Top 10 Tips for Proper Exfoliation to Keep Your Skin Clean and Smooth

Since everyone has unique skin types, skincare and exfoliating products are designed specifically for different skin needs. Currently, there are two main types of exfoliants: Physical and Chemical exfoliants.

• Physical Exfoliation: Involves the physical abrasion of the exfoliating product's ingredients against the skin's surface. When using this type of exfoliant, it's important to massage the product into your skin to effectively remove dead cells.
• Chemical Exfoliation: Uses mild acids to penetrate the bonds between dead skin cells and the surface of the skin. Chemical agents like BHA, Salicylic Acid, AHA, etc., break down the bonds between dead cells and the skin, making them slough off more easily without the need for scrubbing.

Choose the exfoliant based on your skin's condition and consult with skincare experts, dermatologists, or reviews from others for advice.

Once you find the right exfoliating product for your skin, be consistent in using it to improve your skin's health, prevent damage, and keep your skin deeply clean and smooth.

Many people with acne or those undergoing acne treatment believe that exfoliating is not safe. This misconception can actually worsen the condition of your skin. In reality, acne is often caused by improper cleansing, where dirt and impurities accumulate and lead to breakouts.

A key point to remember when dealing with acne is to avoid physical exfoliants with gritty particles, as they can irritate acne lesions, causing them to rupture and spread. Instead, opt for gentle gel exfoliators or chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA, which help clear breakouts and are much safer for the skin. However, it's best to use BHA or AHA treatments only once the acne has cleared to ensure safe and effective results.

If you're using a physical exfoliation method, this is a crucial step you can't skip. While the first cleanse helps remove dirt after steaming, this second cleanse is essential for washing away the exfoliated dead skin cells. Simply using a washcloth won't remove all the dead skin, so make sure to rinse your face with clean water and then gently pat your face dry with a soft towel before moving on to the next skincare steps.

If you're using a chemical exfoliant, you don't need to rinse your face again. Just wait for about 20-30 minutes before applying your next serum. Afterward, continue with your regular moisturizing routine.

Exfoliation and sunscreen are like two best friends that always go hand in hand. Once the dead skin is removed, your skin becomes vulnerable and more sensitive to the sun's harmful rays, making sunscreen a must when heading outdoors. If you normally use a small amount of sunscreen, be sure to apply a little more after exfoliating to give your skin optimal protection.

Increase your sunscreen application. Your skin is more prone to sun damage after exfoliating with acids, as it's in a regenerative phase. Failing to use sunscreen can cause faster aging of your skin. Additionally, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen for the best protection.

After exfoliating, your skin tends to become dry and lacks moisture, so it's essential to hydrate it promptly. You can hydrate your skin by using a lotion mask (soak cotton pads with toner and place them on your face), sheet masks, or applying a good moisturizer or overnight mask.

For skin that has just undergone chemical exfoliation, products like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or peptide serums are ideal. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin to ensure it remains soft, hydrated, and smooth after exfoliating.

The skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, and there is little excess skin in this area. Exfoliating here can be excessive and potentially harmful to this fragile skin. To protect the eye area, make sure to avoid it when exfoliating the rest of your face.

Additionally, before exfoliating, you can apply an eye cream to protect the skin. Choose a specialized eye cream that contains ingredients like vitamin C, beta hydroxy acid (BHA), glycolic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). These ingredients help fight dark circles, prevent aging, and brighten the skin around the eyes.

Exfoliation should be done gently, avoiding any harsh rubbing that could cause skin damage or irritation. Never pull the skin tightly, instead, use your fingertips to move softly across the skin. The basic motion for exfoliating is to massage in a circular motion.

Start by cleansing your face with warm or cool water, then gently pat dry with a soft towel. Apply the exfoliating cream evenly across your face and massage gently for about a minute, paying special attention to the sides of your nose, mouth, and corners of your lips. Afterward, rinse with cool water to help close the pores.

Pores are the perfect home for bacteria and dirt, which can lead to issues like acne, dull skin, and pigmentation. Therefore, it’s important to open your pores before exfoliating, as this will allow impurities to be easily removed.

Steam is one of the most effective ways to open your pores. For the best results, you can purchase a facial steamer or, as a more budget-friendly option, wash your face with warm water, boil some water for steaming, or use a warm towel on your face for about 5 minutes to fully open your pores.

Using a facial cleanser is the essential first step before any skincare routine. After steaming, it’s crucial to wash your face with clean water to completely remove dirt and excess oil. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your face. Wet your face, apply cleanser gently, massage for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

When choosing a facial cleanser before exfoliating, opt for a gentle, safe product. Avoid cleansers with small beads, as they may cause damage during exfoliation. Also, the cleanser’s pH should be balanced to match your skin’s natural pH, ideally between 5 and 6. Using a product with too high or too low a pH can leave your skin feeling dry and tight, rather than soft and hydrated.

Washing your face should be a daily routine, but exfoliating every day is a big mistake. The purpose of exfoliation is to remove accumulated dead skin cells and dirt trapped deep in your pores. These layers build up over time, so you should exfoliate just 1 to 2 times per week. If you have sensitive skin or acne, exfoliating once a week is sufficient.

Additionally, the best time to exfoliate is at night. After exfoliating, your skin needs time to rest and recover without exposure to environmental damage such as sunlight and pollution. If you exfoliate during the day, your freshly exfoliated skin can be harmed by UV rays and other environmental factors.