As the largest organ in your body, your skin deserves extra care and attention to ensure it stays healthy and strong. Removing old, worn-out skin cells through exfoliation can help reveal the newer, healthier cells underneath. It can also cause your skin to feel softer and look more vibrant and youthful than before.
Your body goes through its own natural skin exfoliation process, known as cell turnover, during which it slowly replaces old cells with healthier ones. Unfortunately, your cell turnover rate slows down and becomes much less efficient as you grow older. Consider exfoliating regularly to support your body’s natural skin renewal processes. Here are five things you should know about this popular skincare practice before adding it to your routine.
1. Over-Exfoliating Can Trigger Acne Breakouts
There’s an age-old debate about whether it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. It turns out that it is — at least in the case of skin exfoliation. Too much can damage the skin and leave it susceptible to acne-causing bacteria. Giving your skin time to heal between exfoliation sessions is important for avoiding unwanted breakouts. This means limiting your sessions to three or fewer times per week.
To get the same skin-refreshing benefits of exfoliating without triggering breakouts, consider using tretinoin cream. This cream isn’t technically an exfoliant, but it offers the same benefits without the risk of over-exfoliation. It helps the body rid itself of old skin cells by speeding up your natural cell turnover rate. It’s also an effective treatment for acne and can clear blocked pores that may be causing annoying breakouts.
2. There Are Two Primary Types of Exfoliants
You have the option of using either physical or chemical exfoliants to remove old, dead cells. The physical type is the most well-known and uses friction to physically remove dull, dead skin cells. Some common physical exfoliants include scrubs, loofahs, and brushes. These can be highly effective but should always be used carefully to avoid causing skin irritation.
Chemical exfoliants use chemicals instead of friction to dissolve dead skin cells. That may sound scary, but there’s no reason to fear. These products are carefully formulated to be safe and gentle on the skin when used as directed. They include beta-hydroxy acids, alpha-hydroxy acids, and enzymes such as papain. Enzyme-based exfoliants are the most gentle because they’re derived from fruit and are not as acidic. They’re ideal for people with sensitive skin types, but they may require more frequent use to deliver the desired results.
3. Morning Is the Best Time of Day to Exfoliate
Morning exfoliation can help ensure you always look fresh and vibrant when you start your day. Your body undergoes various repair and maintenance processes while you sleep, including cell turnover. By the time you wake up, you likely have a layer of dead skin cells covering the new cells your body just made. You can help reveal your fresh, beautiful skin by gently exfoliating during your morning beauty routine.
Some people may not have the luxury of spending extra time on their skin in the mornings. If that’s the case, it’s perfectly fine to exfoliate at night instead. It’s far better to get rid of dead skin cells in the evening than to not do it at all.
4. You Should Be Cautious When Starting a New Routine
If you’re not used to exfoliating, your skin may be ultra-sensitive to the process. Always be cautious when starting a new routine to avoid unintentional damage or irritation. When using a physical exfoliant, choose one that’s mild and gentle. Use light, circular strokes to carefully scrub the skin. You don’t need to apply much pressure to get the results you want.
Follow the product instructions very carefully when using a chemical exfoliant. Leaving products on your skin for too long could lead to chemical burns and sensitivity. The harsher the exfoliation method, the less frequently it should be used. Start by exfoliating just once per week to make sure your skin doesn’t respond adversely. You can slowly work your way up to three times per week if your skin tolerates it.
5. How You Care for Your Skin Post-Exfoliation Is Important
Exfoliation reveals new, tender skin that used to be hidden beneath older skin cells. This new skin needs extra care to function well and retain its moisture. Apply a nourishing moisturizing product to boost hydration after each exfoliation session. Avoid using products containing vitamin C or acids like BHA and AHA for at least 24 hours since these ingredients can irritate newly-exfoliated skin.
Keep in mind that your skin will be more sensitive than usual to sunlight after exfoliating. Avoid spending too much time in the sun for at least 24 hours after you exfoliate. You should also apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. This will give you further protection from irritation and burns.
Exfoliation can be a great tool for boosting skin health and maintaining a youthful appearance. But it’s important to do it right for the best results. Use the information above to help you create an appropriate routine that works best for your skin.
