It’s amazing to me how many people don’t exfoliate or don’t know what the word even means. For those of you who aren’t doing this, you need to start, because it’s the second most important thing you can do to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.
The top three questions I get about exfoliating are as follows…
1. What does exfoliating mean and do?
a. Exfoliating is the mechanical or chemical removal of dead skin cells from the surface layer (epidermis) of the skin.
2. Why do I need to exfoliate?
a. The skin has hundreds of layers of dead skin cells that lie on top of the skin and they need to be removed in order to help improve the skin’s cell turnover rate (which is essential for anti-aging purposes)
b. It will improve the texture of the skin
c. Helps to even out skin discolorations
d. Removes impurities from pores
e. Will allow your moisturizers to penetrate deeper
People with…
Dry skin should exfoliate at least once a week
Normal skin should exfoliate about 2 times a week
Oily skin should exfoliate about 3 times a week
If you have a skin condition ask your dermatologist what a good solution is for you
3. What should I use to exfoliate?
a. Take my advice; don’t be cheap when it comes to choosing an exfoliator. If you splurge on anything let it be this.
b. My experience with my own skin and looking at other people’s skin is that over-the-counter exfoliators that you purchase at the supermarket or drug stores are not good. They are abrasive and too harsh for the face. Save your money because you’ll be doing more damage than good.
c. Seek advisement from a skincare professional
I personally like enzyme exfoliators or alpha/beta hydroxyl acids because they digest the dead skin cells and don’t require me to use anything with beads that may scratch the surface of my skin.
At the moment, I’m using a pear fig enzyme peel by Naturopathica. It leaves my skin feeling soft, glowing, and blackhead free and it smells absolutely amazing. It’s like putting a sweet jelly or jam on your face, so good!!
guess i have to start exfoliating. This should help.
ReplyDeleteYes I bought one at Walmart which smells nice, but is so strong that it's actually causing more dead/peely skin to show up than when I didn't use it. Ah well, when I use it up I'll try a better kind.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
My girlfriend always complains about girls whom take little pride in skincare -- girls whom do not exfoliate to be precise. To be honest I didn't think it was that important; however, this blog in conglomerate with my girlfriend's constant nagging has made me reconsider.
ReplyDelete