Among all the steps that go into any skincare routine, exfoliation is arguably the most underrated. When done right, exfoliation lightens one’s tone, averts zits, and helps in making other skin care products work better. However, it is crucial to know when and which form of exfoliation to use for the skin to avoid irritation.
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of exfoliating, the best methods for different skin types, and when it is safe to exfoliate so that your skin does not lose its lustrous and smooth appearance.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is when you slough off the outermost layer of dead skin out of the skin. Apart from the natural process where the skin literally ejects dead cells called cell turnover, this speeds up the process and ensures a healthy appearance of the skin.
Exfoliation can be divided into two categories:
- Mechanical exfoliation: It implies an on-ground action with the help of a scrub such as a facial cloth, brush, or abrasive particle rather than relying on chemicals.
- Chemicals: For chemical exfoliation, it is the use of chemicals in the form of lotions or gels. particular chemical skin care is used to somehow “melt” off the dead skin.
Both techniques are often quite effective when appropriately executed, but the focus should be on selecting the right type and period for every skin type.
Importance of Exfoliation to One’s Skin:
Various advantages for the skin in regular exfoliation:
- Smoothening surface areas: Dead skin cells are a cause of certain rough and uneven patches which can be eliminated by removing the offending dead cells thereby leaving soft and even skin behind.
- Enhanced skin tone: Sloughing off the dead skin cells is then followed by the emergence of newer cells which are younger, healthier, and brighter and this helps to alleviate dull skin.
- Reduced blemishes: By means of exfoliation, helps to reduce the chances of propionibacterium infestation by purging the debris and wastes that have a possibility of accumulating within the pores.
- Better efficacy of other cosmetic products: The optimization of other topical products is greatly enhanced by the fact that you do not have to scrub your skin and it makes it easier for serums and creams to penetrate the skin and thus work better.
- Limiting the effects of aging: Aging is something that cannot be prevented, but averting the causes is within their means, which will ensure that the early aging signs don’t appear due to the less exfoliation that had been practiced in the past.
Types of Exfoliation: Physical vs Chemical Exfoliation
Recognizing the two methods of exfoliation offers further assistance when deciding on the most suitable technique for one’s skin.
1. Manual Exfoliation.
Manual exfoliation involves the use of granular substances like sugar or small devices for scrubbing off the dead cells at the body’s surface. This is the best method for individuals who want an instant smooth feeling after exfoliation.
- How to Use Physical Exfoliators: Work the scrub or the tool into wet skin with a circular motion. Do not push it in too much so that you avoid irritating or hurting yourself. Wash off with warm water and proceed with normal skin care.
- Ideal for: Normal and oily skin types are fine with physical exfoliation. Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin should be careful when it comes to physical exfoliators as they may cause irritation due to the friction.
- Common Physical Exfoliants: Scrubs with sugar, salt, or jojoba beads, exfoliating brushes, or other skin cleaning devices.
2. Chemical Exfoliation
The use of chemicals such as acids or enzymes helps exfoliate the dead cells by breaking the bonds holding them onto the skin. In most cases, this technique is less abrasive than the physical method of skin exfoliation and can be focused on specific skin issues including acne, pigmentation, and dull skin.
- Different Forms of Chemical Exfoliants:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): These are water-soluble acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid for people with dry skin or a lot of sun damage. The mode of action of AHAs involves melting and separating dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Oil soluble acids such as salicylic ones that are meant to treat deeper parts of the pore and are therefore appropriate for oily and acne-prone skin. BHAs help in treating blackheads and whiteheads.
- Enzymatic Exfoliants: They can be papaya or pineapple based, these are considered to be the mildest forms of exfoliation, which is good for delicate skin.
- How to Apply Exfoliants: These can be in the form of serums, masks, or peels and are applied to clean, dry skin. Follow the guidelines given on the product since over-applying it may lead to irritation. Please rinse off thoroughly afterward, and apply your moisturizing cream along with the sunscreen.
- Ideal for: Dry, sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. Chemical exfoliation is less invasive and more controlled than physical exfoliation hence works across a variety of skin conditions.
- Common Chemical Exfoliants: Glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid and fruit enzymes.
How Often Should You Do Exfoliation?
The frequency of exfoliation differs for different skin types, exfoliation methods, and the sensitivity of the skin. Over-exfoliation is just as bad as skipping it altogether – if not worse, this usually starts by causing simple irritation on the skin then progresses to redness then full-blown breakouts.
1. For Normal Skin
- Physical Exfoliation: 2-3 times a week.
- Chemical Exfoliation: 1-2 times a week depending on how strong the product is.
2. For Oily and Acne Prone Skin
- Physical Exfoliation: Up to three times a week but you should use mild scrubs so as not to overstimulate oil production.
- Chemical Exfoliation: Use of salicylic acid or AHA & BHA combinations about 2 to 3 times a week. These are efficient in unclogging pores and fighting sebum overproduction.
3. For Dry Skin
- Physical Exfoliation: Once a week, because dry skin tends to be very reactive to aggressive exfoliation.
- Chemical Exfoliation: About 1 to 2 times a week with the help of mild AHA products such as lactic acid, which also helps to keep the skin moist as it works on removing dead cells.
4. For Sensitive Skin
- Physical Exfoliation: Once a week at most, and only if really necessary. Use a very gentle powder, or you may be better off forgoing physical exfoliation entirely.
- Chemical Exfoliation: Once a week, this time with low AHAs and non-abrasive and extremely mild enzyme exfoliant. Patch test is a must before the treatment to screen for possible allergic reactions.
Guidelines for Proper Exfoliation
In order to gain the benefits of exfoliation without damaging your skin, here are some of the proper ways to exfoliate:
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: If you are used to scrubbing your face over and above the required or acceptable rate, then your skin’s defense layer may be overworked and break down which later results in irritation, tingling sensations, or even acne. Follow the general guidelines for skin exfoliation particular to your skin condition.
- Listen to Your Skin: Exfoliation is highly beneficial, Start with gentle scrubs and then move on to stronger scrubs so that your skin is spared the negative consequences of using potent scrubs right from the word go.
- Always Apply A Moisturizer: After exfoliation, the skin tends to be more moisture-ready. Do not forget to soothe the skin by applying a moisturizing cream.
- Use Sunscreen: Exfoliation makes the skin more prone to ultraviolet rays. A sunscreen is a must-wear during the day, especially after a chemical exfoliation.
- Do Not Overdo The Procedure: Whichever the exfoliation technique you are doing, be very careful while doing it. Excessive wincing or dependency on smoothening agents can do more harm than good.
- Patch Test New Products: Finally, if you are going to add a new exfoliate or other product to your routine, first check for any irritations or allergies to the product by doing a patch test.
Conclusion
Exfoliation is a crucial part of a healthy skin regimen, but it needs to be done correctly. It is essential to understand proper exfoliation techniques, be it a machine scrub or a lotion containing a peeling acid to safely have radiant and smooth skin. Make changes to your exfoliating practice according to your skin’s requirements and most importantly, ensure there is adequate moisturization and sunscreen use after that.
Adhering to these tips will help a lot in letting exfoliating become part of one’s regimen and show off that beautiful skin.
