores and skin. However the best way to exfoliate your pores and skin? And the way usually to exfoliate? There’s no one-size-fits-all reply. One of the simplest ways to exfoliate your face or physique and the very best exfoliating merchandise to make use of rely in your pores and skin kind and the situation of your pores and skin.
Advantages of pores and skin exfoliation
Usually, useless pores and skin cells are shed each 30 days as a part of the pores and skin’s pure turnover cycle, however generally useless cells refuse to budge, making the pores and skin dry, tough and boring. They will additionally clog your pores, contributing to zits or arduous, tiny cysts referred to as milia.
Exfoliation removes useless pores and skin cells from the floor of your pores and skin, which may make it really feel smoother and look brighter and clearer. It additionally helps skincare merchandise like moisturizer penetrate the pores and skin extra simply, making them more practical.
Tips on how to exfoliate: Chemical vs. guide exfoliation
There are two methods to exfoliate your pores and skin at house: chemical exfoliation and mechanical (bodily) exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliation merchandise include enzymes and/or acids, comparable to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), that loosen or dissolve useless pores and skin cells so that they slip off readily. They’re bought in lots of types, together with exfoliating face washes, exfoliating physique washes, peels, masks, serums and pads.
Mechanical exfoliation removes the useless cells by way of friction. Exfoliating physique scrubs, exfoliating sponges, loofahs, exfoliating gloves, exfoliating brushes and washcloths act as mechanical exfoliants.
Should you use an exfoliating scrub, apply solely a small quantity utilizing small, gentle, round motions. Should you go for an exfoliating software comparable to a sponge or brush, use brief, mild strokes. Scrubbing too arduous can irritate the pores and skin, and chances are you’ll create tiny tears that go away you susceptible to an infection.
Pores and skin exfoliation information by pores and skin kind
Your pores and skin kind will level you within the path of both chemical exfoliation or mechanical exfoliation. It additionally dictates how usually to exfoliate.
Basically, individuals with oily pores and skin might need to exfoliate extra usually than individuals with dry or delicate pores and skin. However right here’s an essential caveat irrespective of your pores and skin kind: Begin sluggish. Should you’re new to exfoliating, attempt exfoliating as soon as per week and, if it’s essential to exfoliate extra usually, work your manner as much as it. And acknowledge that your pores and skin’s exfoliation wants might change with the seasons.
One of the best time to exfoliate is at night time, after you’ve eliminated your make-up. Exfoliating within the morning will quickly make your pores and skin extra delicate to the solar’s rays.
For shiny pores and skin
Tips on how to exfoliate: Both mechanical exfoliation or chemical exfoliation with a product that comprises salicylic acid will work on your pores and skin. Salicylic acid is a sort of BHA that’s significantly efficient at eradicating extra oil and particles together with useless cells.
How usually to exfoliate: Two to a few occasions per week.
For acne-prone pores and skin
Tips on how to exfoliate: Chemical exfoliation with beta-hydroxy acids is your greatest wager. Mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating for blemishes.
How usually to exfoliate: Exfoliating two to thrice per week could also be applicable, however it could be an excessive amount of when you use retinols, retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Ask your dermatologist for recommendation.
For regular pores and skin
Tips on how to exfoliate: Each chemical and mechanical exfoliation are efficient for regular pores and skin, so the selection is yours.
How usually to exfoliate: Two to a few occasions per week.
For mixture pores and skin
Tips on how to exfoliate: Alternate between chemical and mechanical exfoliation (don’t use each on the identical day).
How usually to exfoliate: Twice per week.
For dry, delicate pores and skin
Tips on how to exfoliate: Chemical exfoliation is greatest for dry, delicate pores and skin. A product that comprises lactic acid, one of many mildest types of AHAs, is good for dry pores and skin and pores and skin that’s simply irritated. Bonus: Lactic acid attracts moisture to assist maintain your pores and skin hydrated.
How usually to exfoliate: As much as a couple of times per week.
When to not exfoliate
Not everybody will profit from exfoliation. It’s possible you’ll find yourself with irritated, infected pores and skin when you exfoliate too usually or when you:
- Use a product that makes your pores and skin extra delicate and susceptible to peeling. These merchandise embrace benzoyl peroxide, over-the-counter retinols and prescription retinoids. Exfoliating when you use considered one of them may worsen flakiness and result in zits breakouts.
- Have sunburned or broken pores and skin. Have a sunburn, rash or cuts? Don’t exfoliate till your pores and skin heals.
- Have a pores and skin situation comparable to rosacea. You probably have rosacea, exfoliating might worsen redness and irritation.
Skilled pores and skin exfoliation choices
For deeper exfoliation custom-made to your pores and skin kind, see your skincare supplier.
Exfoliating facials can take away useless pores and skin abilities and brighten boring pores and skin. A extra highly effective, medical-grade therapy applicable for all pores and skin sorts is HydraFacial MD. This multi-step resurfacing process contains mechanical exfoliation, a chemical peel, extractions and an infusion of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to plump, hydrate and defend pores and skin. It’s good for smoothing and brightening in addition to for decreasing the looks of high quality strains, brown spots and zits scars.
Schedule an appointment right now at considered one of our Florida workplaces.
Written by Jessica Brown, a well being and science author/editor primarily based in Nanuet, New York. She has written for Prevention journal, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and plenty of different retailers.