How to safely exfoliate your skin without disrupting your skin barrier
Who doesn’t love glowing, radiant skin that feels smooth, is clear, and is hydrated? We do! Regular exfoliation is one key to keeping your skin healthy and looking its best.
Exfoliation is the process of using a chemical or mechanical method to remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. Exfoliation is beneficial for most skin types when done properly with the correct method and the correct frequency. When the skin is properly exfoliated all of our skincare products work more effectively, helping us achieve optimal results.
For many of our skincare clients, we recommend exfoliating twice a week. Those with more sensitive or sensitized skin may only need to exfoliate once a week, and those with acne-prone skin may need to exfoliate more often. It's important not to over-exfoliate, as this may damage your skin or lead to increased redness/sensitivity, broken capillaries, or acne breakouts.
Not every type of exfoliation is appropriate for every skin type, making it essential to understand your skin type before choosing an exfoliation method:
Sensitive or sensitized skin that tends towards rosiness may be irritated or feel like it’s burning after exfoliator use
Normal skin that has a healthy intact barrier function
Dry skin that is tight, rough, dull and flaky
Oily skin that is prone to breakouts, shiny and oftentimes greasy feeling
Combination skin that is oily in some areas, and dry and tight in others
There are two main methods for at-home exfoliation—chemical and mechanical—and the method you choose should be based on your skin type and the recommendations of your esthetician and/or dermatologist. Mechanical exfoliation uses a granular scrub to physically remove dead skin cells, or a tool such as a brush or sponge (generally not something we recommend for the face). Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals, such as alpha hydroxy acids (think lactic acid, glycolic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (think salicylic acid), or enzymes (think pineapple or papaya) to gently dissolve dead skin cells.
To reduce the risk of skin damage while exfoliating, we recommend the following tips:
Review and understand the skincare products you are currently using. Exfoliating while using products such as over-the-counter or prescription benzoyl peroxides and retinoid/retinol creams may worsen dry skin or even cause acne breakouts.
Select an exfoliation method that suits your skin type. Those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may respond best to a mild chemical exfoliator, as mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating for these skin types. Those with oily, thicker skin may want to use stronger chemical treatments or mild granular mechanical exfoliators (we love rice powder and bamboo powder in an enzyme formula). However, avoid strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or notice dark spots on your skin after burns, bug bites or acne breakouts. For some people, especially those with darker skin tones, more aggressive forms of exfoliation may result in dark spots on the skin.
Go easy on your skin. Apply scrubs or mechanical exfoliators in a gentle, circular motion. Follow the instructions on the product or from your esthetician for best results. Never exfoliate over a sunburn, cut or wound.
Follow with your regular skincare routine. Apply a hydrating toner followed by hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. If you exfoliate in the morning, always apply SPF 30 over your moisturizer.
We offer the personal guidance you may need to get the most out of your exfoliation products and routine. As always, we are happy to serve as your trusted skincare advisors!