A fun fact about our skin is that it is regularly renewing itself. On an average day, your epidermis constantly produces new skin cells and will potentially shed as many as a million dead skin cells in just 24 hours. While your natural cellular turnover cycles do a lot to keep your skin healthy, the fact is sometimes the skin needs some extra help in this department. Due to stressors including environment, age, dehydration, and other lifestyle factors, the skin can sometimes become more sluggish or struggle to shed dead cells at an adequate rate. When this happens, the skin can become congested, dull, or develop a rough texture. The fix? Exfoliation. Adding an exfoliant to your regular skincare routine is the best way to keep the skin polished and looking refreshed. The trick is simply choosing the correct form of exfoliation and finding your sweet spot for the frequency of treatment.
To help you out, here are our top tips for getting exfoliation right:
Tip #1: Understand the different types of exfoliation
When shopping for an exfoliant, it's essential to understand the difference between the two most common types:
Chemical exfoliants are solutions that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, fruit enzymes, or some combination of these. They work to break up the bonds between old cells and digest dead surface skin. Chemical exfoliation makes an excellent choice for acneic, combination, or aging skin as it helps to break down excess congestion and improves the skin at a cellular level. Examples of chemical exfoliants would be glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and others.
On the other hand, physical exfoliation refers to scrubbing the skin with a brush, a tool, or a product containing a physical exfoliant - such as microbeads, salt, sugar, or other grain ingredients. Although they can be a great option during pregnancy or for anyone avoiding acid ingredients, physical exfoliants can sometimes irritate sensitive skin or acne and should be used with caution.
Tip #2: Remember that less is more
Besides choosing the right type of exfoliation, another critical consideration is how often you exfoliate. If your skin is sensitive or new to exfoliation, just once per week may be enough. If your skin is normal, combination, or acneic, about 2-3 times per week is appropriate. Oily skin types may benefit from exfoliating 3-4 times per week.
However, regardless of skin type, it's important to watch for signs that your skin is irritated or inflamed and reduce the number of times you exfoliate as necessary. Over-exfoliating can be just as damaging as not exfoliating at all, so be sure to give your skin days off to rest.
Tip #3: Always follow up with other skin-supporting products
For best results, exfoliation should always be the second step in your skincare routine following cleansing. But don't stop there! Because exfoliation can sometimes be drying or stripping the skin of oil, you'll want to follow up with nourishing, hydrating products that replenish moisture levels and support a healthy barrier.
We recommend the following exfoliation with an excellent hydrating toner, antioxidant serum, and moisturizer. Because exfoliation removes excess surface debris, it leaves the skin well-primed to absorb your other active ingredients and products. Just be sure to also protect your skin with SPF, and often reapply, as exfoliating treatments can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
Ready to exfoliate? Here are some of our favorite Skin Beauty Shoppe products for exfoliation:
Raspberry Refining Scrub 4oz
$32.00
The Raspberry Refining Scrub polishes and energizes the skin with the antioxidants raspberry and marionberry, which brighten skin and provide anti-inflammatory-like benefits to soothe skin irritations. Jojoba beads and blue corn meal gently exfoliate to remove surface build-up and provide… Read More
Rejuvenate Brightening Peel 50ml
$51.00
Illuminate and energize your complexion with tropical enzymes that reawaken the skin and impart an instant glow. This brightening masque digests dead skin cells, stimulates cell turnover, lifts impurities and refines pores. Pineapple + Papaya brighten, exfoliate and smooth the… Read More
AGELESS total overnight retinol masque
$80.00
Revolutionary science meets the proven anti-aging benefits of retinol. This breakthrough treatment masque transforms skin’s appearance while you sleep. Multi-action technology continuously releases hydrating microspheres of marine collagen to lock in moisture and delivers retinol deep into the skin to… Read More
Illuminate Enzyme Cleansing Powder 4.5oz
$40.50
Exfoliate and tone for smooth, bright and revitalized skin. Matcha + Lemon work together to reduce inflammation while fighting free radicals and refreshing tired skin. Bentonite clay gently exfoliates while bamboo extract and matcha keep skin smooth, supple and glowing… Read More