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Taking good care of your skin is immensely important. There are a lot of steps to skin care from cleansing to moisturizing, and exfoliation is one of them, which is like giving your face a fresh start.
Exfoliating your face buffs away dead skin cells and brings out your skin’s hidden glow. But it’s not as simple as it sounds as you’ve got to tread carefully by knowing the right way to do it.
Continue reading to dive into the dos and don’ts of face exfoliation for a happy, glowing face!
Dos of Face Exfoliation
Here are some points you must remember to do when exfoliating your face:
Keep your skin type in mind
If you’re someone with sensitive skin, go for a gentle chemical exfoliator and a cozy washcloth. For normal skin, you’ve got the freedom to mix it up with both chemical and mechanical exfoliation.
Dry skin craves a loving touch from a mild chemical exfoliator and a soft washcloth. Oily skin can handle a bit more, so consider stronger treatments.
When it comes to combo skin, treat different zones differently with a gentle option on the dry parts and a bit bolder on the oily spots.
Skin with acne requires the use of a washcloth, and a mild chemical exfoliator can help out too. If you’re rocking a beautiful dark skin tone, keep it mild and simple to avoid any potential dark spots. (1)
Start slow and be gentle
Be kind to your skin during exfoliation, whether you’re using a scrub, chemical exfoliator, brush, or sponge.
Gently apply the scrub or chemical exfoliator with soft, circular motions for about 30 seconds. Rinse your face with lukewarm water afterward to avoid stripping the natural oils.
If using a brush or sponge, go for short, light strokes as being gentle is the key to effective exfoliation. (1)
Check other skin care products
Be careful with your skin care routine, especially if you’re using medications or over-the-counter products such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. These can make your skin more sensitive or prone to peeling.
Adding exfoliation on top of these products might do more harm than good, worsening dryness or causing unexpected breakouts.(1)(2)
Differentiate between chemical and physical exfoliators
When it comes to exfoliation, you have two main types of options, namely, chemical and physical exfoliators.
Chemical exfoliators, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, are friendly helpers that gently remove dead skin, perfect for tackling acne without irritating your skin.
On the other hand, physical exfoliators, such as scrubs and brushes, can be a bit too much, especially if your skin is on the sensitive or acne-prone side. (3)(4)
Moisturize your skin afterward
Think of exfoliation as deep-cleaning your skin, getting rid of the dead cells and debris, but it can leave your skin a bit exposed.
Moisturizers are like the comforting hug that follows, which puts back the moisture stripped away during the cleanup. They help keep your skin soft, smooth, and happy, preventing it from feeling dry or irritated. (5)
Don’ts of Face Exfoliation
Here are a few things you might want to steer clear of when exfoliating your face.
Do not exfoliate open cuts or wounds
If you have cuts or wounds on your skin, it’s best to skip exfoliation. When your skin’s already dealing with open cuts, exfoliating can make things worse.
The scrubbing or chemical action can slow down the healing process, cause more pain, and even invite infections.
Give your skin a break until it’s all healed up before bringing back your exfoliating routine. (1)
Do not over exfoliate your skin
Excessive exfoliation, driven by aggressive exfoliation, jeopardizes your skin’s integrity. The stratum corneum, the skin’s protective layer, shields against external threats, and disrupting it through over exfoliation can lead to issues. (6)
Also, maintaining the skin’s pH balance is a must and is achieved through the acid mantle, a film on the skin that prevents harmful bacteria growth. Over exfoliation disrupts this balance, contributing to sensitivity.
Furthermore, the skin’s defense system weakens with continuous over exfoliation, making the skin vulnerable to infections and inflammation. (6)
So, exfoliation should only be done within a limit.
Do not exfoliate sunburned areas
When your skin gets sunburned, hold off on exfoliating. Sunburn already damages your skin, making it sensitive. Exfoliating at this point can irritate it more, slow down healing, and even lead to scarring.
Instead, be gentle with your skin – use soothing lotions, aloe vera, and cool compresses. (1)
Do not exfoliate after skin treatments
After a skin treatment, skip exfoliating for a bit. Your skin needs time to heal, and exfoliating too soon can make it extra sensitive and might cause irritation.
Let your skin recover naturally, follow any post-treatment instructions from your skin care expert, and stick to gentle care such as using a mild cleanser and moisturizer.
Most-Asked Questions
Can I exfoliate if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, individuals with sensitive skin can exfoliate using gentle methods, such as using mild chemical exfoliants and a soft washcloth.
How often should I exfoliate my skin?
Frequency varies based on skin type. Generally, 1-3 times a week is suitable for most skin types.
Final Word
Exfoliation is crucial for healthy skin. For effective results, tailor the method to your skin type, start gently, and consider your overall skin care routine.
Avoid exfoliating open wounds, sunburned areas, or immediately after skin treatments, and refrain from over exfoliating. Moisturize post-exfoliation for optimal skin health.
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