Taking regular steps to exfoliate your skin can be an essential aspect of your skincare routine. Removing the layer of dead skin cells makes way for new and healthier ones to restore themselves.
But it’s not as easy as it seems – sorting through the wide array of products in today’s marketplace that all claim to give you the best exfoliating results can seem daunting and overwhelming.
Fortunately, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll review what ingredients should be looked out for when obtaining a quality exfoliant product.
Plus, let us teach you how often you actually should be using such products and some possible missteps that many people tend to fall into during and after they exfoliate.
With our help, you can master perfecting your skin’s renewal phenomena.
Best Techniques for Exfoliating
There are two ways to exfoliate: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves using granular scrubs or brushing devices to slough off dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation involves using acids like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells.
If you prefer physical exfoliation, always use a gentle, non-abrasive scrub. Avoid using scrubs with large grains or beading because they can create micro-tears on your skin. Also, avoid using a brush with stiff bristles because they can cause irritation. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and make circular movements on your skin.
If you prefer chemical exfoliation, choose products with active ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid. These products dissolve the dead skin cells and unclog congested pores. But be careful not to use too much or too often, which can cause irritation and redness.
The Best Ingredients for Exfoliating Your Skin
There are a lot of different ingredients that can be effective for exfoliation, but some are better than others. Two of the most important things to look for are AHAs and BHAs.
AHAs, or alpha hydroxy acids, help to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so that they can be more easily removed.
Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid.
BHAs, or beta hydroxy acids, penetrate deeper into the pores and help to break down sebum and other oils that can lead to breakouts. The most common BHA is salicylic acid.
Other helpful ingredients include enzymes, as well as jojoba beads or other physical exfoliants.
Salicylic Acid
One of the most popular exfoliating ingredients is salicylic acid. This beta hydroxy acid helps to break down dead skin cells and unclog pores. It’s an ideal choice for those who have oily or acne-prone skin.
Just be sure to start slowly if you’re new to using salicylic acid, as it can be drying if you use too much.
Glycolic Acid
If you’re looking for an ingredient that will help to brighten your complexion, glycolic acid is a great choice. This alpha hydroxy acid penetrates deeply into the skin to break up surface pigment and reveal brighter, healthier skin.
Glycolic acid can be used on all skin types, but those with sensitive skin may want to start with a lower concentration and work up.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is another alpha hydroxy acid that’s beneficial for both dry and sensitive skin types. Unlike other exfoliating acids, lactic acid is hydrating, so it won’t leave your skin feeling tight and dry after use.
Lactic acid also helps to stimulate collagen production, making it a good choice for those who are concerned about signs of aging.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can help to fight acne-causing bacteria. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin types. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for an exfoliating product that contains tea tree oil as one of its main ingredients.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
It’s important to remember that exfoliating isn’t necessarily a one size fits all regimen. Most people should stick with just once or twice a week, but if you have sensitive skin, it might be best to start with only doing it once each week and then build up as your skin gets used to it.
On the other side of the spectrum, having oily skin? You may actually be able to exfoliate more often without any problem.
Just make sure not to go overboard here either, as overdoing things can bring about some irritating and pretty unwanted breakouts!
And finally, those of us sporting drier skin types absolutely need to use a good moisturizer afterwards – we can’t afford to rob our face (or any other parts of our body) of moisture when exfoliating!
What to Avoid When Exfoliating
Exfoliating products can be beneficial to your skin, with helpful ingredients such as natural oils and extracts working to fight off dead skin and dryness.
But watch out!
Some ingredients you should look to avoid are alcohols, fragrances, sulfates and harsh chemicals. These components aren’t doing you any favours since they can actually make your skin angry.
Scrubbing them away with a creamy alternative might make you feel perfection…but this dream won’t finalise if these problem ingredients take the top spot.
So why take the risk? Steer clear of these irritants for the health of your body’s outer layer.
Exfoliating 101
Exfoliating your skin is an important part of any skincare routine. By regularly removing dead skin cells, you allow new ones to regenerate more quickly. This can help your skin look brighter and more radiant.
There are a lot of different products on the market that claim to be good for exfoliation, but not all of them are.
Be sure to look for products that contain AHAs and/or BHAs, enzymes like papain or bromelain, and jojoba beads or other physical exfoliants. And avoid products with alcohols, fragrance, and other harsh chemicals.
Lastly, don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizer if you have dry skin!