Dead skin cells accumulate on your complexion, causing dullness and uneven tone. Exfoliation helps eliminate dead cells and boosts the effectiveness of other skincare products.
Exfoliation comes in many forms – whether physical (such as scrubs and manual tools like sponges and brushes) or chemically through alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Finding an appropriate method will depend on your complexion.
How to Exfoliate
Your skin sheds dead cells to keep it looking its best; as we age, this process slows and dead cells begin to build up resulting in dullness, clogged pores (and potential breakouts).
Exfoliation can help smooth and refine your complexion, boost radiance and unclog pores while simultaneously improving penetration of skincare products for greater effectiveness.
To discover your ideal exfoliation method, test the sensitivity of your skin by pressing a tissue against your cheek and pressing. If the tissue shows dry flakes of skin or oil spots, this indicates dry or sensitive skin; otherwise it indicates oily or combination skin types. Once you understand what type of exfoliator is best suited for you at home, follow these steps to safely exfoliate at home using physical exfoliators such as scrubs, body brushes or sponges as physical exfoliators; acid exfoliators (like salicylic or glycolic), chemical exfoliants (like salicylic or glycolic), chemical exfoliants; fruit-derived enzyme exfoliants (like papain or bromelain). Always moisturize afterwards when exfoliating.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliators use acidic ingredients to dissolve dead skin cells without resorting to harsh scrubbing, improving cell turnover and unclogging pores for fresh, even-toned complexions with a healthy glow. Furthermore, this technique amplifies the effectiveness of skincare products like moisturizers and serums.
Chemical exfoliants that are most frequently utilized are Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), both natural food-grade acids derived from milk, sugar cane or fruits/botanicals such as Glycolic Acid or Malic Acid. AHAs/BHAs can help treat dark spots, fine lines and uneven skin tone while decreasing enlarged pores by exfoliation.
These acids are water-soluble with small molecular sizes that enable them to penetrate deep within the skin, so their molecules can travel further beneath its surface. To use AHAs or BHAs safely and effectively for exfoliation purposes, try combining one with your cleanser before finishing with an effective moisturizer and increasing concentration and frequency over time until you find one suitable for your individual skin type.
Physical Exfoliation
With age comes slower skin cell turnover and accumulation of dead cells on your surface skin causing dullness and clogging up pores, according to dermatologist Dr. Shah. Exfoliation helps speed this natural renewal process and also makes skin-care products more effective, according to this doctor.
Physical exfoliation involves manually scrubbing away dead skin cells using tools and products such as washcloths, loofahs, sponges and brushes as well as exfoliating scrubs containing small particles of salt or sugar or nut shells. Other options available to you may be microdermabrasion and dermaplaning available at spas or through estheticians.
Physical exfoliators require gentle pressure for best results; also consider only using them once every few days and selecting ones suitable for sensitive skin. As an alternative, choose chemical exfoliators that don’t need to be rinsed away (such as an acid peel or serum with AHAs or BHAs) so they can do their work without interrupting your daily schedule.
Routine
Routine exfoliation helps clear away dirt, makeup and oil that builds up on skin throughout the day, unclog pores and make skin appear smoother while improving product absorption. But to reap its full benefits safely it’s essential to understand exactly what type of exfoliation treatment your skin requires, how best to apply it, and any possible risks.
Utilize either physical or chemical exfoliant twice to three times every week after cleansing your skin (depending on your type) either morning or evening (for best results) following instructions provided with the product. Care should be taken not to overexfoliate; otherwise it could irritate skin further, according to Sabina Wizemann of Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann notes. Furthermore, exfoliation should be avoided during sunburned conditions or an outbreak of rosacea or acne flareups, she suggests.
Mechanical exfoliators such as face scrubs or cleansing brushes provide gentle exfoliation treatments, making use of gentle circular movements for best results. You could also try microdermabrasion and dermaplaning treatments in-clinic; both offer effective ways of buffing away dull complexions with mechanical force.
