Exfoliating our facial skin is something that is important for everyone yet we don’t
always know the best way to go about exfoliating for our own unique skin type.
You can exfoliate your skin using two methods. You can opt for either physical or
natural exfoliation. The process that you choose for your skincare routine will either
work wonders for you, or it will negatively affect your skin.
How you exfoliate will depend on your skin type. If you have dry skin, normal skin, oily
skin, or sensitive skin, your skincare routine will vary.
Also, depending on the method that you use to exfoliate, you will need different kinds of
tools.
What you can use when exfoliating
You will need an exfoliating brush. The brush is normally gentle on your face. It is used
to remove the dead skin on your face. You can use it without a facial cleanser, or you
can add a facial cleanser.
The Clarisonic Mia is an excellent way to clean and exfoliate your skin.
A sponge is another tool you can use while exfoliating your face. You do not need
much. Use warm water and lather soap on the sponge.
Use a scrub on your face. Use your hands to take the facial scrub from the container.
After you do that, apply it to your face and circle it gently using your hands.
After you scrub your face, you can wash off the scrub using warm water.
You can also use a glove. Lather soap on the exfoliating glove and use warm water.
If your skin is susceptible to acne, you can use Beta-hydroxy acids.
AHAs are also known as Alpha-hydroxy acids. They help your skin to shed the dead
layer on your surface naturally. Citric acid and lactic acid are some of the types of AHA
acids you can use.
How to exfoliate your skin depending on the skin type you have
When exfoliating your face using physical methods, you should be tender to avoid
injuring your skin. If you already have wounds or cuts on your face, it is not advisable to
exfoliate.
Exfoliating on dry skin
When you are exfoliating dry skin, you should avoid using physical methods. Alpha-
hydroxy acids are effective on dry skin. You will be able to remove the dead layers of
your skin, and you will be left feeling healthy.
After the exfoliating process, you should use a sun protective factor moisturizer to
protect your skin from heat damage.
Exfoliating on Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin will react negatively to any scrubbing or harsh methods. You should use
a light chemical exfoliator on your skin. Consult with your dermatologist further if your
skin is extra sensitive before using an exfoliator on your skin.
Exfoliating on Oily face
The mechanical method would work best on your face if it is oily. An oily face is likely to
have layers of dead particles. You can use your soft exfoliating brush to rub your face
with a facial scrub but do it very gently.
Exfoliating on normal skin
People who have normal skin are spoilt for choice. They can use either the chemical
method or the physical method. As a person with normal skin, you can use each of
these methods so you can evaluate which works best for your face.
Exfoliating on combination skin
This skin type can use both methods for exfoliation. It is probably best to use both of
these methods separately. If you use both of them at the same time, your skin may not
react well to that.
Benefits of exfoliating your skin
There are tremendous benefits that come with exfoliating your skin. What are these
benefits?
1. Exfoliating your facial skin enables you to have a better circulation of blood. Your
pores open up, and they have room to breathe.
2. Your skin will be able to absorb skin products like moisturizers better. When your
facial skin has dead layers, it will not be able to reap the benefits of skincare
products. It is because the dead particles are blocking access to your skin.
3. Dead particles make your skin look dull and unhealthy. Exfoliating gives your skin
a brighter and healthier appearance.
How often should you exfoliate?
How often you should exfoliate your face will depend on your skin type. Even so, you
should not exfoliate too many times. Below is how regularly you can exfoliate your skin
depending on the skin type.
Dry skin
If you have dry skin exfoliating your face twice a week will be enough.
Oily skin
You will need to exfoliate your facial skin at least five times a week.
Sensitive skin
This skin type will require you to exfoliate one or two times a week. You should be very
gentle while exfoliating sensitive skin.
People who have normal or combination skin types can exfoliate three times a week.
When you have a skin condition, and you are using medications, you should avoid exfoliating. Consult your dermatologist if you are having any issues with your skin. Use
an exfoliating method that is suitable for your skin