How Often Should You Really Exfoliate?
Exfoliators are a science all their own but understanding the basics can help you craft a customized skin care routine. COSMEDIX is sharing all the ‘need to knows’ and ‘how tos’ on properly exfoliating your face, plus the best products for your skin type! Polish and (gently) scrub your way to a fresher-faced complexion with these tips below:
Exfoliate 2-3 Times a Week
Let’s start with the question we all need answered: how often should you REALLY exfoliate? Generally speaking, it is best to exfoliate your face 2-3 times a week to help lift away the dry skin that can build up from day to day.
But remember, every skin type is different. It is important to listen to your skin and how it reacts to different treatments. If you experience redness or irritation, cut back to 1-2 times a week or experiment with a gentler exfoliant.
Know the Difference in Exfoliants
In the world of skin there are two different types of exfoliants: physical and chemical.
The first type of exfoliant is one we all know well—that textured scrub that graced everyone’s bathroom counter at the wake of adolescence once we discovered rinsing with water wasn’t exactly “skincare”. Physical exfoliants typically contain grainy ingredients that manually lift away dry skin and impurities from the surface of the complexion. Facial brushes and scrubs are common physical exfoliants that should be used gently to avoid irritation.
Chemical exfoliants are bit more technical. Unlike physical exfoliators, they don’t contain ingredients that can “felt”. Instead, chemical exfoliators rely on acids or enzymes that work under the skin to help shed dry or flakey skin. Because chemical options are not as abrasive, they tend to work best for sensitive skin types and are available as a toner, serum, peel and more.
Understand the Benefits
Even if dirt, oil and impurities aren’t visible to the naked eye, the skin undergoes a lot beneath the surface. Washing your face isn’t enough if you’re hoping to improve the look of uneven texture, redness or decongestion. Exfoliating your complexion 2-3 times a week is the perfect extra step to help:
- Purify the look of pores
- Shed dead skin and encourage healthy skin renewal
- Even the appearance of skin tone and texture
- Boost product absorption
Customize Your Exfoliant to Your Skin Type
Dry Skin: Pure Enzymes
Chemical exfoliants are an ideal option for people with dry or sensitive skin types due to their gentle, non-abrasive formula. Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask uses fruit enzymes and chirally correct acids to help exfoliate away dull skin and boost hydration for smoother, dewy-looking skin.
Oily Skin: Purity Detox Scrub
Oily skin types can benefit from common physical exfoliants like clay, bamboo stem and seeds to help remove buildup on the skin (i.e. oil). Purity Detox Scrub features both jojoba seeds and poppy seeds to help polish away pore-clogging impurities while Salicylic Acid helps clarify the look of pores. Pro Tip: If your oily skin is causing blemishes, try incorporating a physical exfoliant AND a chemical exfoliant. Salicylic Acid is a popular chemical exfoliant option that helps improve the look of blemish-prone skin and can be used on a more regular basis.
Combination Skin: Purity Clean or Glow
Combination skin types are the lucky few who can choose between using both a chemical exfoliant and physical exfoliant. Purity Clean is an exfoliating cleanser with Lactic Acid that can be used on a daily basis to help balance the skin and reduce the appearance of shine. For areas that struggle with shine or texture, exfoliate the skin with gentle scrub like Glow. This 2-in-1 Bamboo Brightening Mask can be used as a weekly face mask and a scrub to help improve the look of skin texture and tone while nourishing the skin for a brighter-looking complexion.