Why You Shouldn’t Skip Out on Using an Exfoliator

Exfoliation is often overlooked in skin care routines because it is frequently considered to be unnecessary or too harsh for the skin

September 9, 2017 - 08:00

Exfoliation is often overlooked in skin care routines because it is frequently considered to be unnecessary or too harsh for the skin. However, exfoliation has amazing benefits like removing dry, dead skin cells in order to reveal soft, glowing skin. Although it shouldn’t be done every day, exfoliation should be incorporated into your face and body skin care routine at least once a week.

The Benefits of Exfoliation

Cleanses pores to reduce breakout-causing dirt and oil

Exfoliation helps draw out impurities from clogged and congested pores. After a quick, deep exfoliation, blackheads and whiteheads will be gone in no time. It is best to use a gentle exfoliator for acne and breakouts, so that skin will not be heavily irritated or cause extreme redness or bleeding.

Allows products to be absorbed easily

Because exfoliation removes dead skin cells and allows for fresh, clean skin, other skin care products, like serums or spot treatments, can be absorbed much more easily. If you want targeted products to produce optimal results, it is in your best interest to exfoliate so that serums and treatments can really get into the skin and not just sit on the surface.

Helps smooth out skin, especially before shaving.

Exfoliating your body before shaving can make the process and aftercare much easier, especially when shaving your bikini line. Exfoliation will help soften hair and remove deadskin cells, allowing for a close, precise shave. Your razor will be able to glide on the skin with ease, and there will be less irritation!

Types of Exfoliators: Mechanical vs Chemical

Mechanical exfoliators consist of exfoliation that requires a tool (like a brush or sponge) or a substance (like sugar, oatmeal, or powder). Mechanical exfoliators require scrubbing power and friction from the user, hence the name “mechanical.” The biggest risk of mechanical exfoliation is that it can become too abrasive, so it is recommended that one only uses tools or substances that avoid damaging skin irritation.

Chemical exfoliators use safe acids or enzymes to exfoliate the skin. These are things like Salicylic acid, lactic acid, retinol, or glycolic acid. Chemical exfoliators are more complex than mechanical exfoliators, in the sense that they contain more chemicals and can yield more precise and complex results. Click here to read a very informative article about all the targeted benefits of chemical exfoliators. It is recommended that only experienced skincare users start to use chemical exfoliators, since it can cause prolonged redness.

Click through to figure out which exfoliator is best for you.

For acne