A facial exfoliation is an essential step to maintaining soft, smooth skin particularly in your older years , when cell turnover is reduced dramatically.
Do are you aware of how you can properly exfoliate? It’s not enough just to include an exfoliant in your routine. Improperly applying this vital product could cause or even exacerbate problems such as redness, breakouts, and dryness.
We’ll show you how to cleanse your facial skin according to your individual skin type.
What is an exfoliant?
Exfoliants are products that eliminates dead skin cells from the exterior layer that covers your face. Naturally the body sheds dead skin cells but the speed at which it occurs slows over time. In your 20s, the skin is renewed about every 2 to 3 weeks. As you enter the age of 30 the rate of cell turnover can rise to 45 days. Regeneration rates are expected to decrease in your 40s and 50s.
How can you speed up the body’s natural cycle of renewal? One reason is that regular exfoliation can diminish pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. These are formed when dead skin cells as well as sebum (oil) join to block pores.
Another benefit of exfoliation is the more radiant and youthful appearance of your skin. The accumulation of dead cells could result in dull, sluggish skin. Exfoliation can help rid the cells and reveal radiant and radiant skin.
There are Two Types of Exfoliation
Exfoliation is divided into two types which are physical and chemical. The ideal method for you will be based on the type of skin you have and your individual needs.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation breaks down the bonds that keep cells which makes it easier to remove the dead cells of your skin. Most of the time you don’t clean this kind of exfoliant off your faceinstead, you keep it on, allowing it to work its magic.
Although the term “chemical” can trigger an underlying fear but using this technique of exfoliation is safe for all types of skin in the right way, even sensitive skin.
There are three kinds of chemicals that exfoliate:
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs)
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs)
AHAs
AHAs are water-soluble and act only on the skin’s outer surface. They’re ideal to diminish wrinkles and sun damage as well as hyperpigmentation. The most popular AHAs are glycolic acid (from sugar cane) as well as the lactic acid (from lactose) as well as malic acid (from apples) and mandelic acid (from bitter almonds — ideal for skin that is sensitive).
BHAs
BHAs are oil-soluble and penetrate the skin’s surface in order to draw out impurities. They are ideal to treat acne and the subsequent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH or acne scars). BHAs can also help in lightening dark spots and fighting age-related signs. The most popular BHA that you’ll encounter can be found in salicylic acid (from willow bark).
PHAs
PHAs are an incredibly new discovery in comparison with AHAs as well as BHAs. Poly-hydroxy acids do more than remove the surface of your skin (like AHAs) They also act as humectants. This means they retain moisture on the skin. PHAs possess a more complex molecular structure, making they gentle enough for delicate skin types to apply. The gluconolactone (from the sugar glucose) along with lactobionic acids (from lactose) are two examples of PHAs.
Physical Exfoliation
This is the method you typically think of when exfoliating. Physical exfoliation, also referred to as mechanical or manual exfoliation, utilizes physical tools to remove dead skin cells that have fallen off the skin’s surface. Contrary to chemical exfoliation physical exfoliators, physically exfoliators apply with gentle circular motions over the skin, and then washed immediately with lukewarm water.
Manual exfoliants consist of:
Scrubs
Microbeads
Sponges and brushes
Scrubs
There are many different face scrubs available, and not all are all created in the same way. Fruit pits, nutshells and the coffee grinds, brown sugar and salt may cause microtears that can reduce the lipid barrier of your skin and result in drying and acne. Additionally, scrubs with bamboo powder, jojoba beads and other extremely fine powders are an alternative to remove dead skin.
Microbeads
Microbeads are composed of plastic. Although they are less as abrasive as traditional scrubs, microbeads pose an environmental danger because they don’t dissolve in water.
Brushes and Sponges
It is possible to utilize a different tool with your cleanser of choice to scrub your face. These days there are many brushes that run on batteries and give pulsating and pulsating feelings when you wash your face. Konjac sponges, derived from the porous roots that bears the same name, offer a soft touch and can be mixed with other ingredients like clay or charcoal.
How to exfoliate your face based on the Type of Skin
With an understanding of the various methods of exfoliation and exfoliation, you can examine which one is best suited to the type of skin you have.
