A Guide To Exfoliate Your Face And How It Really Helps

By Anupriya Jamuar

Who doesn’t want skin that looks like glass and feels like porcelain. Though you might think achieving a radiant glow is easy only in dreams, we’re here to tell you, the journey to glass skin is easier than you imagined. If you exfoliate your face properly and use the right products, you can get rid of dead skin cells and unclog your pores.

So, we’ve prepared the ultimate guide you need to exfoliate your face properly. Let’s get started on your journey to smooth, baby soft skin.

The key to exfoliating your face

By exfoliating your skin, you remove the built-up layer of dead skin cells, dirt, debris and sebum off your skin’s surface and pores. These makes your skin look dull, dry, and rough. And those annoying bumps you’ve been trying to get rid of? That is also due to clogged pores.

But exfoliating your skin helps solve these concerns, making your skin appear youthful, brighter, and smoother. Not to forget, exfoliation also allows your skincare products to penetrate better into your skin, hence making them more effective.

What are the different types of exfoliations methods

There are three ways in which you can exfoliate your skin: Chemical Exfoliation and Physical Exfoliation.

Physical exfoliation: Scrub away dead skin cells with physical exfoliators like face scrubs! It's like a mini massage for your skin but be gentle so you don't irritate your skin.
Chemical exfoliation: Get your glow on with chemical exfoliation! AHAs and BHAs can dissolve dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin but choose the right one for your skin type or you might experience some unwanted side effects. If you have sensitive skin, try milder exfoliators like lactic acid.
Enzyme exfoliation: Go tropical with enzyme exfoliation! Use natural enzymes like papaya or pineapple to break down dead skin cells. It's like giving your skin a fruity vacation, and it's gentle enough for all skin types.

Remember to have fun with your skincare routine and choose an exfoliation method that's right for you! And don't forget to listen to your skin - if it's feeling sensitive or irritated, give it a break. Happy exfoliating!

Discover more: Know The Right Kind Of Exfoliation For Your Skin

Reap the many benefits of face exfoliation

Now that you know more about exfoliation, lets take a look at the many benefits it brings for your skin.

Smooth, silky skin: Exfoliating is like giving your skin a spa day - it removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling silky smooth to the touch.
Bye-bye wrinkles: Regular exfoliation can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making you look younger and more vibrant.
Supercharged skincare: By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation allows your skincare products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively, so you get the most out of your beauty routine.
Sayonara pimples: Exfoliating can help prevent breakouts by unclogging your pores, keeping your skin clear and glowing.
Brighter skin: Exfoliating your face can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and give you a brighter, more even complexion, so you can radiate beauty from within.

So go ahead, treat yourself to a little exfoliation - your skin will thank you!

Also read: Why Lactic Acid Is A Great Gentle Exfoliator

How to exfoliate your face with physical exfoliators?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to correctly exfoliate your face using physical exfoliators like face scrubs.

First things first, cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to make sure it's free of any makeup or dirt.
Get your face wet with warm water to make it feel like you're getting a mini spa treatment.
Next up, grab your favourite face scrub and take a small amount on your fingertips. Now, this is where the fun starts - apply the scrub using circular motions and let it work its magic!
Don't forget to focus on the areas of your face that tend to be more congested, like your nose and chin. Think of it like giving your face a much-needed massage!
Once you've scrubbed for 1-2 minutes, rinse your face with lukewarm water. Ahh, refreshing!
Finally, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel and apply your regular moisturizer. Your skin will feel so soft and smooth, you'll be tempted to keep touching it all day!

Remember, exfoliate your face no more than once or twice a week to avoid damaging your skin. And, most importantly, have fun with it! Put on some music, light some candles, and make it a part of your self-care routine.

