How To Exfoliate Your Skin
The exfoliation process is important for healthy skin. Your skin type and the product you use will determine how often you should exfoliate and which method is best.
Everyone's skin is different, and this will be a general guide that gives insight on how to exfoliate your skin.
What Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliating your skin is the process of using a product or skincare tool to remove dead compacted cells from the surface of your skin.
Removing these dead cells provide many benefits to boost your skincare routine and its overall health. This process is done 1-3 times a week in a nonsequential order.
Using a mechanical method to exfoliate includes a skincare tool like a silicone cleansing brush.
Physical exfoliation are professional treatments like a microdermabrasion or dermaplaning, and also products that require manipulation like a facial scrub.
Chemical exfoliants are skincare products that contain AHA’s or BHA’s.
For more information on what exfoliating products are, read our article "Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliants: Whats The Difference?"
How To Use A Skincare Tool To Exfoliate
There is a lot of controversy around cleansing brushes, if they’re hygienic and its effectiveness in the exfoliation process.
As licensed professionals, we approve the use of silicone cleansing tools because they are gentle on the skin and they can be easily disinfected.
Silicone cleansing brushes are used during the cleansing process. When you use this method of gentle exfoliation, it should not be done on days you want to use a skincare product to exfoliate your skin.
Also avoid using an exfoliating cleanser when choosing this method of exfoliating your skin.
Cleansing brushes are compatible with all skin types but are not recommended for individuals experiencing active breakouts as they may exacerbate your concerns.
Here is the suggested use of a cleansing brush to exfoliate your skin:
Silicone Cleansing Brush
Be sure to begin with clean hands and a clean brush to ensure you aren't transferring bacteria onto your skin.
Step 1: Lightly dampen your face with water and apply your gentle cleanser to the skin.
Step 2: Use your fingertips to work the cleanser into your skin for a few seconds.
Step 3: Begin to use your cleansing brush in small circular motions from chin to forehead.
Step 4: Splash rinse your face and pat dry with a clean towel.
Repeat steps 1-4 to achieve the double cleansing process.
Complete your skincare routine following with a toner, serum, moisturizer, and spf for daytime use only.
How To Use A Skincare Product To Exfoliate
Knowing your skin type and identifying your skin conditions is important when considering what type of product you should use to exfoliate your skin.
Exfoliating your skin is the second step in your skincare routine only on the days you choose to complete this process.
Be sure to read the instructions that accompany the product for specific time durations before removing the product from your skin.
Chemical Exfoliant
Your skin should be lightly damp from the cleansing process.
Step 1: Using your fingertips or an applicator brush, apply and spread the exfoliant evenly across your skin.
Step 2: Refer to the package for a time duration and allow the product to sit on your skin for the allotted time.
*Chemical exfoliants may tingle and stimulate the skin, which is normal. If it becomes unbearable, remove the product immediately using cold water and proceed with your skincare routine.*
Step 3: Use a damp lukewarm towel to remove the product completely from your skin.
Complete your skincare routine following with a toner, serum, moisturizer, and spf for daytime use only.
Physical Exfoliant
Your skin should be lightly damp from the cleansing process.
Step 1: Refer to the package for a time duration of how long to use the product.
Step 2: Using your fingertips, apply and spread the exfoliant across your skin.
Step 3: Begin to move the exfoliant across your skin in small circular motions with light pressure from chin to forehead for the allotted time.
*Physical Exfoliants can be rough, adding water while using the product may help dissolve the granules, making the exfoliant bearable.*
Step 4: Splash rinse the product from your skin and follow with a damp lukewarm cloth to completely remove the product from your face.
Complete your skincare routine following with a toner, serum, moisturizer, and spf for daytime use only.
What To Expect When Using An Exfoliant
Exfoliating the skin comes with many benefits like smooth, clear and bright skin. It allows other products from your routine to penetrate deeply and work more efficiently.
You will notice these benefits both instantly and over a period of time with consistent and responsible use.
Skin exfoliation can also have a few drawbacks. Products can be rough or tingle, and if used irresponsibly, cause over-exfoliation. Using exfoliating products too often, or using too many exfoliating products in your daily routine will cause a tight, dry and plastic-like skin texture.
Refer to your packages for directions on how to use exfoliating products. Keep in mind that different skin types require different exfoliants and frequency of exfoliating.
Talk to an expert to get product recommendations and details on how often to incorporate exfoliating into your routine. Build up your skin confidence with assistance from Dermava experts by creating a skincare profile.
