Want to learn how to properly exfoliate your skin with the correct ingredients for your skin concerns? In this blog, you will learn the do's and don'ts when it comes to exfoliating, including the best exfoliating ingredients for your specific skin type. 

     While your daily cleanser may effectively remove makeup, oil and surface-level-dirt from your skin, it doesn't necessarily provide the same level of deep cleansing and facial rejuvenation the way exfoliation does. An exfoliator effectively removes the dead skin cells and build up within the skin. 

Types of Exfoliators 

There are 2 types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliators. They both get the job done but they are very different from each other. Let's learn about them in detail;

1) Physical Exfoliators

They are also known as mechanical exfoliators. These include products and treatments like face scrub, cleansing brushes and exfoliating mitts that remove dead skin cells with friction. However, using a harsh scrub on any skin type may prove to be damaging as it can cause dryness and sensitivity. 

2) Chemical Exfoliators

Chemical exfoliants typically come in the form of cleansers, chemical peels or leave-on products like serums and toners that contain acids or enzymes loosening the bonds between the dead skin cells so they can be dislodged. 

Which Exfoliator is better? 

If you simply want to remove dead skin cells on the surface, physical exfoliation might be the way to; whereas if you are looking to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, you might want to go with chemical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants tend to be gentler on the skin than physical exfoliants, which rely on abrasion to remove dead skin.

Benefits of Exfoliation

Whether you choose chemical or physical exfoliation, the aim is to clear away the buildup of dead skin cells and other debris sitting on the outer layer of the skin. This is particularly important since the rate of cell regeneration slows down as we age. This means that the body takes longer to shed skin cells and produce new ones. When old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it an leave skin looking dull, rough and dry. 

      Furthermore, the build-up of old skin cells can contribute to excess oil production and clogged pores leading blemishes and acne. You'll not only see a difference in the texture and tone of your skin, but you'll also notice a brighter and more radiant complexion. Plus, exfoliation is like hitting the reset button on your skincare routine, allowing all your serums and creams penetrate the skin better as they won't be layered on top of dead skin cells. 

 However, if you don't exfoliate the right way for your skin type, you can irritate or damage skin or even bring on breakouts. So, before you jump into an exfoliation routine, let's find out the right exfoliant for your skin concerns. 

Exfoliation for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, the most suitable exfoliant ingredient is the beta hydroxy acid called salicylic acid. These types of exfoliants would be a game changer that gently exfoliate, unclog pores and reduce the buildup of oil and bacteria that can lead to acne, leaving you with a clearer complexion. It's best to use this in a serum form, so it left on the skin to do it's job. Physical scrubs may feel satisfying to use but they can be too harsh on the skin, spreading bacteria, causing irritation and leading to more breakouts. 

Exfoliation for Dry Skin

You may want to look for exfoliators that won't draw away moisture from your skin and avoid scrubs with physical exfoliants like beads or shells which can be too harsh and can strip the skin off its natural oils. Opt for an Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliants like glycolic acid and lactic acid as they gently remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover but don't penetrate deeply into the skin to draw out hydration and further destroy your moisture barrier. 

       However, you need to avoid products that contain fragrance, harsh chemical ingredients and alcohol, as these can further cause irritation and dry out the skin. 

Exfoliation for Sensitive Skin

When it comes to the correct exfoliant for sensitive skin, there is no clear-cut answer to this question since sensitive skin type can be very fragile. In fact, those with sensitive skin might not even need to exfoliate very often. However, for people with sensitive skin who wish to exfoliate, an exfoliant that contains mild acids like lactic acid or mandelic acid is a good alternative. These ingredients work gently on the skin to break down the bonds between dead skin cells. 

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Buffing away the dead cells from your skin can feel quite satisfying. However most people actually over exfoliate, leaving their skin barrier compromised and causing skin conditions like dehydration, sensitivity, breakouts and more. 

   For those who struggle with oily acne skin, they can use a salicylic acid serum more often or not, until your breakouts clear, then cut back to 2-3 times a week to get clear skin. Keep it mind, it's important to understand why you have acne and that it wasn't caused by an impaired skin barrier. 

      However, for everyone else, exfoliation should be 2-3 times a week. Start by exfoliating once a week gauge your skin's reaction before determining if you need to increase the frequency 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin's individual condition and needs. Also, be sure to test out new products by using them only once a week until you know how your skin reacts to different textures and ingredients. You will most likely experience skin purging after utilizing a leave-on exfoliant for the first time. This is a normal condition where the skin clears itself of underlying oil and unclogged pores. The good news about purging is that it only lasts a short period of time of about 4-6 weeks and the side effects are less severe than a typical breakout. 

Conclusion

   Exfoliation is an important part of your routine. It helps to cleanse the skin at deeper level and does the work which normal cleansers and face washes are unable to do. We hope that you have gained a lot of information about the do's and don'ts of exfoliation, different types of exfoliants and which exfoliator is better for your skin. Keep yourself hydrated all the time by drinking enough water. And don't ever forget to apply sunscreen whenever you go outside.