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If you've noticed your skin looking dull in the mirror, it can be disappointing. However, regularly exfoliating your skin can help you look more radiant! Your skin regenerates every 28 days and tends to accumulate dead skin cells. Exfoliating will give you fresher, brighter skin. You can use either chemical exfoliants or physical scrubs (which contain small particles) to cleanse your face and body. Additionally, make sure to choose an exfoliating product that suits your skin type.
Steps
Select an exfoliating product suitable for your skin type
Choose any exfoliating product that feels comfortable if you have normal skin. Your skin can tolerate most exfoliants, but it might get irritated if you use a physical scrub. For the best results, try both chemical and physical exfoliants, but use them on different days. This allows you to experience the benefits of both types without overwhelming your skin.
- For example, you can use a chemical exfoliant on Sunday and a physical scrub on Wednesday.
- If you exfoliate three times a week, you might use a chemical exfoliant on Sunday and Tuesday, and a physical scrub on Friday.
Diana Yerkes
Senior Aesthetician, Rescue Spa NYC
Senior Aesthetician, Rescue Spa NYC
Use an enzyme exfoliating product while in the shower. Enzyme exfoliators come in powder form and can be used in the morning as a face cleanser. Wet your face, use the powder to create foam, and gently massage it onto your face before rinsing off.
Use a strong chemical exfoliant or a physical scrub if you have oily skin. Some chemical exfoliants are more potent than others. Look for products labeled with BHA or those that contain a high percentage of AHA. Alternatively, you can use a physical exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin.
- If you have oily skin, you can exfoliate up to three times a week.
Tip: Choose a gentle exfoliating product if you have darker or hyperpigmented skin. Some exfoliants may damage your skin and cause uneven pigmentation.
Use a cloth to apply chemical exfoliant products on dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Opt for a mild chemical exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid. Use a cloth to apply the product to boost the exfoliating effect. Then, use a gentle physical exfoliant one or two times a week.
- If your skin becomes irritated, switch to using your fingers to apply the product instead of a cloth.
Diana Yerkes
Senior Aesthetician, Rescue Spa NYC
Senior Aesthetician, Rescue Spa NYC
Use exfoliating products in moderation. Using an exfoliating product, a toner with exfoliating properties, and a face wash with exfoliating ingredients all at once can overload your skin. Find a balance in combining products that suits your skin's needs.
Exfoliating the face
Apply the exfoliating product using circular motions with your fingertips. Take a pea-sized amount of chemical or mechanical exfoliant and apply it with your fingertips. Then, gently massage the mixture onto your face in circular motions.
Massage the entire face with the exfoliant for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Rinse off the exfoliating product with cold water and gently pat your face dry. Splash your face with water until the exfoliating product is completely removed. Use cold water to tighten pores. After rinsing your face, use a soft, clean towel to pat your skin dry.
- If you're using a physical exfoliant, make sure no small particles remain around your hairline or on your skin. Sometimes it can be challenging to fully remove all exfoliating particles.
Apply a moisturizing product to soothe your skin. After exfoliating, your skin may feel dry or tight, so it's important to hydrate it. Use a moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to restore moisture. Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Then, apply a pea-sized amount to your face.
- If you are using a face serum, apply the serum before moisturizing.
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. Your skin will look better with regular exfoliation. It's recommended to exfoliate at least twice a week. If your skin can tolerate it, you can exfoliate 3 times a week.
- If you have sensitive skin, limit exfoliation to once a week. Try exfoliating 2-3 times a week, but reduce the frequency if your skin becomes red, dry, or itchy.
- The best time to exfoliate is in the morning. Your skin naturally regenerates overnight, so the morning is the ideal time to remove dead skin cells.
Alternative use: You can use a chemical exfoliant every day, as it's typically gentler. However, stop using it if your skin shows signs of irritation.
Choose an exfoliating product with acid to minimize skin irritation. Chemical exfoliants are generally gentler than physical exfoliants and less likely to damage your skin. Therefore, opt for a chemical exfoliant. Additionally, read the packaging to ensure the product contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, beta hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid, which are all effective exfoliating ingredients. These ingredients can be used regularly, similar to face wash.
- You can use a chemical exfoliant daily, but start with 2-3 times a week to gauge your skin's tolerance.
- Always follow the instructions on the product packaging for best results.
Use a ready-made mechanical exfoliant or DIY if your skin can handle it. Mechanical exfoliants contain small particles that help cleanse the surface of your skin. These products are great for removing dead skin cells but can cause irritation from scrubbing. Try a mechanical exfoliant if you enjoy smooth, glowing skin after use.
- Salt or sugar-based exfoliants are gentler than those with plastic beads or finely ground particles.
- You can easily make your own exfoliating scrub by adding 2 teaspoons (8g) of salt or sugar to your regular face wash. Another option is to mix 120ml of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons (25g) of sugar, and 1 teaspoon (15ml) of lemon juice for a homemade exfoliant.
Exfoliating the body
Use an exfoliating shower gel for daily exfoliation while you shower. Choose a shower gel with exfoliating ingredients like sugar, salt, or plastic beads. Since the skin on your body is thicker, you can opt for a stronger exfoliant for regular exfoliation. Exfoliate daily with an exfoliating shower gel for smooth, soft skin.
- If your skin feels dry or irritated, reduce the frequency of use. Use the product 2-3 times a week instead.
Did you know? Plastic beads can increase pollution in the water cycle, so you should avoid using products that contain them. Thankfully, sugar, salt, and chemical exfoliants are all great alternatives for your skin!
Exfoliate weekly with a sugar or salt-based scrub for healthier skin. If you want super smooth skin, use a mechanical exfoliant once a week to enhance your complexion. Wet your skin, then massage the exfoliant all over your body before showering. Start at your shoulders and work your way down to your toes. Pay special attention to areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, as these tend to accumulate dead skin cells.
- If you're not using an exfoliating shower gel, you can exfoliate your whole body twice a week if desired.
- You can either buy pre-made exfoliating scrubs or make your own at home. To create a simple scrub, mix equal parts brown sugar or salt with coconut oil, almond oil, or sweet almond oil.
Use short, gentle strokes with a dry brush or sponge for exfoliating. A dry brush or sponge allows you to exfoliate easily without the need for additional products. Use it daily before your shower while your skin is still dry. Start from your shoulders and gradually move down to your legs. Gently move the brush or sponge in short strokes to remove dead skin cells.
- Using a brush or sponge may cause irritation, especially for sensitive skin. If this happens, try using it only once a week or switch to a different exfoliation method.
Apply a moisturizing product after exfoliating to nourish your skin. Skin can often feel dry or itchy after exfoliation. Fortunately, you can soothe this condition by applying your favorite body moisturizer. Gently massage it onto your skin immediately after showering.
- Use about one small cup of moisturizer to cover your entire body. You can always add more if necessary.
Warning
- Consult a dermatologist for an exfoliating product if your skin is allergic.
- Avoid exfoliating if your skin has cuts, wounds, or sunburn as this could irritate or worsen the damage.
- Exfoliating too frequently can harm the skin. You should only do it once or twice a week, and reduce frequency if irritation occurs.