Exfoliating to help oily skin
Skin types with oily skin will benefit from both physical and chemical exfoliation. The best chemical exfoliant to use for oily skin is an exfoliant called a BHA similar to salicylic acid because this kind of chemical exfoliator penetrates the pores to cleanse impurities and eliminate excess oil.
Physical exfoliation can help to cleanse pores, too. But, be careful not to apply scrubs to acne that is already developing, because it will be inflamed and itchy.
Exfoliating to help dry skin
Dry skin types are advised to opt for chemical exfoliation. A PHA like gluconolactone, or lactobionic acid won’t just remove dead skin cells from the surface , but it will can also draw in moisture to provide an increase in hydration. Lactic acid, which is an AHA is a good choice to boost the amount of moisture in your skin according to a study in 1996 in The International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Physical exfoliation is usually not recommended for people with dry skin since microtears resulting from exfoliation can lead to the flaking and dryness. However, fine powder scrubs they may have enough softness and gentleness that they can get rid of dead skin without aggravating the signs from dry and flaky skin.
Exfoliating to treat combination skin
As combination skin types tend to have dry and oily areas, the methods of exfoliation need to be targeted in order to avoid issues. For example, a greasy T-zone is treated with the use of a BHA or gentle scrub. Dry cheeks, for instance, are better suited to the use of a PHA and AHA.
Exfoliating for sensitive skin
Skin types with sensitive skin will need to apply the PHA. This type of chemical exfoliants is thought to be the gentlest. PHAs possess a massive molecular structure, allowing them to penetrate the skin slowly. Mandelic acid, which is an AHA can also be used for skin that is sensitive, but the downside is a lower efficacy compared to other AHAs such as glycolic acid.
Fine powders or a konjac sponge might be suitable for sensitive skin , but in general chemical exfoliation is recommended for this type of skin.
Exfoliating for mature skin
AHAs are ideal for people with mature skin as they’re recognized for their ability to reduce hyperpigmentation wrinkles, fine lines as well as sun damage. Salicylic acid, which is a BHA can help reduce the signs of aging through regular usage.
Do’s and don’ts of exfoliating
In addition to knowing what type of exfoliation will best suit the type of skin you have, the method you cleanse — as well as how you care for your skin following the process shouldn’t be left out.
Do wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be an integral part of your routine skincare routine, but it’s even more important in the event that you include chemical exfoliants. AHAs and BHAs may make your skin more vulnerable to sunlight. Inability to apply a suitable SPF along with AHA or BHA AHA or BHA can cause your skin to be more susceptible to sun-induced damage.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate
How often do you need to exfoliate? The answer to this question will depend on your specific skin condition as well as the technique you choose to use for exfoliation, but as a rule of thumb , you should try not to exceed three times a week. Exfoliating too often can cause a variety of issues, ranging from flaking and dryness to irritation, redness and breakouts.
A possible exception is BHAs that can be used on a daily basis.
Do not forget to moisturize
Exfoliation is not just a way to remove dead skin cells, but it also eliminates the natural oils that your skin produces. To compensate any loss, and to reduce dryness, be sure to complete your routine by applying a well-formulated moisturizing cream or lotion. If your skin requires more moisture, be sure to check out our hydrating routines, which will cover the day and nighttime hydrate routines.
Don’t Layer Acids Haphazardly
It is possible to mix chemical exfoliants that contain other active ingredients that include vitamin Cand retinol and Niacinamide. However, the method that you apply them will have a significant impact. For instance, if make use of the AHA or BHA serum in conjunction with Retinol cream as part of the same manner it could cause irritation to your skin significant way. One method to avoid irritating the skin’s surface is to use a stagger of the ingredients, or split the use between evening and morning use , or using them on alternate days.
Do Visit a Dermatologist
If your skin is experiencing any adverse reactions when exfoliating, consulting an expert dermatologist will help identify any allergies to any ingredient. A dermatologist will also be able to determine the best treatment to address your specific skin issues.
Cleanse Your Way to Health Skin
Exfoliation can be a boon for your face. As you age, it’s an important step to achieving clearer, smoother skin in the midst of the body’s natural decline in cell renewal.
Since exfoliation is so crucial it is essential to ensure that you’re doing it right. Understanding your skin’s issues and the ingredients and techniques to treat these problems can make it easier to achieve flawless, radiant skin.