Shop our personal favourite face scrubs here:

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How to exfoliate your face with chemical exfoliators

Follow our step-by-step guide to chemical exfoliation:

First things first, start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser. Get rid of all the gunk and makeup on your face, so you can get to the good stuff.
Apply a small amount of the AHA/BHA chemical exfoliator to a cotton pad or your fingertips. It's like giving your face a little spa treatment!
Now, this is where things get exciting - gently apply the product to your face, avoiding the eye area. Think of it like painting a masterpiece on your face.
Sit back and relax for the recommended time (not more than 10-15 minutes). Take this time to catch up on your favourite show.
Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the product. Splash that water all over your face and feel refreshed!
Finish off by patting your face dry with a clean towel and applying your regular moisturizer.

When using an AHA/BHA chemical exfoliator, it's important to start slow and gradually build up to using it more frequently. And, as always, listen to your skin - if it starts to feel irritated, reduce the frequency of use.

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Consider your skin type

While you exfoliate your face, it is also very important to keep your skin type in mind. Here is an easy guide you can follow:

Dry skin: If you have dry skin, it's important to exfoliate gently to avoid further drying out your skin. Think of it like treating your skin to a cozy spa day! Use a gentle scrub once a week to remove dead skin cells and give your skin a little boost. You can also try a chemical exfoliant with AHAs, but make sure to choose a formula that's specifically designed for dry skin and use it sparingly.
Oily skin: For those with oily skin, exfoliation is key to keeping those pesky pores clear. It's like giving your skin a deep clean! Try a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation, using a scrub twice a week to remove dead skin cells and a chemical exfoliant with BHAs to dissolve excess oil and reduce the appearance of pores.
Combination skin: Combination skin can be a bit tricky to treat since it's a mix of oily and dry areas. It's like trying to make everyone at a party happy! Try a gentle physical exfoliant once a week paired with a chemical exfoliant with AHAs to help unclog pores and reduce dryness without further irritating oily areas.
Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, exfoliation can be a bit of a challenge. It's like trying to walk on a tightrope! Avoid physical exfoliation altogether and go for a chemical exfoliant, which are gentler. Use it once a week and be sure to patch test first to avoid any adverse reactions.

Remember, it's important to take care of your skin and treat it with love and kindness. Don't overdo it with the exfoliation - think of it like treating your skin to a little bit of TLC every week. If you're not sure what exfoliation routine is best for you, don't be afraid to ask a dermatologist for advice.

Here are some milder lactic acid exfoliators for you to try:

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Think about post-exfoliation care

Moisturising after exfoliating is like giving your skin a big hug and a high five all at once.

You're restoring your skin's balance: When you exfoliate, you're removing all the gunk and dead skin cells but that can also mean that your skin is left feeling a little stripped and thirsty. Moisturizing after exfoliating helps to restore your skin's balance and keep it feeling healthy and happy.
It's like a big, calming sigh for your skin: Depending on the type of exfoliation you choose, your skin can be left feeling a little irritated or sensitive. But a good moisturizer can help soothe and calm your skin, giving it a big, calming sigh of relief.
Your skin is ready to soak up more good stuff: After you've exfoliated, your skin is like a sponge ready to soak up all the good stuff you're about to apply. By moisturising after exfoliating, you're helping to lock in all the other beneficial ingredients in your skincare routine.
You're protecting your skin from the elements: By moisturizing after exfoliating, you're also helping to protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution or UV rays. Think of it like a shield that helps to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

So, don't forget to show your skin some love and give it a big ol' moisturizing hug after exfoliating.

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How often should you exfoliate?

Limit exfoliating your face to 1-2 times a week max with physical exfoliation and once a week with chemical exfoliators. This is because the process of exfoliation can be quite harsh on your skin if overdone as it strips your skin of moisturise. Hence, over-exfoliation can lead to a compromised skin barrier which in itself is a big problem and can lead to a ton of other skin issues.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How often should I exfoliate my face?
- Exfoliating 1-2 times a week is good enough. If you overdo it, it can lead to skin sensitivity.

Q. Can I exfoliate my skin daily?
- Absolutely not. Exfoliation strips your skin of moisture which can compromise your skin barrier leading to a ton of other skin issues.

Q. How to take care of my skin post exfoliation?
- Always apply moisturiser afterwards to calm your skin down.