Cleansing your skin and using a good toner aren’t the only ways to rejuvenate your skin while doing your skincare.
Enter exfoliation, which helps rid the face of dead skin cells. While you may think this step can be harsh on the skin, it is a necessary step to take.
Our skin has sweat glands (sebaceous glands) and can tolerate exfoliating cleansers and or physical exfoliants without being irritated and tearing.
To learn more about facial exfoliation, including the products and techniques you will need to master the method, read on.
The Benefits Of Facial Exfoliation
This practice of facial exfoliation goes further than skin deep.
Exfoliation is designed to bring rest, relaxation, and balance to your skin When done correctly, exfoliation can both aid in healthy circulation and remove dead skin cells.
Rubbing hard (but gently) and removing flaky skin during the exfoliation process will leave your dermis feeling fresh, smooth, hydrated, and soft.
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Physical Exfoliation
There are two leading types of exfoliation.
The first is physical, which should be done twice a week at most. Physical exfoliation uses a tool or device to take off the dead skin layer), strong physical exfoliators should be avoided on the face.
Face scrubs, exfoliating brushes, sponges, or gloves, are all options, but the most common tool is a face scrub.
Physical exfoliation detoxes your face by assisting with lymphatic drainage.
Make sure to wash exfoliating instruments thoroughly after each use, to avoid bacterial buildup.
Related Post: Benefits of A Dermaplane Facial (Dermaplaning Effects On Your Skin)
Chemical Exfoliation
On the other end of the exfoliation spectrum are chemical products, which use acids or chemicals to loosen the bonds between the dermis’ top layer of cells.
Ingredients such as salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids, and bakuchiol exfoliate the skin and open the pores. Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol or tretinoin, also exfoliate, as well as shrink oil glands.
Luckily, testing out chemical formulas is easy; in fact, these ingredients can be found in face washes and cleansers.
A good cleanser will cleanse and exfoliate without compromising the natural pH of the skin (which is our great barrier of protection).
Ultimately, exfoliating treatments are soothing, whether you make a trip to the esthetician or opt for at-home treatments.
Some of my go-to products currently are, Paulas Choice–SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant ($33 on Amazon), which is ultra-fine and great for the oilier dermis, and the Palmer coconut oil sugar facial scrub ($28 on Amazon).
You can even make your own exfoliants at home. I like these DIY facial scrubs that are quick and easy to make at home. All of our scrubs conclude with a moisturizing application that has been thoughtfully chosen to complement and balance the exfoliant.
[…] Facial exfoliation eliminates flakes, grease, and buildup, which is the same effect it has on your scalp. Similar to facial exfoliation, there are two types of scalp exfoliation: physical and chemical. […]