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Discover the correct techniques and frequency for exfoliation to attain vibrant, glowing skin
Ready to elevate your skincare routine? Exfoliation not only cleanses your skin but also eliminates dead cells, oil, and pore-clogging bacteria. Unsure about which exfoliator suits you best, how often to exfoliate, or how to apply exfoliating products? We've got you covered! Let us address all your queries and equip you with the knowledge necessary for achieving smoother, brighter, and more even skin.
Key Points to Remember
- For normal or combination skin, opt for a manual exfoliator. For oily or dry skin, consider a chemical exfoliator.
- To exfoliate your face, dampen your skin and apply the exfoliator using circular motions. Afterward, rinse your face and gently pat dry before applying moisturizer.
- For body exfoliation, wet your skin in the shower and use a scrub or body wash. Concentrate on areas prone to dryness like elbows, knees, and feet.
- Exfoliate 2 to 3 times weekly, or adjust frequency based on your skin's sensitivity.
Procedures
Choosing the Perfect Exfoliator for Your Facial Skin
For Normal or Combination Skin: Rotate between a chemical and physical exfoliant. While your skin can handle most exfoliators, frequent use of a manual scrub might cause irritation. Experiment with both a chemical and a physical exfoliator, alternating them on different days to enjoy the benefits without overburdening your skin.
- Avoid harsh exfoliators containing ingredients like alcohol.
- Determine your skin type by blotting a tissue against your face: dry skin will leave flakes, oily skin will leave a thin layer of oil, and normal skin will leave neither.
For Oily Skin: Opt for a potent chemical exfoliant. Some chemical exfoliants are stronger than others. Look for products containing BHAs or a high concentration of AHAs.
- If you have oily skin, you can exfoliate up to three times a week.
- Stick to gentle exfoliants if you have dark skin or are prone to dark spots, as some exfoliators may cause uneven skin tone.
- Both alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) aid in dissolving and eliminating dead skin cells.
For Dry, Sensitive, or Acne-Prone Skin: Employ a washcloth and chemical exfoliant. Opt for a mild chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid. Apply it to a washcloth for enhanced exfoliation and gently scrub your face once or twice weekly to eliminate dead skin cells.
- Glycolic acid, an AHA derived from sugar cane, induces a peeling effect on the skin, removing old, dead skin flakes.
- If your skin becomes irritated, apply the product using your fingers instead of a washcloth.
Facial Exfoliation Techniques
Start by Cleansing Your Skin, then Apply Exfoliator Gently in Circular Motions. First, cleanse your face with a mild cleanser, rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Wet your face, then apply a small amount of exfoliator or scrub, massaging it in circular motions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Be cautious not to over-apply the exfoliator, as too much can irritate your skin.
- Avoid excessive pressure while applying the exfoliator to prevent skin irritation.
Rinse Your Face with Lukewarm Water and Gently Pat Dry. Splash water over your face to remove all traces of the exfoliator, then softly pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- After exfoliating, be extra gentle when drying your face to avoid irritation.
- Check for any scrub granules in your hairline or on your skin to prevent pore clogging.
Follow with Moisturizer to Hydrate Your Skin. After exfoliation, your skin may feel dry, so it's essential to moisturize. Apply facial lotion suitable for your skin type immediately after exfoliating.
- Prioritize applying face serum before moisturizing.
Exfoliate Your Face Regularly, 2 to 3 Times Weekly. For optimal skin health, exfoliate at least twice weekly. If well-tolerated, increase to three times weekly.
- Sensitive skin may require once-weekly exfoliation initially. Gradually increase frequency based on skin reaction.
- Morning exfoliation is recommended as skin renewal occurs overnight.
Body Exfoliation Techniques
Achieve Smooth Skin by Exfoliating Weekly with a Sugar or Salt Scrub. Incorporate a manual exfoliator into your routine once a week to enhance skin smoothness. Massage the scrub onto wet skin before showering, starting from shoulders to toes, with extra attention to elbows, knees, and ankles.
- If not using an exfoliating body wash, twice-weekly use of a body scrub is acceptable.
- Commercial or homemade body scrubs are options. For a simple homemade scrub, mix equal parts brown sugar or salt with coconut oil, almond oil, or sweet almond oil.
EXPERT TIP
Dev Murphy, MA
Mytour Staff Writer
Mytour Staff Writer
'Seeking a gentle body scrub for soft, moisturized skin? My top recommendation is Tree Hut sugar scrubs. Enriched with shea butter and nourishing oils, they offer various delightful fragrances, such as my favorite, Moroccan Rose.'
If you opt for a dry brush or sponge, use short, gentle strokes. Employing a brush or sponge enables gentle exfoliation without the need for additional products. Perform this routine daily before showering on dry skin. Begin at your shoulders and proceed downwards, using light, brief strokes to eliminate dead skin cells.
- Dry brushing is suitable for individuals with oily or normal skin. However, those with sensitive or excessively dry skin should avoid it, as it may cause irritation.
After exfoliation, apply moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Post-exfoliation, it's common for skin to feel dry or itchy. Combat this sensation by applying a body lotion or cream. Generously apply your preferred moisturizer all over your body immediately after showering.
- Use roughly a shot glass of body lotion or cream to cover your entire body.
Morning vs Night: When to Exfoliate?
Tips
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Regular exfoliation can enhance skin appearance and tone by eliminating dead skin cells, resulting in a brighter, healthier complexion.
Cautionary Notes
- Avoid exfoliating areas with cuts, wounds, or sunburns, as it may lead to irritation or worsen the condition.
- Excessive exfoliation can harm your skin. Initiate with once or twice weekly sessions, adjusting frequency if irritation occurs.
