Achieving smooth, radiant skin begins with a proper exfoliating routine. Start by choosing the right exfoliant for your skin type, whether chemical or physical. Gently massage the exfoliant onto damp skin in circular motions, focusing on areas prone to dryness or congestion. Rinse thoroughly and follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration. Consistency is key for glowing, healthy skin.
Deepali Bansal, CEO and Founder, Suroskie, says, “In order to keep your skin smoother and brighter, exfoliation is an essential step in any skincare routine because it helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Exfoliating too often or incorrectly can cause irritation, and damage to the skin’s protective layer. As such, it’s critical to develop an appropriate exfoliation regimen based on your skin type and problems.”
Know your skin first: Knowing your skin type is very important before starting any skincare routine. This will help you choose the right exfoliants according to your skin type.
Puja Bedi, Deputy General Manager, Marketing, WOW Skin Science, opines, “Exfoliation is an essential part of any good skincare routine, but it’s important to do it properly to avoid damaging your skin. The key is finding the right exfoliating products and techniques for your individual skin type and concerns.”
For most people, gentle exfoliation 2-3 times per week is recommended using either a physical exfoliant containing soft brushes or micro-beads, or a chemical exfoliant with alpha hydroxy acids like lactic acid or glycolic acid. “Proper exfoliation leaves the skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth, and radiant. But over-exfoliating can strip away too much oil and irritate the skin. Start gently and slowly increase frequency and strength based on how your skin responds. Always follow with hydrating products like a serum and moisturizer,” adds Bedi.
Bansal shares how to choose the right exfoliants:
- To exfoliate dry or sensitive skin, gentle yet effective ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid or lactic acid.
- BHAs like salicylic acid are excellent for unclogging pores and minimizing acne for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Combination skin requires balanced ingredients to manage both oily and dry areas. Glycolic acid is a mild exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells, and hyaluronic acid moisturizes dry areas.
- Normal skin exfoliation have too many options, like AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, which gently dissolve dead skin cells. BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate deeper into pores, preventing acne and blackheads.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
● Dry or Sensitive skin: once a week
● Normal or combination skin: 1-2 times a week
● Oily skin: 2-3 times a week
Bansal shares the best exfoliating routine
- Make sure to wash your face to get rid of debris, and makeup before exfoliating.
- Use gentle circular motions to apply the exfoliant. To avoid irritating your skin, especially if it is sensitive, try not to rub too hard.
- Rinse your face with warm water after exfoliating and follow up with moisturizer to restore its natural oils because exfoliation can cause the skin to temporarily lose these oils.
- Always use sunscreen to prevent UV damage to your skin because exfoliating can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
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