I was pretty proud of this purchase at the time and expected it to work wonders for my pubescent, acne-ridden face. I loved the gritty stuff. I felt extra clean whenever I used it; plus, it smelled like apricots. You hear about all the benefits one can reap from exfoliating, but knowing the proper way to incorporate it into your skincare routine can be a bit of a mystery.
Since I was 15, I have tried almost every type of exfoliator on the market, and I still sometimes ask myself the same questions I did back then. To set the record straight for everyone, we had a panel of trusted skincare experts weigh in on all things exfoliation. Keep scrolling to find their answers to these basic but important questions! Let's start from the top: Why exfoliate your skin in the first place?
For those prone to blemishes and clogged pores, exfoliation should be the main focus of your routine. There are a few different types of exfoliants which we'll get to in a second , but for these acne-prone skin types, Rouleau recommends using a chemical exfoliant formulated with beta hydroxy acid try her BHA Clarifying Serum , which will work "to reduce bacteria on the skin while exfoliating and cleaning clogged pores.
Meet the Expert. She has an eponymous skin care line that caters to nine different skin types. Exfoliation is important for anti-aging as well. For those concerned about wrinkles, Rouleau says, "As you increase your exfoliation, you are tricking the skin into acting young again. Plus, for all skin types, exfoliation simply gives the face an instant glow , both by clearing away the dead skin cells that cause dullness and by allowing your other anti-aging products to penetrate the skin more effectively.
Key Ingredients. Allantoin is a compound that is naturally found in many organisms and is produced from uric acid. It is synthetically produced for skincare products, however, and may have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and wrinkle smoothing properties.
There are two main types of exfoliants: physical exfoliants like face scrubs and clay masks and chemical exfoliants like acid serums and peels. There are also products that incorporate both.
Chemical exfoliators use acids typically BHAs and AHAs to exfoliate, and despite their name, they're usually the better choice for sensitive skin. Physical exfoliators work to physically exfoliate skin through the process of scrubbing or rubbing, and often use grittier ingredients like sugar, beads, and crystals. Tools, like loofahs, pumice stones, dry brushes, konjac sponges, and Clarisonics, all fall under the physical exfoliator umbrella. Then, there are peels and pads, which often combine both physical and chemical exfoliation through ingredients and texture.
The act of scrubbing sensitive skin can sometimes result in redness and irritation, which is why chemical exfoliators are typically the safer choice. Before you decide on exfoliating every day, make sure your skin actually needs it. Over-exfoliating can cause irritation and inflammation, and if you have particularly sensitive skin, you should probably only exfoliate a few times a week. Dermatologists offer mixed opinions on how often you should exfoliate your face.
Some say only a few times a week , while others say every day is fine — as long as you're using a gentle exfoliator. I have sensitive-ish skin, and I use a chemical exfoliator every day — though granted, I've been building up my skin's tolerance for years. If you plan on going the scrub route, stick to a few times a week — but these days, there are tons of exfoliating face washes that are gentle enough to be used everyday. Common exfoliating ingredients you might come across include alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, as well as beta hydroxy acids, including salicylic acid.
They might come in a medicated wash, like an acne cleanser that contains salicylic acid, or as a serum or at-home peel that contains AHAs or BHAs. In general, Dr. Newsom suggests starting with an exfoliator once or twice a week, preferably introducing a chemical exfoliator before a physical one.
If it feels like your skin can take more without reacting, Dr. Zampella says it's totally fine to ramp that up. Because chemical exfoliators tend to be less intense and also more evenly applied, many people find that it's okay to use them every day. On the other hand, if you try an exfoliator and notice that your face is stinging, red, or otherwise angry afterward, it's time to take a step back. If you're using a manual exfoliator, that might mean opting for more of a salt or sugar scrub rather than something with big plastic beads, or simply easing up on the pressure you're using when you apply the product or tool to your skin.
For instance, "Those motorized brushes can be pretty harsh," Dr. Newsom cautions, so she suggests sticking with the softest brush head you can get and only using it once or twice a week. If you're using a chemical exfoliator, you can try using a smaller amount, a gentler product like lactic or glycolic acid rather than a retinoid , or just use it less frequently.
It's also worth taking a look at your whole routine and avoiding using other potentially irritating products right after you exfoliate. Picking a product that will work for you also depends on your skin type and your major concerns. If you have dry skin, for instance, you might be more sensitive to harsh scrubbing products, while someone with oily skin would be able to tolerate them more easily, Dr.
The problem is, you can cause harmful micro-tears in the skin when you use products containing large, jagged particles or rub the skin too aggressively.
That leaves it open and vulnerable to bacteria, and can increase irritation, redness, sensitivity and dryness. They don't have a concept of what products are available," says Dr. Harold Lancer, Hollywood's top dermatologist, in this fascinating interview over at The Cut.
Lancer actually sells a scrub as part of his line, but it features very fine crystals of a uniform size and shape, which provide "precise exfoliation without the risk of micro-cuts or abrasion. Lancer The Method Polish exfoliates with fine, non-abrasive crystals. I think there are even gentler exfoliation methods, with more customizable results and less risk.
Note: Some people call it "hot cloth cleansing," but I think it's important not to aggravate your skin with water that is too hot! Step 1: Start by massaging an oil or oil-based cleanser over dry skin. Skinny Coconut Oil. Kopari Coconut Melt is a pure coconut oil that's perfect for cleansing. Step 2: Next, you want to immerse a soft washcloth under warm-to-hot water. It's important to always use a fresh, clean cloth every time you wash your face—then toss it in the laundry hamper!
Otherwise, re-using them could risk transferring bacteria, dead skin and other debris back to your skin. The nicest cloths are muslin, such as Eve Lom's. Eve Lom Muslin Cloths gently remove oil-based cleansers, along with dead skin and makeup.
Step 3: Drape the warm, wet cloth over your face for five seconds to lightly steam your skin. This will help soften and loosen the dead skin, allowing you to remove it more easily.
Step 4: Then, use the cloth to gently wipe away the oil or cleanser. Repeat this process up to four more times, and you'll be left with clean, soft, exfoliated skin! Acid toners dissolve the "cement" that holds dead skin cells together.
Rather than physically scrubbing, they work by dissolving the "glue" that holds dead cells together. There are two types:. My favourite way to use acid is as a toner, after cleansing. And my favourite product?
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