HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation is the topic of the day, and it is a big one! The issue with exfoliation is not knowing what is best for your current skin and the amount of times you should exfoliate in a week. Exfoliating too much can cause a ripple effect of skin issues. Along with too much exfoliation, the type of exfoliation method is really important too. Let’s dive in!
Types of exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of using either a chemical or physical method to remove the oldest dead skins which allows skin/body care products to sink deeper into the skin and gives the skin a brighter and more even complexion. Chemical exfoliation uses chemicals like AHAs such as glycolic acid, malic acid, citric acid that are made from fruits which peels the surface layer of skin. Physical methods use either some type of scrub, powders, or a tool to exfoliate. Exfoliation scrubs usually contain products such as sugar, coffee, or microbeads that when rubbed into the skins removes the surface layer of skin. Exfoliating powders are made from finely grounding rice, oats, coffee, clay, ect. to make a paste. Tools such as dry/wet brushes, organic facial cloths, or scalpel blades are used to exfoliate too.
Exfoliation for current skin type
Exfoliating for your current skin type is not as hard as you might think. (If you noticed, I said current skin type. Our skin is ever changing. It goes through stages. And that is okay!)
Sensitive and dry skin should exfoliate the least amount of times per week, starting with 1 time per week and increasing to a max of 2 times per week if your skin handles it well. For dry and sensitive skin, it is recommended to use a gentle exfoliant such as moisturizing chemical exfoliant, exfoliating powder, and dry/wet brushing can be beneficial. Our Sandalwood Brightening Powder is an example of a perfect powder that is gentle and exfoliating that is great for all skin types.
Oily, acne-prone, and combination skin can exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week with a chemical or physical method if the skin seems to handle it well. Oily skin can tend to take more exfoliation, but less is always more. Since exfoliation can tend to be drying to the skin, you should be cautious with how your skin is feeling in order to avoid drying out your skin. Using different hydrating liquids such as honey, herbal tea, water, etc. like this beauty tea to dry exfoliants like coffee grounds and sugar can be helpful in balancing out any drying that exfoliating can cause.
Mature skin should also be gentle with exfoliating. Using a gentle chemical exfoliant 2 times a week, less if needed, can be helpful for this skin type. Finding an exfoliant with AHAs would be great in not only exfoliating, but it also offers anti-aging benefits.
Things to keep in mind
Exfoliation is like any other skincare. It isn't one size fits all! Your skin can change from month to month even from week to week so it is important to pay attention to how your skin is feeling and adjust accordingly.