Here's Why You Should Exfoliate

There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to determining which skin types should exfoliate and how often one should do so. Really though, it is a pretty simple answer: Practically anyone can benefit from regular, gentle exfoliation – unless you have sensitive skin, in which case you should consult with your dermatologist for their recommendation. Pretty much everyone else though – women and men – should consider making exfoliation a weekly part of their skin care routine. If you have oily skin, exfoliating can help clear your pores of excess build up, if you have dry skin, exfoliating can help slough away the pile up of flaky old skin cells on the surface of your skin and regular exfoliation can also help mature skin look less dull.

With so many benefits, it’s worth investigating your options and incorporating exfoliation into your routine. Based on your skin type and exfoliation methods, some dermatologists even say that you can exfoliate with a gentle formula daily. You could see a clearer complexion, better hydrated and more luminous looking skin.

When you exfoliate you are sloughing away a pile up of dead skin cells that can mix with makeup residue, dirt, sweat and oils on the surface of your skin. Clearing the surface layer will help remove this build up from your pores, creating a clearer pathway for your skin care products. Your serums, creams and treatments will have an easier time working on the skin’s outer layer if their path is less obstructed. Exfoliating regularly can help ensure that your products are getting to the place they need to be in order to work to their best potential.

You can go for microdermabrasion treatments monthly, or you can try exfoliating weekly at home with either a chemical or mechanical exfoliation method. Chemical exfoliating pads utilize alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and can be a good match for most skin types – even dry skin. Some formulas are even gentle enough for daily use. A derivative of sugar cane, glycolic acid’s molecular size is quite small, so it works to dissolve the surface layers of skin cells, clearing the way for new ones. Mechanical exfoliation is best suited for those with oily skin and shouldn’t be done too frequently, as it can be drying if over-used. Two to three times a week is typically recommended, but consult your dermatologist for their recommendation. Mechanical exfoliation will utilize a tool or a mildly abrasive ingredient like rice bran, to cause friction and remove dead skin cells on the surface layers of your skin. Exfoliate and help your pores stay clear so that your skin care products will be more likely to deliver worthwhile results. Consult your dermatologist to determine the best exfoliation method and routine for your skin type.