If you decide to exfoliate, be sure to do so carefully to prevent skin injury. Follow this advice from board-certified dermatologists to exfoliate your skin safely at home.
Exfoliation is the procedure used to remove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface. It’s not for everyone, even if some individuals think this makes their skin seem better. It could cause more harm than good if not done correctly.
If you decide to exfoliate, be sure to do it carefully to avoid damaging your skin, causing further redness, or triggering acne breakouts.
Before selecting an exfoliation method, it’s crucial to take your skin type into account because not all types of exfoliation will be effective for all skin types:
After using the lotion, sensitive skin may sting or burn.
Clear and not sensitive, normal skin
Skin that is dry is flaky, scratchy, or harsh.
Oily skin is oily and glossy.
PERFECT METHOD ON HOW TO SAFELY EXFOLIATE AT HOME
Combination skin has dry patches and oily patches.
Your skin type should be taken into consideration while choosing between the mechanical and chemical techniques of at-home exfoliation. Dead skin cells are physically removed from the skin with a scrape or tool, such as a brush or sponge. Using chemicals like alpha and beta hydroxy acids, chemical exfoliation gently dissolves dead skin cells.
Dermatologists advise the following precautions to take when exfoliating the skin:
Take into account the skin care products you currently use. Some drugs, even over-the-counter products, such prescription retinoid creams or items containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide, might make your skin more sensitive or even peel. When using these products, exfoliating could make dry skin worse or possibly make acne breakout.
Choose an exfoliating technique that is suitable for your skin type. For those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, a washcloth and a gentle chemical exfoliant may be preferable since mechanical exfoliation could irritate their skin too much. For those with oilier, thicker skin, harsher chemical treatments or mechanical exfoliation may be necessary. However, if you have a darker skin tone or see dark areas on your skin after burns, insect bites, or acne outbreaks, avoid using harsh chemical or mechanical exfoliation. More vigorous techniques of exfoliation may leave dark blotches on the skin for some people, particularly those with darker skin tones.
Treat your skin with care. Employ gentle, tiny, circular strokes to apply any scrubs or chemical exfoliators you use. Use lukewarm, not boiling, water to rinse after about 30 seconds of this. Make quick, light strokes with a brush or sponge if you use one. If you have open sores or cuts, or if your skin is burnt, never exfoliate.
Apply moisturizer after. The skin may get dry after exfoliation. To keep your skin hydrated and healthy after exfoliating, moisturize right afterwards.
Discover your ideal timetable. Your skin type and exfoliation procedure will determine how frequently you should exfoliate. In general, less frequent exfoliation is required the more vigorous the exfoliation. Avoid over-exfoliating as this may result in skin that is inflamed and red.
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