Who does not want radiant and glowing skin? But for some, it may feel like a tenuous skincare goal, mainly as we grow old because cell turnover reduces and dead skin cells can make our skin dull. The good news is that with the right skin exfoliation process, you can effectively and safely remove the dead skin and restore a vibrant and healthy glow. Exfoliating allows serums and moisturizers to penetrate the skin better which in turn helps your foundation slip on smoothly rather than sitting on top of dry and flaky skin.
But, with so many varieties of skincare products available in the market, you might get confused about which is the best skin exfoliation product. So, here we are with the best tips to properly exfoliate your skin. But before we get into the products, let us first understand what exfoliation is?
What Is Skin Exfoliation?
Exfoliating the skin is the procedure of removing the dead skin cells from the skin’s outer layer using an exfoliant. An exfoliant could be anything like a physical exfoliant or a chemical one. There are a few ways to exfoliate the skin physically. The first way includes using a skincare tool, like a towel, sponge, or brush to remove the dead skin cells. The second way includes a gel, scrub, or liquid with small granules like sugar or microbeads to smoothen and refine your skin. In chemical skin exfoliation, alpha hydroxy acids, enzymes, or beta hydroxy acids are used to relax the glue-like thing that holds the dead skills all together so that they are removed easily.
Why is Skin Exfoliation Important?
Your skin keeps on repairing itself. Due to this, you may be left with multiple layers of dead skin in your body. With exfoliation, your body gets rid of the dead skin layer, which ultimately gives bright and healthy skin. While bright skin is a boon, exfoliation can help enhance the health of your skin. If your skin has dead cells, skincare products may not be able to infiltrate and give effective results. By removing the topmost dead skin layer, you make it easier for the skincare products to penetrate deep below the surface where they could bring a huge difference.
People with acne-prone skin can be benefitted from skin exfoliation as it helps clear out clogged skin pores that usually lead to breakouts. Exfoliation also helps in fading acne scars faster by quickening cell turnover and boosting the production of collagen.
Benefits of Skin Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps in brightening the complexion, enhance the appearance of your skin, and most importantly, it helps in preventing acne spots, clogging skin pores, whiteheads, and blackheads. According to skin experts, the younger and healthier skin which all of us want is under our skin. With mechanical or chemical exfoliation, the dull skin that causes skin damage will be removed, and finally, you will achieve brighter and healthier skin.
Precautions to be Taken while Exfoliating your skin
By reading those benefits, you might be excited to exfoliate your skin right now with whatever tools you have in your hand. But stop, never do that. If you use a skincare product that does not suit your skin type then it may cause micro-tears over the skin surface. These tears allow the bacteria to get inside the skin, causing clogged skin pores, inflammation, scarring, and broken capillaries. However, there is no threat if exfoliation is done correctly using the right products that suit your skin type. So, if you have any doubt, it is better to contact a skin care professional to know about your skin type and the products that suit your skincare goals.
Before you start exfoliating with, of course, the right skincare product, keep one thing in mind, i.e. never overdo it. Exfoliating is good for the skin, but overdoing it can damage the skin, which can cause adverse reactions like peeling, redness, or flaking.
Also, be careful while leaving the skin exfoliation as the time varies from one product to another. Only chemical exfoliants should be left on as the product suggests. You should not use mechanical exfoliants for more than a minute.
Best Tools for Skin Exfoliation
If you want to do skin exfoliation using some natural products then you will be surprised to know that many products in your kitchen can help you. You can make your skin exfoliant using coconut oil combined with coffee or granulated sugar. Mix everything till it reaches a consistency you prefer, and apply this all over your skin using circular movements. After a few minutes of skin exfoliation, wash, and moisture your skin as usual. Other natural elements like baking powder, oatmeal is also great for making body and face scrubs.
According to skin experts, a basic washcloth is the best tool for skin exfoliation. Often, people use a sponge to exfoliate, but it is rough and at times can be uncomfortable. On the other hand, a washcloth offers a gentle experience and suits every skin type.
How to Properly Exfoliate Your Skin
If you are using a physical skin exfoliant, start by first washing the face using a regular face cleanser. Take a quarter-size amount of the face scrub and apply it all over your face using a circular motion. Make sure you avoid the area surrounding your eyes. Massage the scrub gently on the skin for as long as mentioned in the product. Wash off using warm water and pat your face dry with a towel. Apply a hydrating serum, mask, or moisturizer.
On the contrary, if you prefer using a chemical exfoliant, start by washing your face using a regular cleanser. If your chemical skin exfoliant comes in a pre-moistened pad or cloth, apply it all over your face and neck, and if you want it on top of your hands too. Leave it for a few minutes for the skin to absorb the exfoliant. You can follow the same process with exfoliant serums or gels. Whatever product you use, don’t forget to check the product label to ensure that you are using it in the right way.
Remember that face exfoliation should be done only 1 to 3 times a week, as too much exfoliation can cause micro-tears on the skin’s surface and wash away your skin’s protective layer. If you suffer from inflammatory acne, hypersensitive skin, or rosacea, consult your dermatologist to find the right exfoliant and how to use it.
Feet Exfoliation Process
The bottom part of your feet has the roughest skin in the body, so they need a little extra care when it comes to exfoliating. If you have done a pedicure, you know that physical exfoliation- including stones and scrubs can be a great way to smoothen your rough heels. Chemical exfoliation is also beneficial for your feet. All you need to do is soak your feet in warm water for one hour. This is the time when your feet will absorb malic, glycolic, and lactic acids. You will start noticing the change within a few days. The dead layer of the skin will start shedding off in a few days, leaving with smooth feet.
So, next time when you plan to exfoliate your skin, make sure you follow these tips. It will help in removing the dead skin cells and give you smooth and glowing skin.