As kids our skin is super soft because it can replaces cells often. But as we grow older, our skin slows down in making new cells. It leads to clogging of invisible dead cells on our skin, making it look not so great, like pigmentation, fine lines, and a dull complexion. That's where exfoliation comes in.
Exfoliation is a way to remove those invisible dead cells. It helps make up for the fact that our skin doesn't renew as quickly as it used to when we were younger. You can do exfoliation in two main ways: by using scrubs that physically remove dead cells or by using acids or enzymes that work chemically. Both ways help keep your skin looking fresh and lively by getting rid of the old, dull cells and giving it a boost.
Mukta Purain, Co-Founder of Miss Palettable, leading skincare brand, adds, "Incorporating exfoliation into a skincare routine once or twice a week is very beneficial to the skin. The key benefits are removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, stimulating new skin cells production, which supports even skin, luminosity and a healthy looking skin.
Benefits Of Exfoliation
Here are important benefits of exfoliation that you must know about:
- It Helps You Dealing With Dead Skin Cells
Exfoliating is important because it removes dead skin cells, giving you a smoother and more even skin tone. If your skin is flaky or patchy, regular exfoliation can help make it smoother. It also brightens your complexion, making you look more youthful. However, it's crucial to pick the right exfoliator for your skin type, as some can be too harsh, especially for sensitive skin. Before using it all over your face, test a small area to be sure it works well for you.
- It Helps You Deal With Breakouts
If you often have breakouts, exfoliation can help you manage them. Dead skin cells can trap oil and dirt, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Exfoliating removes these dead skin cells, preventing breakouts. It's necessary to choose the right exfoliator for your skin type, gentle for sensitive skin and one devised for oily skin if that's what you have. Matching the product to your skin type ensures useful and safe exfoliation.
- It Allows Better Absorption Of Creams And Serums
Exfoliating helps your skin absorb moisturisers, antioxidants, and serums that boost collagen better. This is also true for acne medications and other treatments that need to get into your skin. That's why it's important to regularly exfoliate as part of your basic skincare routine, it helps your skin soak up the good stuff and get the most out of treatments.
- It Reduces Wrinkles And Fine Lines
Exfoliating is great for dealing with wrinkles and fine lines. It helps reduce their appearance by getting rid of dull and dry dead skin cells. It reveals healthier, younger-looking skin. Exfoliation also improves your skin by unclogging pores, reducing oil and dirt build up. In fact, regular exfoliation over time can boost collagen production, crucial for radiant and vibrant skin. Collagen is essential for skin elasticity, reducing the look of fine lines and preventing sagging.
- Works Great For Your Skin When You Apply Makeup
Exfoliating makes your moisturiser, primers, and makeup work better. Your makeup will look airbrushed and runway-ready on a smoother face, saying goodbye to any issues with it coming off due to dry and flaky skin.
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Types Of Exfoliation
You can exfoliate your skin in two ways: chemical exfoliation, using acids or enzymes, and physical exfoliation, using scrubs. For acne-prone or sensitive skin, chemical exfoliants are often better as they're less likely to cause irritation. Using both types is okay and can bring great results, but it's always better to consider your skin type and condition before exfoliating.
Chemical Exfoliation: Chemical exfoliation involves using substances like hydroxy acids and retinol, combined with enzymes, to rejuvenate the skin. While DIY and over-the-counter scrubs can enhance skin appearance, chemical exfoliation offer more dramatic results. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), derived from fruits, peel away the skin surface, addressing issues like hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid, target oil and unclog pores, making them effective for acne treatment. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, protect the skin, promote collagen, and are used for sun damage and aging. Consulting a dermatologist is advisable for proper chemical exfoliation.
