Skin exfoliators help remove dead skin cells, built-up oils and impurities to create a brighter and smoother complexion. But you must take caution not to over-exfoliate; doing so could cause redness or irritation.
Use either a physical scrub with small, nonabrasive particles or chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid as chemical exfoliators or combinations thereof to achieve effective exfoliation.
1. Brightening
Have you seen magazines or social media photos featuring skin that looks radiantly healthy? That rosy hue often results from healthy natural oils that reflect light to create that luminosity, so exfoliation ensures those oils reach the surface of the skin so it glistens brightly.
Physical and chemical exfoliants can help enhance radiance by encouraging cell turnover and helping your moisturizer absorb more effectively, but make sure not to go too far – too frequent scrubbing could cause redness, irritation and damage to the barrier function of your skin.
Therefore, before using any new exfoliant on your face it’s essential to perform a patch-test and check for irritation or allergies. Furthermore, when selecting a product tailored specifically for your skin type it’s wise to opt for something gentle such as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) scrub or salicylic exfoliant like Glytone’s Enhance Exfoliant which combines both AHA and salicylic acids to remove dead cells without irritating the complexion.
2. Removing Dead Skin Cells
When your natural cell turnover process slows down, dead skin cells build up on the surface and can leave your complexion looking dull, rough, flaky or oily. Exfoliation helps rid yourself of this unwanted buildup so newer, fresher skin can show through.
Regular exfoliation can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles by clearing away dead cells that clog your pores, thus decreasing breakouts. A gentle chemical or physical exfoliant will do just the trick for optimal results in leaving behind an even and glowing complexion.
Exfoliate your face and body using a sponge, brush, or exfoliating scrub. Just remember to use light pressure while exfoliating; otherwise you risk irritating the skin. Some prefer scrubs containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acid (BHAs), as these ingredients penetrate deep into the outer layer to break down dead cells more efficiently than other ingredients; AHAs/BHAs can often be found in cleansers, serums and moisturizers containing them.
3. Hydrating
Exfoliation helps reveal fresh skin cells that can more readily absorb nutrients, and moisturizers penetrate more effectively when there’s no dead skin blocking their path. Pairing exfoliation and hydration in order to maximize the benefits of your skincare routine.
Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids work by dissolving the glue-like bonds holding dead skin cells together, making them easy to shed off. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, try opting for salicylic acid-based BHA treatments which unclog pores and release excess oil while sensitive skin requires glycolic acid-based AHA solutions which gently loosen dry patches.
Physical exfoliators use scrub-like ingredients to gently exfoliate away dirt, oil and dead skin cells without jagged edges like ground seeds or shells. Suah suggests trying Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment which contains papaya and pumpkin enzymes as natural AHAs plus glycolic acid for effective yet gentle exfoliation.
4. Even Skin Tone
Healthy skin sheds an incredible 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells every minute, but that process can become compromised through sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations and aging. Without an exfoliation routine in place, buildups of dead skin cells can leave complexions dull and rough; clog pores; worsen acne scars; exacerbate blemishes and fine lines; leaving complexions dull and rough. Exfoliation removes these dead layers to reveal fresher, smoother and more even-toned complexions.
When it comes to creating an even skin tone, consulting a dermatologist is key in order to get there. He or she may suggest treatments which target discoloration directly such as laser resurfacing treatments or in-clinic peels; at-home topical treatments like retinoids or hydroquinone can also help fade dark spots away.
As with anything, excess skin exfoliation can lead to irritation and redness, so the key is finding a suitable balance: “Over-exfoliation may damage your skin barrier and expose it to environmental aggressors”, cautions Faye Cohen of New York City Dermatology Group.
