Exfoliation for different skin types and how often to exfoliate

Exfoliation for different skin types and how often do you exfoliate

Happy Weekends!!

Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing is said to be the key to healthy skin but there is one more step called exfoliation. Exfoliation means removal of deal skin cells from the outer most layer of the skin, thereby exposing the new cells lying underneath. 

There are various methods by which exfoliation can be done such as fibrous cloth, brushes, sponges, abrasive granular materials  etc. Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion being the advanced ones.   

Drugstores and counters are flooded with scrubs that can be easily used at home for both face and body.

Some of the benefits are:

• Exfoliation reveals that clear and new skin which is smooth to touch.
• Dark spots, marks and blemishes fade out with regular exfoliation
• Makes the complexion clearer
• BY getting rid of the dead skin cells it makes the skin glow
• Unclogs the blocked pores and also acts as a prevention against blackheads, whiteheads and pimples. 

Every one’s skin type and age is different so does their requirements.

Exfoliation is necessary but when and how often it should be done and also not every method or exfoliating agent is meant for every skin type.

Normal: For normal facial skin types, once or twice a week exfoliation is fine whether you use a natural bristles brush or any apricot, wulnut granule or any available in the market. A couple of minutes of gentle massaging will make sure that your skin is squeaky clean and there are no dead cells.

Oily skin: Oily skin is the breeding ground of pimples, acne, blackheads and whiteheads due  therefore, it becomes utmost important to exfoliate regularly. If using a mild or gentle scrub or other exfoliating agent then, that can be done daily or thrice a week, depending upon the oil production and requirement.

Sensitive skin: People with sensitive skin types should use the mildest scrub available or may also use a sponge or a fibrous cloth else sensitive skin is more likely to turn red or get irritated if not taken care of.

Choose a scrub that has more cream base and less granules or very small granules

Combination skin: Combination skin is most common as we may have some parts as oily, some as dry or normal. For such skin types concentrate on the areas that require exfoliation and leave the rest that are either normal or dry. 

While you are using scrubs, sponges or brushes on your face, always try to be gentle and apply less pressure. Once the exfoliation is done, our skin feels smooth and clear with no dead cells, flakiness etc. But then don’t forget to moisturize and keep that newly revealed cell layer suppled. If you have normal, sensitive skin, use a thick moisturizer after to hydrate and for oily skin go for an oil free light moisturizer. 

It is preferred to exfoliate in the evening as when you put moisturizers, followed by your night time skin care regimen, the new cell layer is pampered and you wake up in the morning with skin that looks dewy fresh and rejuvenated! This is what I like to do and trust me; evening is the best time to exfoliate your facial skin.

But if you do feel the need to do that in the morning then do remember when you step out in the sun you have properly moisturized and applied sunscreen.. Yup Sunscreen is very important as it not only helps prevent tanning and skin darkening but also pre mature aging.

Now, excess of anything is bad, same goes with this as well. Don’t over exfoliate in terms of frequency and also the duration. Over exfoliation may lead to irritation, redness and dry patches. Exfoliation means removal of dead skin cells, not the underlying new cells. 

 So, stay away from over exfoliation and make it a point to choose the correct exfoliating agent and frequency as per the skin requirement and type, to get that healthy clear skin that glows!! :)

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