What to use to exfoliate

There are different methods and tools to exfoliate skin. Facial scrubs and brushes are forms of mechanical, or physical, exfoliation. Acids and skin peels are forms of chemical exfoliation.

Mechanical

Exfoliating brush. This is usually a bristle brush used on the face or body to remove layers of dead skin cells. Some are designed for dry brushing. Others can be used with your facial cleanser or body wash.

Exfoliation sponge. These are a gentler way to exfoliate skin. You can lather an exfoliating sponge with warm water, soap, or body wash in the shower.

Exfoliating glove. If you find brushes or sponges difficult to grip, you can use a glove. Lather it with soap or body wash in the shower. They can be effective for large areas such as legs or arms.

Exfoliating scrub. This can be applied directly to the skin using a gentle, circular motion. You can wash your skin with warm water after applying the scrub.

Chemical

Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Examples of AHAs include glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids. These work by breaking apart bonds holding dull and dead skin cells on your skin’s surface. This will cause your skin to naturally shed dead particles.

Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Examples of BHAs include beta hydroxyl and salicylic acid. These may be better for acne-prone skin.

How to exfoliate your skin by skin type

When mechanically exfoliating, it’s important to be gentle on your skin. You can make small, circular motions using your finger to apply a scrub or use your exfoliating tool of choice.

If you use a brush, make short, light strokes. Exfoliate for about 30 seconds and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. Avoid exfoliating if your skin has cuts, open wounds, or is sunburned. Apply moisturizer with SPF after exfoliating.

Dry skin

Exfoliation is important for dry or flaky skin. Avoid mechanical exfoliation on dry skin, because the process is drying and it can lead to microtears. AHAs are effective for dry skin.

Glycolic acid will help remove dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin and encourage healthy skin turnover. Follow up with an SPF and moisturizer after using glycolic acid. It can make the skin more prone to sun damage.

Sensitive skin

Avoid scrubbing or using mechanical methods of exfoliation. These will irritate your skin further and can lead to redness.

Use a mild chemical exfoliator and apply with a gentle washcloth. For acne, you can also try a salicylic acid peel at your dermatologist’s office.

Oily skin

Oily or thicker skin can benefit from manual exfoliation and brushing. Oily skin may have an extra layer of buildup on the surface that manual exfoliation can remove. Gently use an exfoliator or scrub in circular motions for best results.

Normal skin

If your skin doesn’t have any complications, you can choose any method of exfoliation. Manual and chemical exfoliation are both safe for this skin type. You may need to experiment to find out which method works best for your skin.

Combination skin

Combination skin may require a mix of mechanical and chemical exfoliation. Never use both on the same day as it can irritate skin. If your skin feels dry after exfoliation, use a moisturizer immediately after.

Exfoliation by body part

Take care when exfoliating sensitive areas of the body, including the face. Exfoliating these areas too often can lead to dryness, redness, and itchiness.

Face

The type of exfoliant to use on your face depends on your skin type. To exfoliate your face mechanically with a scrub, apply gently to the skin with a finger. Rub in small, circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water.

For a chemical exfoliant that’s a liquid, apply with a cotton pad or washcloth. Work with a dermatologist to determine which type of exfoliation is safe for your skin.

Arms and legs

The easiest way to exfoliate your arms and legs is with a brush, sponge, or glove. This can help get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. Look for a body scrub at your local pharmacy or online and lather with it in the shower. You can also try dry brushing.

Feet and hands

There are scrubs and peels available to exfoliate feet and hands. You can also use a pumice stone to exfoliate feet.

Pubic area

You can use a loofah or body brush to exfoliate your bikini line and pubic area. Always do this in a warm shower to soften skin first. Apply scrub gently and wash thoroughly afterward.

How often should you exfoliate

How often to exfoliate depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliation you’re using. Some chemical exfoliants can be strong, for example. In general, exfoliating skin one to two times a week is enough to be effective for dry skin.

Oily skin may require more frequent exfoliation. Avoid over-exfoliating as it can lead to redness and irritation. Talk to your dermatologist if you need help figuring out how often it’s safe for you to exfoliate.

Exfoliating benefits

The benefits of exfoliation include:

removing dead skin cells

improving circulation

encouraging skin turnover, resulting in brighter skin

allowing for better absorption of moisturizers and serums

When to stop exfoliating

Stop exfoliating if you notice your skin is red, inflamed, peeling, or irritated. Avoid exfoliation if you also use certain medications or acne products, including retinol and benzoyl peroxide. It may make your skin worse or lead to breakouts.

Tricks of Staying Young Forever

Pat, don’t rub, on your anti-aging serums

In general, serums contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than a moisturizer. The best anti-aging ingredients to look out for are vitamin A derivatives known as  (retinol, tretinoin, and tazarotene) and vitamin c (L-ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate). As well as increasing collagen in your skin, they also act as antioxidants to soak up the biological and environmental oxidative stress that builds up to cause aging.

If you’re new to serums, you can try this affordable, vegan, and cruelty-free vitamin c Serum— although the formulation doesn’t allow for a serum-like texture.

THE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED

So, what are the best ingredients to look for if you want to tackle ageing and manage your oily skin at the same time?

AHAs: such as lactic and glycolic acid to help refine the skin.

BHAs: such as salicylic acid to help clean out the pores.

B3 Niacinamide: to help balance excess oil and even skin tone.

Zinc oxide: because consistent, diligent sun protection is a must.

Retinol: to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.

Hyaluronic acid: for a boost of hydration.

CAN TONERS HELP?

Toners aren’t necessary, however people with oily skin often like the fresh feel of a toner. Dr Hkeik says, “Toners are good for de-greasing the skin and removing any extra cleanser you may have applied whilst removing your makeup but are not essential.”

YOUR CLEANSER MATTERS

If you’re an oily skin type, any cleanser with a gel base is excellent. “Gentle fruit enzymes and salicylic are amazing for cleansing the skin without stripping its NMF (natural moisturising factor),” Dr Hkeik says.

“Cleansers with exfoliating agents can also be beneficial, as they smooth and refine skin texture and pore size while controlling excess oil,” Sam adds.

THE ALTERNATIVES TO HEAVY ANTI-AGEING CREAMS

“The biggest misconception with moisturisers and hydrators is that if we apply them they will stimulate our sebum production. “The most important thing to remember is if we use the appropriate hydrators, whether that’s an emulsion, serum, or cream with the appropriate ingredients – like retinol, AHAs, BHAs,  or B3 – and the correct delivery system, you will avoid contributing to oiliness.”

As you can imagine, eye contour serums have a lighter and oil-free formula than creams. Eye serums, which generally contain anti-aging ingredients, are more effective for wrinkles, dark circles, swelling and elasticity around the eyes. Focusing on active ingredients rather than moisturizing, serums are designed for specific complaints around the eyes. Although not as intense and moisturizing as a cream, you can opt for serums for their antioxidant, retinol and anti-aging peptide content. If you do not have a dryness problem around your eyes, but you think that problems such as dark circles and wrinkles stand out, then you can go for a lighter formula.

To apply the around-the-eye serum, squeeze a hazelnut-sized drop on your fingertip and gently massage the area around your eyes. Take care to massage out to reduce the outer lines and soften the expression lines. Since the skin is very thin and prone to sagging, you should not be rubbing the eye circumference too severely. If you regularly perform this illuminating eye care process, tissue swelling and dark under-eye rings are reduced.