Exfoliating should be considered an important step in everyone’s skin care routine. It helps with removing dead skin cells and penetrating your pores to remove dirt and bacteria. There are several natural products that can be used to exfoliate your skin, such as sugar and oatmeal. When it comes to exfoliating, there are two main ways that a person can exfoliate—mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation is when you use an object to physically remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This process includes tools such as sponges, facial brushes, and washcloths. Chemical exfoliation is the use of chemicals to dissolve and remove the dead skin cells which include alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids.
People with oily prone skin should exfoliate more often than people with dry or sensitive skin. It is important to remember that the harsher the exfoliation method is, the less often a person should perform it. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, which is why people should exfoliate their face only one to three times a week. If irritation or redness occurs, you should stop exfoliating until the skin is completely healed. If you’re unsure of your skin type or how often you should exfoliate, consult a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate exfoliation frequency for their skin type.
If you struggle with acne and want to exfoliate to improve the condition of your skin, make sure to research your acne medication first. Acne medications that contain retinol or benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive. Therefore, exfoliating when using these products may result in acne breakout. If your skin in sensitive, you might want to opt for using natural exfoliants, such as oatmeal or sugar. Additionally, sponges and washcloths can act as mechanical exfoliants. Dampen a regular washcloth and use short, light strokes against the skin to achieve a gentle exfoliation.
Exfoliating too often and using inappropriate exfoliants for your skin type can cause damage to the skin known as micro-tears. This can result in the skin barrier becoming weaker and can cause it to lose its ability to regenerate. When using mechanical exfoliants, such as sponges or washcloths, a person should also ensure that they clean them regularly. This is because these tools can harbor bacteria that can cause breakouts in the skin. Always make sure that you’re considering your skin type and utilizing the appropriate methods before exfoliating to receive the most benefit.