Exfoliation is one of the best ways to improve your skin's overall health and appearance. Let's break it down.If you want a brighter, smoother complexion, include exfoliation as part of your skincare routine. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin promoting cell turnover.
About cell turnover Cell turnover is the natural process of replacing old or dead skin cells with new ones, and it's crucial for skin health as it helps maintain a fresh, youthful appearance, aids in healing, prevents clogged pores, and supports overall skin integrity and function. How quickly or slowly this process occurs has to do with several factors, including age, environment, UV exposure, hormones, the foods we eat, and whether you smoke. Age is the biggest factor. In your teen years, the process takes three to four weeks. Then things start to slow. By your forties, it takes about 45 days to complete the skin cell cycle. By your fifties, it can be as long as 60 days. The longer the cell turnover cycle takes, the more dead cells are left to build up on the surface of the skin. This accumulation of cellular debris makes skin look heavy, dry, and dull. Dead skin cells combined with oil, dirt, and makeup clog and stretch pores, making them appear larger and more pronounced. They trap oil and bacteria in the pores, which can lead to breakouts. In addition, lines and wrinkles appear deeper as the dead skin cells build up around them. Two types of exfoliationChemical and physical exfoliants both support and accelerate the natural process of cell turnover by removing dead skin cells. The two approaches complement each other and if used correctly, optimize cell turnover to smooth, polish, and retexturize your skin and reveal a brighter, clearer, and smoother complexion. Which method and how often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and how sensitive it is, but just about everyone’s skin benefits from a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliants use acids. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) like glycolic and lactic acids are water-soluble and work best for those with dry skin ideal for addressing skin concerns like hyperpigmentation and dull complexion and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into the pores. This makes them a go-to option for individuals with acne, clogged pores, or oily skin. PHAs (poly hydroxy acids), like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, or enzymes and fruit extracts are suitable for sensitive skin because they dissolve the bond that holds dead skin cells together while hydrating.
Physical exfoliants are granular substances that slough away dead skin and debris.
Using a physical and a chemical exfoliator on the same day is not recommended. More will not make your skin softer or smoother but it can strip away the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage, and dryness.
Know your skin type
Normal Skin: Can typically tolerate most exfoliants without issues.
Sensitive Skin or Dry Skin: Use a gentle physical exfoliator, a mild chemical exfoliant, or an enzyme-based exfoliant.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Benefit from physical and chemical exfoliants to unclog pores and reduce oiliness. For acne-prone skin, start with a chemical exfoliant like salicylic and glycolic acids.
Frequency
Normal to Oily Skin: Can typically exfoliate 2-3 times per week.
Dry or Sensitive Skin: Once a week or less frequently may be sufficient to avoid irritation.
Can you use an exfoliator while using retinol? I get this question a lot and I understand why. Yes, but it's essential to do so cautiously to avoid over-exfoliation or irritation. Start slowly and opt for a gentle exfoliator suitable for your skin type. Avoid harsh physical scrubs, particularly those with large or rough particles. Instead use a mild physical exfoliator or chemical exfoliant AHAs like glycolic acid or BHAs like salicylic acid, which are typically gentler on the skin.To prevent over-exfoliation and minimize the risk of irritation, try alternating days when you use retinol and exfoliators. For example, you could use retinol one night and exfoliate the next. Pay attention to how your skin responds to the combination of retinol and exfoliation. If you notice any signs of irritation, such as redness, dryness, or flaking, scale back on the frequency of use or skip exfoliation for a few days until your skin calms down.
Conclusion One of the easiest ways to boost your glow, help clear up your skin, minimize the appearance of sun damage, and maintain a beautiful complexion is by adding an exfoliator to your skincare routine. Not only does sweeping away dead skin cells, grime, pollution, and makeup residue have the instant benefit of deep cleaning your pores and feel silkier; but it also allows products that you apply to your skin like serums, treatments, and moisturizers to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Additionally, exfoliation can stimulate collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, helping keep it firm, plump, and youthful-looking. Exfoliation encourages the skin to repair and rebuild itself, which can lead to an increase in collagen synthesis over time. And when you spend more time in the sun, exfoliate in the evening as exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
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