Exfoliation is often overlooked by many as an essential component of a good beauty routine. If you want to have a healthy, beautiful and younger-looking skin, then exfoliation is the key. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from your body, revealing fresher skin underneath.
Why you need to exfoliate
As we age the body loses its natural ability to get rid of dead skin cells and if left untouched can cause your face to look dull and old. Exfoliation removes the dead top layers of your skin to make it smoother, softer and rejuvenated. It also clears the oil and dirt from the pores leaving behind a cleaner and a more radiant skin.
Exfoliation can reduce pigmentation and help you get an even toned skin. By clearing the clogged pores they reduce blackheads and whiteheads. It improves the skin’s texture and enhances blood flow to give a younger looking radiant skin.
If you were wondering why some of your skincare products were not giving the desired results, lack of proper exfoliation is the answer. Regular exfoliation help the skincare products penetrate deep into your skin and achieve better results.
What are the different methods for exfoliation?
Exfoliation can be done either through a mechanical or chemical process.
Mechanical process involves physically rubbing your skin with an abrasive to remove the dead skin cells. The popular tools used for this method are loofah, simple washcloth, brushes, exfoliating gloves, pumice stone, natural abrasives like sugar or salt, rice bran and scrubs with micro-beads. The use of traditional methods like brushes, loofah and stones are suitable for areas like legs and body.
For your face it is better to use a washcloth or exfoliating gloves. Facial scrubs either natural or synthetic with abrasive elements and peel off masks are also useful if you are looking for easy ways to do it at home.
Chemical process involves using products that contain alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acids and retinoic acid. The chemicals loosen up the dead skin cells and make it easier to wipe them away. Unless you are sure which type of chemical exfoliators are suitable for you, it is better to consult a dermatologist for chemical exfoliation.
Hair removal processes like waxing and shaving also removes dead skin from your body. Though they are effective, it cannot fully replace a regular exfoliation routine.
Skin care electronic devices that you can use at home are also available now. These gadgets have a brush or pad attached to the device that vibrates and rotates to remove the dead skin. They can give better results than manual exfoliation though they are more expensive.
Picking the right exfoliator for your skin type
You should choose a suitable exfoliation method depending on your skin type.
If you have a normal skin, then you can use any of mechanical methods and chemical exfoliators containing glycolic, salicylic or lactic acids. Chemical exfoliators also stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles and firms skin.
For dry and sensitive skins you should use scrubs that have mild abrasive elements and use chemical products that contain lactic acid or low strength alpha hydroxyl acid. Also avoid brushes or loofah to prevent dry skin from breaking up.
For those with oily skin avoid reusable devices like loofah or brushes and can use exfoliating clay masks or chemical solutions with light salicylic acid to remove oil and skin debris.
How to exfoliate your face
Here is how to exfoliate your face the correct way.
First we will see how to use a facial scrub. Wash your face properly and make it wet. Use warm water to wet a washcloth and press it on your face for few minutes. This will open up the pores and you can just wash with warm water if you don’t want to use a cloth.
Take a small quantity of the exfoliating scrub on your fingertips and apply it with gentle circular movements on the face. Be light handed and let the exfoliating particles do their job. You don’t need to keep it longer either and can wash it away with cold water after 2 minutes. Wash thoroughly and pat dry using a towel.
If you are using a chemical exfoliator, wash your face, pat it dry with a towel and then apply the exfoliator. You can keep it for 15 to 20 minutes or follow the instructions of the product and then wash it off.
Also it is essential to. You can use face oil to protect the skin before any exfoliation process.
Things to keep in mind while Exfoliating
- Don’t exfoliate too frequent. You can exfoliate daily if you are using mild products and twice weekly for stronger exfoliators is recommended.
- You can do it in morning or evening. If you are using skincare products at night it will be beneficial to do in evening.
- You should use an exfoliating cleanser to remove any makeup and oil to ensure proper exfoliation.
- Make sure that you hydrate the skin immediately after exfoliation using a good moisturizer.
- Stick with one method of exfoliation at a time as using many products with exfoliating effects together can damage your skin.
Start exfoliating from today and make it an integral part of your beauty regime for a glowing smooth skin!