How to Exfoliate Your Skin: The Essential Guide

Did you know that your skin naturally renews itself every 28 days? But as you get older, this process starts to slow down. And when old skin cells build up, it can result in a rough, dull complexion.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution. Exfoliation allows you to make up for the slowdown in your skin’s cell cycle, restoring its radiance. Ready to learn everything there is to know about how to exfoliate your face?

Let’s start.

The benefits of exfoliation

Exfoliation is its process removing dead skin cells to help promote skin renewal. Your skin does this naturally, but you can also help it along with skincare products and tools. Exfoliation also helps strengthen your skin barrier, which protects the top layer of your skin from external stressors such as UV rays or pollution.

Why add it to your skincare routine? Here are some benefits of exfoliation:

• Supports natural collagen levels improving skin elasticity
• Helps reduce imperfections such as fine lines, dark spots or post-acne scars
• Helps stimulate cell turnover, evens out skin tone and texture

Types of exfoliation

There are two main methods of exfoliation. First, physical exfoliation, in which you use abrasive tools or products — such as brushes or products with sugar or salt. Then there is chemical exfoliationusing different acid enzymes, such as beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Both options have their pros and cons. But, Chemical exfoliants are generally a better option for your faceas natural exfoliants can be too harsh for sensitive areas of your skin.

Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)

One of The most effective BHAs are salicylic acid, which is fat soluble and penetrates deep into the skin. It works particularly well for blemish-prone or textured skin, helping to soothe, reduce redness and slough off dead skin cells.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

How about AHAs? If they sound familiar, you’ve probably heard of glycolic acid. This powerful age-defying ingredient has excellent exfoliating and restorative benefits thanks to its ability to quickly penetrate the skin.

“Glycolic acid smoothes skin with gentle exfoliation, helps with fine lines and wrinkles, and even improves texture. In short, it brightens dull skin!”

– Dr. Anna Paré, President of Dermatology Consultants

How to exfoliate your face, step by step

Before you start: Choose the right exfoliant for your type or concern

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to facial exfoliants. So make sure you choose a product that suits your specific skin type. You’ll also want to pay attention to the concentration of exfoliating acids, especially if it’s your first time or if you have sensitive skin.

Here are our top recommendations:

Exfoliating for dry or sensitive skin

Glicoisdin soft cream is a rejuvenating treatment for all skin types, and especially for dry skin. Contains 3.2% free glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin and blur fine lines. It also contains ceramide and borage oil to boost your skin’s elasticity and moisture levels.

For oily or acne-prone skin

Glicoisdin Moderate Gel it is ideal for combination or oily and acne-prone skin. It’s formulated with soothing ingredients and 6.1% free glycolic acid to boost cell turnover, even out skin tone and improve texture.

For skin with uneven pigmentation

Glicoisdin Intense Gel it’s perfect for skin that has an uneven tone. It’s formulated with 9.5% free glycolic acid to exfoliate, fight dark spots and blur fine lines. Plus, soothing aloe vera helps minimize the chance of irritation.

Step 1: Gently cleanse and dry your skin

First of all: remove any impurities that may have accumulated on your face during the day. This prepares your skin for the next steps, making your evening skincare routine (including exfoliation) more effective.

Step 2: Apply your favorite eye contour cream

The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest on the face. This means that a specific cream for this area is essential, but also that it should precede exfoliants. Applying an eye contour cream first will ensure that this delicate area absorbs the ingredients it needs — and help protect it from any irritations from the next step.

Step 3: Add your exfoliator

Usually, it is best to exfoliate your skin afternoon to give your skin’s protective barrier time to regenerate overnight. After applying eye cream, apply your exfoliating cream or gel – do your best to avoid your eyes, mouth and nostrils. Gently massage into your skin until fully absorbed.

Step 4: Massage in moisturizer

Depending on your skin’s needs, you can follow the exfoliation with a revitalizing night cream to minimize the chances of irritation. Moreover, you will lock in essential moisture.

The next morning: Use sunscreen

You already know how important it is to apply sunscreen every day — and even more so if you exfoliated your skin the night before. Exfoliating products containing AHAs can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun and increase the chance of sunburn. Make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure.

Tips for a perfect exfoliation routine

How often should I exfoliate my skin?

When it comes to exfoliation, the golden rule is to start inside moderation. If you choose a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid, try starting with a low concentration, increasing as your skin adjusts.

During the first week of use, apply your product every other night. Then come up to nightly in the coming weeks. Exfoliating your skin with harsh products or too often (more than 2-3 times a week) can end up doing more harm than good.

Can I use the same exfoliator for my face and body?

It’s better if you don’t. Keep in mind that the skin on the body is usually thicker and more durable than the skin on the face. Therefore, it is a good idea to use products designed specifically for each area.

The last word

So, what are the basic steps on how to exfoliate your skin? Exfoliate with specific products for your skin type, moisturize daily and, of course, Make sure to wear sunscreen with a high protection factor every day!

Rreferences:

Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids
Barbara A Green 1, Ruey J Yu, Eugene J Van Scott


Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxyacids
Philipp Babilas, Ulrich Knie, Christoph Abels


Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review
Jaishree Sharad


Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars
Georgios Kontochristopoulos, Eftychia Platsidaki 


Topical urea in skincare: A review
Leonardo Celleno