Are You Making These Exfoliation Mistakes?

Why is It Important to Exfoliate?

Exfoliation is one of the essential steps for proper skin care. Every day our skin is exposed to environmental pollutants, a buildup of products we use on our skin, and bacteria. Skin is also regenerative and dead skin can accumulate on the surface. Over time, a buildup of these factors can result in a dull appearance and fine lines, excessive breakout, and inflammation, while products have less success penetrating and also accumulate on the skin. Exfoliation removes these factors, exposing brighter, more youthful cells.

What are the Types of Exfoliants?

There are three types of exfoliants: mechanical, scrubs and chemical. Mechanical exfoliants utilize tools such as loofahs, brushes or scrubbing tools to remove dead skin. Scrubs use a grain like substance to physically remove dead skin from the surface. Scrubs can come in the form of sugars, salts, or clays. Chemical exfoliants are the least accessible of the three and it uses products like chemical peels and enzymes to remove dead skin from the surface. All three methods have these common exfoliation mistakes.

Common Exfoliation Mistake: Over Exfoliation

Over exfoliation is the most common of the exfoliation mistakes. While it is a very important step, it is not to be done daily. Over exfoliation can lead to continuing acne, dry skin, and can cause inflammation and infection. It can also lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. When using a physical exfoliant it is best to use gentle circular, motions.

Common Exfoliation Mistake: Wrong Product

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all product for skin care, because everybody has a different skin type. Of all the various exfoliation options, some work better for certain types of skin than others. Using the wrong product for your skin type can exacerbate the problem you were trying to fix. If you are classified as having sensitive skin or use prescription acne creams such as Retin- A, certain exfoliators may cause irritation and scarring. The best way to find out which exfoliant is better for your skin type is to consult a licensed esthetician or dermatologist.

Common Exfoliation Mistake: DIY User Error

Similar to the wrong product for your skin care regimen, if you choose to make your skin care products at home, some people neglect to do proper research. We love to view Youtube success stories and feel we can duplicate the same results on our particular skin. Without proper research, the damage can be costly and sometimes permanent. Skin care professionals study what types of products work best for various skin types and create customized plans based on intimate knowledge of your skin from a consultation.

Seek Professional Help for Proper Exfoliation Techniques

With all the products and methods in the skin care market, it can feel overwhelming. For the best success with your skin care needs and maintenance, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist or esthetician so that together you can devise an optimal skin care plan.

Do you need help developing a skin care routine? We can help.