It can often be very difficult to understand how you are supposed to tackle your skincare routine. There are so many opinions on the internet and many opposing views. One step that skincare experts highly recommend is adding an exfoliant, but it can be difficult to pinpoint how often you should exfoliate your face.
Exfoliating your face is an essential step in your skincare routine. It helps remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote a healthier complexion. Although it has many benefits, exfoliation should be done in moderation to avoid damaging your skin.
Understanding Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of removing the outer layer of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. There are two main types of exfoliation. Physical exfoliation, which is the typical go-to, involves using scrubs or brushes. Then there is chemical exfoliation, which involves using acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells. Both of these methods are very effective when used correctly.
Frequency of Exfoliation
When determining how often you should exfoliate, it is important to first understand your skin type. Your skin may need more or less depending on your needs.
Normal/Combination Skin
If you have normal or combination skin, exfoliating two to three times per week would do wonders for your skin. After a week or two of consistently performing the practice, you can adjust the frequency based on your skin’s response.
Oily Skin
Oily skin types tend to produce more sebum. Due to this, people with these skin types can benefit from exfoliating three to four times per week. Regular exfoliation helps control excess oil, reduce clogged pores, and prevent breakouts.
Dry/Sensitive Skin
For dry or sensitive skin, exfoliating once a week or every other week is preferred. For this skin type, specifically, gentle exfoliation is the way to go. It helps to avoid irritation and excessive dryness. Milder exfoliants or chemical ones are better than those that are physical.
Acne-Prone Skin
If you have acne-prone skin, exfoliation can be beneficial but make sure to tread carefully. Over-exfoliation can aggravate acne and cause inflammation. Start with once or twice a week and observe how your skin reacts.
Now that you’ve assessed your skin type and understand how often you should exfoliate your skin, it’s time to choose some products to get the job done. Here are a few to shop.
Products For Exfoliation
These gentle daily peel pads are great for those who need an exfoliant that isn’t too harsh. This product it combines lactic and mandelic AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) with BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) salicylic acid to dissolve dead skin on the most delicate types of skin. It also has rich soothing botanicals, has noticeable results, and is travel friendly.
This water-based exfoliant is formulated especially for oily and combination skin. It also offers a refreshing feel and is made with a vegan formula. It’s fragrance-free just in case your skin is sensitive. This scrub de-flakes skin, unclogs pores, and visibly softens fine lines to help you achieve a clearer and more refreshed complexion.
This chemical exfoliant by The Ordinary is highly sought after. For its price point, its exfoliating power is equal to or greater than that of a more expensive product. It contains a 30% concentration of glycolic and lactic acids and a 2% concentration of salicylic acid. Together, the trio helps to not only smooth and even skin, but also help decongest clogged pores.
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