Having smooth, radiant skin is a skin care goal that most of us share. But understanding how to achieve it comes down to several factors 一 a big one being proper exfoliation. Exfoliation is key for smooth skin but there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it and the wrong way can lead to skin irritation and even potential damage. So, we’ve got tips. Read more to learn all about exfoliation and how to properly exfoliate your face and body for smooth, radiant skin.
What Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. There are two kinds of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves scrubbing the skin’s surface with a scrub, dry brush or other exfoliating skin tool. Chemical exfoliation involves resurfacing skin care ingredients such as salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid), retinol or enzymes to chemically break down surface buildup. Products formulated with these exfoliating ingredients are often liquid exfoliators but they can also be included in face creams, cleansers or serums.
The Benefit of Exfoliation
Whether you choose physical or chemical exfoliation, the aim is to remove the buildup of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. That’s especially important since your skin’s natural ability to shed dead skin cells slows down as you age, leading to dull-looking skin. Regular exfoliation can also help your serums and creams penetrate the skin better as they won’t be layered on top of dead skin cells.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
Exfoliate your body a few times a week or as needed. Learning how often to exfoliate your face is a little trickier as it comes down to your skin type, concerns and skin care routine. People with sensitive skin can typically handle exfoliating once a week, while others may be able to exfoliate a few times per week. Overall, less is more because over-exfoliating is real and can cause serious damage to your skin.
How to Exfoliate Your Face
Exfoliating for your skin type is the best way to optimize your skin care routine. If you have sensitive skin, a physical scrub or chemical exfoliation product with a high concentration of active ingredients may be too harsh for you. Reach for a gentle exfoliating serum or exfoliating cleanser, instead.
If you have oily or tolerant skin, you can likely get away with chemical or physical exfoliation. When you find the right balance, regular exfoliation can lead to smoother makeup application and a radiant glow for all skin types. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist who can give you personalized recommendations for the type of exfoliation that will be best for you.
Via: Lorealparisusa.com
