Exfoliation is one of those skin care topics that we need to talk about more. Mostly because there are way too many people out there that are over exfoliating the hell out of their skin.
As a child of the 90s, we weren’t the kindest to our skin. And compared to then, we didn’t have the best information available to us.
But with the introduction of Korean skin care, the internet, and social media, we have more resources available than ever.
And yet, we still can’t get it right when it comes to exfoliation.
How often should we be exfoliating? How much is too much? What’s the proper amount?
Today, let’s cover everything that has to do with exfoliating. And by the end of this, you can be one less person that’s exfoliating their skin into oblivion.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It’s worth noting that your skin does do this naturally because it goes through its own shedding process.
But that shedding process varies depending on your age.
And as you get older, everything in your body tends to slow down. Skin turnover rate is no different. As a teen, your skin turnover rate could be ~14-28 days. But then after your 50s, you’re looking at ~45-84 days.
Without your skin turning over on its own, it leads to a dull appearance. It can also make signs of aging more visible.
Is exfoliation good for the skin though?
What Are the 3 Types of Exfoliation?
When it comes to your skin, there are three types of exfoliation.
Physical exfoliation involves granular scrubs. These are your salt, sugar, and coffee scrubs. These are used to buff your skin.
Chemical exfoliation involves acids. This can involve acid in your skincare. There are toners and serums on the market that involve a low level of acid for skin brightness. For a whole list of acids and what may be best for your skin type, check out my list here.
At higher concentrations, there are also chemical peels that can be applied by licensed professionals. It can take away hyperpigmentation, sun damage, mild scarring, and fine lines from aging.
Mechanical exfoliation is exfoliating that’s done through a tool. At home, you can think of loofahs or brushes. And if you go to an aesthetician, microdermabrasion and laser treatments are also a form of chemical exfoliation.
Is It Good to Exfoliate Your Face?
This is the part where most people tend to do way too much.
It’s not bad to exfoliate your face. The problem is how frequently people are using exfoliating techniques when it comes to their skin.
If you’re a millennial like me, you’ll remember that most products encouraged exfoliation daily. With exfoliating microbeads in everything, and an apricot scrub which will remain unnamed (IYKYK), we did the most.
Now that’s coming in the form of acids in everything.
And don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with any of these tools. Acids in skincare can be great for your skin. Exfoliating your skin can be great. But using all these products at once can wreak havoc on your skin’s natural barrier.
If you use a skin acid, make sure to stick with one or two in rotation. And also do your research to see if they play nice with each other.
Then How Often Should I Exfoliate?
I’ve looked into a variety of sources to try to find this answer. And honestly? They all vary. I’ve seen sources say biweekly or even once a month. But most dermatologists seem to agree that once a week is a good starting point.
If you’re completely new to having a skincare routine, I also think that it’s a good place to start.
From my experience, I use a vitamin C serum that’s acidic – but still safe for daily use. When it comes to physical exfoliation, I use an exfoliating mask that I love biweekly. But it’s also worth mentioning that I’ve had a solid skincare routine for well over a decade at this point.
What’s a Good Exfoliate?
Regardless of whatever exfoliator you choose to use, make sure to use it with a gentle hand. Being too heavy-handed with your exfoliator can lead to irritation, redness, and even infection.
Always use a light touch. When applying, use a circular motion with your fingertips. You will still get the smooth skin you’re looking for, minus the cons that can come from exfoliating.
SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask
I’m a huge fan of this mask because it leaves my skin glowing and smooth each time I use it. Plus, it’s not a messy scrub. With its all natural ingredients, it dissolves effortlessly meaning no extra clean-up when you’re done.
SKINFOOD Black Sugar Perfect Scrub Foam
For those of you with drier skin types, this is one of the few products I would recommend twice a week. But again, keep another cleanser in rotation. Much like the mask above, it’s excellent at revealing glowing, soft skin.
[I’M FROM] Fig Scrub Mask
This is a wonderful pick for aging skin. Figs help prevent transdermal water loss meaning your skin will look juicy and plump for longer.
The Takeaway
There’s nothing wrong with having an exfoliator on hand. It can give you wonderfully smooth, glowing skin. But be mindful that you’re not over exfoliating. Start with one exfoliator in your routine. From there, you can assess if it’s a good idea for your skin to introduce anything else.
For everything skincare related, check out my newsletter where you can get a FREE skincare routine chart just for joining.