There are many benefits to exfoliating your face, but it is important to how to exfoliate the face before beginning any skin regimen. Exfoliating is when you remove dead skin cells to remove impurities and improve the appearance of the skin. It is important to know what works best for your schedule, accessibility, and your skin before you start.
Why Exfoliate Your Skin?
There are so many benefits to exfoliating your skin regularly! One of the biggest benefits is blood circulation to your skin. Exfoliation stimulates the cells in your skin and increases oxygen to the surfaces. This leads to brighter more radiant skin. Another benefit is the removal of dead skin cells. This unclogs pores and prevents acne. Once that dead skin is removed your skin can absorb moisture more efficiently which leads to a softer, more supple look and feel to your skin. No matter your skin type, exfoliating can greatly benefit your skin!
Skin Types
In general, there are five types of skin. Each skin type requires different methods and tools in exfoliation. You want to make sure your exfoliation is to polish your skin and do more good than harm.
Normal Skin
Normal skin has a clean and soft appearance. It is not easily phased by irritants. It does not have imperfections and does not need special care. Regularmaintance is all that is typically necessary for normal skin.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is more prone to react to irritants. It is also more likely to have heat, redness, tightness, or itching. Typically, sensitive skin needs to be treated for dryness, sensitivity, roughness, or blemishes.
Oily Skin
Oily skin is typical, shiny, bright, or greasy in appearance. Oily skin is caused by an overproduction of sebum which is a fatty-substance naturally produced in the skin. Oily skin is more susceptible to acne breakouts.
Dry Skin
Dry skin has a dry, flaky texture. It can have a feeling of tightness. More extreme cases of dry skin can be itchy and possibly crack and bleed. This may an indication of eczema or dermatitis.
Combination
Combination skin is exactly how it sounds. It is a combination of any of the above types. Typically it is a combination of dry and oily. Usually on the face like oily on the chin, nose, and forehead. And then dry on the cheeks.
Tools to Exfoliate
- Exfoliating Brush is designed for dry-brushing and can be used for the face or body. Oily skin benefits from exfoliating sponges. The extra sebum n the surface protects the skins while the sponge removes dead skin and unclogs pores.
- Exfoliating Glove is designed for a lighter form of exfoliation. This is used with warm water and soap. This is great for sensitive skin or combination skin because it is not as abrasive as other exfoliation tools.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliates. This type of exfoliating is well-suited for dry skin. It removes the dead skin cells without being too abrasive.
Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to moisturize after exfoliating. Moisture is so important to your skin’s overall health. After removing dead skin cells and the outer layer of your skin, your skin will need added moisture to reap the benefits of exfoliation.
- Stay hydrated! Your skin is an organ and water is so important to keep your skin happy and healthy.
- Be sure not to exfoliate too often. Your skin naturally sheds dead skin, but dependent on your skin type, your skin may need some assistance to rid itself of the dead skin. It’s important to not do it too often. This can make your skin feel raw and cause mini tears around your pores.
