Your skin, the largest body organ, works real hard to keep everything going perfect for you. It produces thousands of cells every day to replenish the dead ones. As the result, these dead cells can cause a build up on your skin giving it a dingy look. This is where skin exfoliation comes in. This facial procedure is designed to remove dead cells in order to bring your younger looking skin to the fore. Exfoliating helps to unclog pores that can cause acne, remove dead skin cells, and increase cell renewal. There are certain skin exfoliation do’s and don’ts that you need to note when going for this procedure in order to realize the expected outcome.
Keep reading these following guides to see which one is right for you.
Do: Prepare your skin
On deeper scrutiny, exfoliation can turn out to be very brutal. Sloughing off those dead cells will no doubt leave your skin glowing; however, it can also cause harm to you. Therefore, you need to prepare your skin by dampening it before the procedure. Dip a clean piece of cloth into warm water and use it to wipe your face and neck gently. If necessary, use a non-abrasive cleanser on your face before going in for exfoliation.
Do: Exfoliate oily skin
Skin that produces too much oil needs exfoliated on a weekly basis and sometimes twice a week. Look for a product that contains small beads as exfoliating face products that contain large beads can tear skin, and lead to infection. Look for exfoliating face products that contain about 25 percent volcanic rock. In addition, try to find a product that has BHA in it. Be careful not to rub too hard and scrub in a circular motion when using the exfoliant.
Do: Exfoliate acne-prone skin
It is vital to exfoliate acne-prone skin, although it is important that you choose products that contain no large pieces as it can tear the acne skin and aggravate the problem even further. Even though it might be tempting, do not exfoliate acne-prone skin more than once a week. In addition, be very careful to scrub with gentle pressure as firm rubbing can cause the sebaceous glands to produce even more acne. Two of the best-rated products for those with acne-prone skin are Murad Acne Complex Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel and Mark Help Wanted Anti-Acne Exfoliating Cleanser.
Do: Exfoliate dry sensitive skin
Those who have dry sensitive skin should also be exfoliating once a week. It is important to test the product on a small area before beginning and wait to see if any allergic reaction occurs. Severe reactions can occasionally lead to permanent scarring, so you may want to talk to a dermatologist before you begin. Two of the best exfoliating face products for dry sensitive skin are Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub Oil-Free and Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.
Do: Use the right tools and cleansers
Use common sense when exfoliating your skin. Never use an exfoliating glove if you are already using an exfoliation cream. Remember, too much of anything, even a good one, is harmful. As a rule, never mix and match exfoliation components. Always read and follow instructions when using any exfoliating product.
Do: Use the right exfoliating methods
Skin exfoliation can go terribly when you use the wrong method. Always start off by applying the exfoliation product on your face in a circular motion. If you have to scrub your skin, then do it for only one minute before rinsing with warm water. Never apply body exfoliating cream on your face. And if you have to use chemical exfoliating products, then be sure to use them as directed on the label. Finally, never let the chemicals stay on your skin longer than instructed.
Don’t: Use a body scrub on your skin
Use the right exfoliating scrub for your face. Remember, the facial skin is usually thinner than the skin on the rest of your body, hence a body scrub will be too harsh on your face. In place of scrubs, consider using milder exfoliating enzymes. These enzymes are very effective at breaking down the components that bind dead skin cells on to the pores, making it easy to remove them.
Don’t: Use a loofa on your face
A loofa is not meant for the face, and as such, using one on your face is not be a good idea. Instead, consider using your fingertips to coax the dead skin cells off your face. You can also consider using a soft and damp cloth for exfoliating your face.
Don’t: Use immediately
It is important that you try in a small area and wait up to 48 hours for a reaction to occur whenever you are trying a new product. In most people, no reaction will occur, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t: Leave untreated
It is important when you finish using exfoliating face products that you moisturize immediately after using the product. All exfoliating products draw some oil out of the skin, so it is important to give the moisture back to your skin.
Don’t: Exfoliate roughly
Using too much pressure can cause damage to the skin. It can cause the skin to break down and develop infections. Immediately after exfoliating your skin is also very sensitive to sunburn, so make sure to take steps to protect it.
Exfoliating literally peels off skin, leaving a fresh and new face that will glow radiantly. Whenever you are getting ready to exfoliate, make sure that you choose a product that is the right type for your face, whether it be oily, acne-prone, or dry and sensitive. It is important to test the product on a small part of your face first and wait to see if an allergic reaction develops. If it does not, then use the exfoliating face products according to package directions. Finally, make sure to moisturize and protect your skin after you exfoliate.
Don’t: Exfoliate daily
Of course, exfoliation gives your skin a rejuvenated and youthful glow. However, doing it daily can erode your skin cells, making your skin vulnerable to agents like UV radiation. So be sure to exfoliate your skin at certain intervals. One of the skin’s primary functions is protecting the body’s internal organs. You do not want to erode this function in the name of chasing after beauty.
Contrary to popular belief, exfoliation is never an easy feat. Failing to follow the basic rules of skin exfoliation can result in more harm than good to your skin. Most often, these damages go beyond the outer layers of the skin into the deeper, more sensitive layers. When this happens, you may be in a lot of trouble, and this is not what you should be looking forward to.