The importance of exfoliating your skin should not even be overlooked. It is necessary to know why one should exfoliate when one should not, who should and how to do it.
Exfoliation is a process that makes it easier to remove the layer of dead skin in place of a new, naturally formed layer. However, cell regeneration slows down with the evolution of age and, it is necessary to resort to exfoliation to help this process occur. When we exfoliate, we remove the layer we don’t need, at the same time allowing the new cells to be exposed and to take their place. The benefits of incorporating exfoliation into our weekly routine can range from reducing acne, helping to increase the performance of moisturizers and restoring vital barriers to healthy skin.
Another relevant question is whether we should do it frequently or from time to time. Many dermatologists have the opinion that exfoliation should be done at least once a week and can be beneficial up to two or more times, depending on our skin type and the method to be used.
Normal skins can benefit from exfoliation, which they can do up to twice a week. For this type of skin, the most important thing is to maintain balance and allow cell regeneration without damaging or irritating the skin. It means that if we have already tried an exfoliator that did not cause any allergies, irritation or redness, then we may have made the right choice and it is not worth trying many other products. But if we have chosen none yet, we can do it considering the most suitable products that will make your exfoliation smoother. For this type of skin, should be avoided mechanical exfoliation.
Oily skin may need different approaches depending on whether or not they have acne. Oily skins characterizes by producing excess oil, presenting an excessively shiny appearance. Many oily skins are susceptible to develop acne. If you have oily skin without acne, the exfoliation can be mechanical or chemical and, if you choose chemical exfoliation, you can do it with a stronger agent. Oily skins that are also prone to the onset of acne should avoid mechanical methods and give preference to chemical products like the ones that make the exfoliation more gentle to moderate. Oily skins because they have the possibility of exfoliating more deeply do not need to repeat it many times. For these skins, exfoliation can be done once, twice or three times a week, considering which exfoliation action is the intended, whether deeper or more moderate.
In cases of darker skin, should be avoided mechanical exfoliation and, we should privilege products with agents that act moderately. If you choose a product with a very intense effect, this type of skin will run the risk of appearance of blemishes and, for this reason, must be paid great attention to the products that are selected.
And do dry skins need exfoliation? Yes, but you should be aware that the products to be used will not cause irritation or make your skin even drier. The ideal is to avoid very aggressive methods for this type of skin. So, prefer products without retinoids or retinol, and use an exfoliator that presents itself as being of moderate action. If you use a natural product, choose one that also presents itself as a gentle exfoliator for the skin. Are also aimed all of these indications at sensitive skin. One might think that this skin type shouldn’t even exfoliate, but they can, following the same directions for dry skin, as both types of skin tend to increase irritation. And always a mild and less frequent exfoliation.
Some people may not have an indication for exfoliation, as decided by a dermatologist. Whether because of a specific clinical situation that requires a specific approach or that is not indicated because of dermatological disease. In cases of suspected disease, you should not exfoliate, only after consulting a specialist.
What should we do after skin exfoliation? After exfoliating the skin, it needs to be hydrated, and find its balance to promote cell regeneration and therefore should always be used a moisturizer after finishing the exfoliation of the skin.
When should we never exfoliate? In cases, where the skin has open cuts or wounds and or if the skin has a sunburn.
For the composition of this article and its scientific verification, the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) was used as a source of information.
Wish you a beautiful day.
Yours,
Vera