How To Exfoliate Your Skin The Right Way?

Every person needs to exfoliate. For some, this basic step comes as part of their regular skin care regimen, but others never complete this task and question why their skin doesn’t look its best. The process removes dead skin cells that leave the skin looking dull and tired. However, people must make certain they use the right product or exfoliation may do more harm than good. For this reason, every person needs to know the unique needs of their skin and which products will work best.

The Importance of Exfoliation

Most individuals find their skin improves when they exfoliate, according to the Renee Rouleau Blog. Doing so helps the skin appear rejuvenated and may prevent breakouts in those who are prone to acne. Furthermore, dry skin finds it easier to absorb moisturizers after the person exfoliates. Nevertheless, too much of a good thing remains possible. Excessive exfoliation must be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, the person must know their skin type to ensure the right product is selected.

As a person ages, this process becomes more important. Young people find exfoliation helps to keep their skin clean and glowing. Cell turnover occurs more rapidly in teens and younger adults and sebum production remains higher. Over time, however, cell turnover slows, the skin becomes dryer, and sunspots and fine lines appear. Exfoliation helps to promote healthier skin while encouraging new cell growth.

Mistakes to Avoid

Men and women must understand how to exfoliate to obtain the best results. Doing this process wrong isn’t effective or helpful and can lead to damage to the skin. What are some common mistakes dermatologists see when it comes to exfoliation?

Some people scrub their skin too hard, which leads to inflammation. Doing so repeatedly could actually lead to sensitive skin, rosacea, and acne, among other things. However, doing it too much also damages the skin. Excessive exfoliation brings about skin sensitive, inflammatory rashes, and acne breakouts.

Using the wrong product leads to issues for people who exfoliate. Use products designed for the body only on the body and never on the facial skin. Facial skin differs from the skin on the rest of the body in a number of ways, so the formulation of body products differs from those designed for the face. Always follow up with a moisturizer after exfoliating to rehydrate the skin. Removing the dead skin leaves a new layer of skin cells visible, and these cells need babying. Moisturizer provides the sustenance they need to thrive.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

If exfoliating too frequently does harm to the skin, how often should a person carry out this task? Your skin type plays a role in the frequency, but most people find they can start with once a week. However, those who know their skin type might find doing it more often helps. Anyone with mature or dull skin might discover they can exfoliate more often with no problems. Nevertheless, any sign of sensitivity in the skin means you need to use the product less. In addition, if there is any stinging or burning after you use the product, exfoliate less often. In addition, those with acne need to limit how often they exfoliate. Doing so too often could lead to an increase in sebum production and more frequent breakouts.

When the skin appears flakier than normal, that’s a sign it is time to exfoliate more often, at least in the short term. The skin on the body isn’t as delicate as that found on the face, so feel free to exfoliate other parts of the body more often. However, those suffering from eczema need to pay attention to how their skin reacts and adjust the schedule accordingly. The legs tend to get dry and flaky before other parts of the body as circulation isn’t as great in the lower half of the body. The distance between the heart and the legs helps to explain why this is the case.

Which Exfoliator to Use?

Exfoliants either come in mechanical or chemical form. Mechanical exfoliants include beads, loofahs, and scrubs, while chemical exfoliants contain acids and come in serums, peels, and washes. Some people hesitate to use chemical products for fear they will be too harsh. Actually, they may be gentler on the skin than scrubs. However, don’t use a chemical exfoliant the same day other chemicals are used on the facial skin. Mechanical exfoliants help those with flaky skin but use care when applying these products. Clean the skin before applying the exfoliant and keep the skin moist so the product won’t create excessive friction and leave behind microscopic tears.

Exfoliating the Face

Use gentle chemical exfoliants on the face as opposed to scrubs when possible, especially when you have sensitive skin or a skin condition. Over-exfoliation remains a concern, and people should rely on gentle methods, using them no more than once a week until they know how the skin will react. Any time a negative reaction occurs, back away from exfoliating for a short time. Allow the skin to recover and try again, keeping the above information in mind.

Exfoliating the Body

Physical exfoliants work best on the body, and three times a week serves as a good schedule. However, those who tend to forget this task might find a chemical exfoliant serves as a better option. They aren’t as harsh and can easily fit into any skincare routine. Take care when exfoliating the bikini area, however, as it remains more sensitive than other parts of the body. A chemical exfoliant works best for those struggling with razor bumps or ingrown hairs. Apply the product in a circular motion to help address the ingrown hairs without harming the skin in the process.

Exfoliation needs to be a part of every person’s skincare routine. Sadly, many people overlook this basic task. Don’t make this mistake. If you are finding it difficult to choose products designed for this purpose, seek help from a skincare consultant. They become of great help in determining which products will provide you with the desired results and healthy, glowing skin.