Physical Exfoliation: Any exfoliating method or product that involves manual scrubbing or rubbing is known as a physical exfoliant. You might already be using physical exfoliants like cleansing scrubs, body brushes, or loofahs. The benefit of physical exfoliation is that it's easy to do at home, using simple items like a wash cloth or a DIY scrub, and shows immediate results. However, if done incorrectly, it can irritate the skin and lead to water loss. Using a serum afterward helps reduce irritation and locks in moisture. Materials for manual exfoliation include scrubs, mitts, brushes, loofahs, pumice stones, and more.
Giving more clarity on this, Mukta Purain, Co-Founder of Miss Palettable, leading skincare brand, adds, "If you deal with sensitive dry skin, using a gentle chemical exfoliant will probably be safer for you. Physical exfoliants can be quite harsh on the skin, whereas a gentle glycolic acid exfoliant would suit dry skin better, and a gentle exfoliant with fruit enzymes would suit sensitive skin better. For those who have normal, combination or oily skin, you can work with physical and chemical exfoliants depending on your preference.
When Should You Exfoliate
For healthy skin, it's vital to include exfoliation in your skincare routine. It's not just your face that needs it; your hands and legs do too. You can exfoliate your body once or twice a week, depending on your skin care routine. For example, if your skin looks dull in the morning, exfoliating before you start your day can be helpful. On the other hand, exfoliating at night is good as it helps you get rid of makeup and dust on your skin.
Lastly, if you use any product for a skin condition, ensure you give some time between using that product and exfoliating. It's necessary to be careful and not exfoliate if you have cuts or open sores on your skin.
Dr. Ruhil Badiani, Family Physician from Cornerstone Clinic adds, "Tailoring your exfoliation routine to your specific skin type is crucial for optimal results. For normal/combination skin, 2-3 times a week with both physical and chemical exfoliants is suitable. Oily skin benefits from 3 times a week using chemical exfoliants like salicylic or glycolic acid. Dry or sensitive skin should exfoliate 1-2 times a week with gentle options. Mature/aging skin can consider 2-3 times a week with a mix of chemical exfoliants. Acne-prone skin benefits from 2-3 times a week with salicylic acid. Even normal to resilient skin should be cautious not to overdo it. Over-exfoliation may lead to irritation, redness, dryness, increased sensitivity, breakouts, and sun sensitivity."
Products To Use For Exfoliation
Sometimes, we're drawn to popular brands or recommendations when choosing exfoliation products. While that's not entirely wrong, we may overlook the fact that these products might not be suitable for our skin. It's crucial to know your skin type and its needs before buying any product.
Highlighting more about this, Dr. Ruhil Badiani, Family Physician from Cornerstone Clinic, adds, "Skincare is highly personal, and what benefits your friend's skin may not necessarily suit yours. My suggestion is to introduce new products gradually. Avoid incorporating a new exfoliant and moisturiser simultaneously to pinpoint any potential reactions. Keep your skincare routine straightforward and simple, and consult your doctor if you have uncertainties. It's worth noting that the effectiveness of skincare products isn't always correlated with their price; some of the most reliable brands can be found at your local pharmacy.
How To Choose The Right Kind Of Exfoliation Method
Choosing the right exfoliation method depends on your skin type. If your skin is sensitive or prone to acne, it's crucial to consult a doctor first to determine the suitable exfoliation approach. For normal to oily skin, using home made scrubs with ingredients like honey, sugar, coffee, turmeric, and milk twice a week is a good option. Those with combination skin should focus on each area separately and use different products as needed. Regardless of your skin type, consulting a dermatologist is essential for proper guidance.
Adding to this, Dr. Ruhil Badiani, Family Physician from Cornerstone Clinic, says, "Excessive exfoliation can pose risks such as irritation, redness, dryness, and increased sensitivity, compromising the skin barrier. To select the right exfoliant, understand your skin type, identify specific concerns, start with a cautious approach, choose the preferred formulation, and read product ingredients, considering factors like acids and pH levels. It's crucial to tailor your exfoliation routine to your unique skin needs for optimal results and avoid potential side effects."