How To Exfoliate Skin

In this article we will be talking about exfoliation and how to do it, the benefits of it and the different types of exfoliation. Read on to find out more.

What Is Exfoliating?

Exfoliating is a process whereby you remove dead skin cells from your skin using a chemical, granular substance or exfoliation tool such as an Easy Exfoliator.

Skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 28 days ready for new skin cells. Exfoliating will speed up this process and get rid of any dead skin cells that were left behind from the natural shedding.

What Are The Different Types Of Exfoliation?

There are a few different ways to exfoliate; Physical, Chemical and some like to DIY.

• Physical Exfoliation - This is any process that involves scrubbing or rubbing using a product- think grainy scrubs, dry brushes, netted bath mitts, and loofahs.
• Chemical Exfoliation - Chemical peels are another popular exfoliating method that involves layering face acids onto the skin for a short period of time and letting it dissolve away dead skin. Using products with AHA’s and BHA’s and retinol help to shed the skin and remove dead skin cells.
• DIY - You make your own scrub using products you may already have at home such as mixing brown sugar and lemon juice together to make a grainy paste.

How To Exfoliate Based On Your Skin Type?

We all have different skin types so finding the right one for you is advisable as you don't want to damage your skin. So let’s take a look at the different skin types:

• Normal - If you have ‘Normal’ skin you can pretty much try any kind of Exfoliator. It’s just a case of finding which one you like best.
• Dry - For dry skin using AHA’s such as Glycolic Acid as this will break through the skins surface layer to allow moisturiser or hydrating serum to penetrate and sink into the skin. Try DermaQuest Algae Polishing Scrub or Obagi Professional C Microdermabrasion Polish and Mask.
• Sensitive - If your skin easily reacts to certain products you may want to try BHA’s such as DermaQuest Algae polishing scrub as they are less irritating than other chemical and physical exfoliants.
• Combination - If your skin is a little dry AND a little oily then you need to buy products for both and alternate when you use them eg. One day treat the oily area with a scrub or chemical Exfoliator such as DermaQuest Mini Pumpkin Mask and the next treat the dry area with a low level AHA like DermaQuest Dermaclear Cleanser.
• Oily - For oily skin, you can get away with stronger Exfoliators such as DermaQuest Mini Pumpkin Mask that help clear away excess oil as well as dead skin cells.
• Acne prone - If you are acne prone, the answer is retinoids. Exfoliants containing retinoids, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are what you need. Try Obagi Retinol 1%.

Can Exfoliating Help Acne Scars?

Exfoliating won’t get rid of scars completely but will fade them and give them a smoother appearance. It can make a difference to mild acne scarring by means of resurfacing the skin.

Benefits Of Exfoliating

Exfoliating has many benefits such as:

• Creates a radiant, glowing complexion. Yes, cleansing can help rid the skin of dirt and oil, but exfoliation is what makes skin really gleam with health.
• Helps moisturisers work more effectively. Moisturiser on skin that isn’t exfoliated really just sits on the surface. If you want the moisturiser to really sink in, exfoliating the skin is the best way to do it.
• Prepares the skin for make-up. By helping to even out skin texture, exfoliation helps make-up go on as smoothly as possible.
• Helps unclog pores and draws out impurities. Cleansers can only go just so deep in terms of getting out dirt, but exfoliators really get in there to decongest pores.
• Is anti-aging. Exfoliation revitalises skin, promoting ageless beauty.
• Provides an instant glow. If you’ve never exfoliated your skin before, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it improves the look of your skin. By unclogging pores, exfoliation provides an instant glow.
• Inspires rejuvenated skin. Before exfoliation, your skin may look dull and flat. After exfoliation it will look fresh and healthier.
• Helps smooth the skin, giving you a smooth, polished look and feel.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, however, may be too harsh to use multiple times a week. It may be best to start with 1-2 times a week and then build it up to 2-3 times.

Everyone’s skin is different, that's why speaking to a skin care professional to find out what would be best for your skin type is advisable.

You can do that by booking an online skin consultation with our GlowBay skin expert who will get you on the right track to glowing, healthy skin.