Exfoliation is promoted as a quick and simple method of achieving the desired radiance in skin. Dead skin cells are removed during the procedure, which can also improve acne-prone skin and skin tone.
In a nutshell, your skin type and your goals will determine how often you should exfoliate each week. Given that humans lose 500 million skin cells per day, dead skin can accumulate quite quickly. Many people believe that exfoliating once a week is sufficient, and this is an excellent place to start for beginners.
Be cautious if you have dry or sensitive skin. Products that are harsh may irritate, causing more dryness or sensitivity.
These skin types should only exfoliate once or twice a week, says aesthetician Elena Duque.
If you have sensitive skin, an enzyme would be the ideal exfoliator, and if you have dry skin, a glycolic acid would be. “Ideally one with a moisturising component.”
According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, sensitive skin types “may manage the level of aggressiveness,” so physical exfoliants don’t have to be completely discounted.
He suggests a very gentle brand that has rice or bamboo powder as one of its constituents.
Duque exclaims, “If you have mixed skin, you’re in luck!” You have a lot of flexibility and can even alternate between washes, acids, and enzymes.
Once more, if your skin permits, keep to exfoliating two or three times every week.
Mandelic acid, for example, “is useful in eliminating excess oil from the skin but is light enough to be used in dry regions as well,” Zeichner advises.
Applying moisturiser and other hydrating products after exfoliation is crucial because they might have a drying effect on the skin.
Always wear sunscreen and use these chemical exfoliants at night as some acids, like glycolic, might make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
