Exfoliation is known to give one's skin a radiant glow. It decreases the dullness and enhances a person's skin complexion as it eliminates dead skin cells. People have different skin types, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, your type of skin determines the number of times you can exfoliate in a week.
What Are the Benefits of Exfoliating?
Fitting in exfoliation into your skincare routine will assist you to maintain healthy skin. Exfoliation involves getting rid of dead skin cells and letting new ones surface. The new cells then make the skin glow and appear more radiant. Exfoliating also removes dirt from the skin and reduces the appearance of large pores. Moreover, it allows the skin to be less susceptible to acne.
However, over-exfoliating may strip of your skin's its oils and make it unable to retain its moisture. This will, in turn, make the skin dry and lead to further skin problems such as acne. People who over-exfoliate may also get irritation and redness, or even cuts and tears when done too roughly. Bacteria may also find a breeding ground.
How Many Times Should You Exfoliate?
As discussed earlier, the number of times you should exfoliate is determined by the type of your skin. If your skin is dry or sensitive, you must be very careful with what you apply on your face. Using harsh products may irritate the skin, and lead to more dryness or oversensitivity. Dermatologists, therefore, recommend that people with sensitive or dry skin types exfoliate either once or twice weekly.
If your skin is oily or prone to acne, you can exfoliate twice or thrice weekly. For people with combination skin, exfoliating twice or thrice weekly is okay if the skin can tolerate.
All these skin types should have exfoliants suitable for them. For sensitive skin, it's good to use an exfoliating cleanser that has an enzyme. Dry skin works well with glycolic acid or an exfoliating cleanser having a moisturizing component to get rid of the dryness. People who have sensitive skin and wish to use physical exfoliants must ensure that they are ultra-gentle on the skin.
Oily and acne-prone skin types are advised by dermatologists to use products that have salicylic acid as it is oil soluble. The exfoliant should also have ingredients that help to unclog pores and treat breakouts. Oily skins may use chemical exfoliants or physical exfoliants, such as an exfoliating cleanser, to take out the extra build-up.
For combination skin, go for exfoliants that have mandelic acid as it gets rid of excess oil from the skin and is gentle to be used in the skin's dry areas. As you pick your exfoliant, ensure that it works for your skin type to avoid any adverse effects. If you feel one type of exfoliant is not working for your skin, switch it for another one that is not harsh to the skin.
Once you are done with exfoliating, follow up with a serum since it will soothe your skin as it penetrates, giving the skin an immediate vitamin boost. If you feel that your skin requires to be hydrated more than you require the radiant glow, follow up the exfoliation with a moisturizer. It will replace the oils lost from the process.
Conclusion
Your body requires frequent exfoliation for maintaining a healthy glow and a youthful appearance. Exfoliating is good for the skin. However, it would be best if you were careful that you do not over-exfoliate. Once or twice a week is good for your skin. Constant exfoliation will allow your pores to breathe, prevent fine lines, and moderate acne and breakouts, among other benefits.
