From dullness, to congestion, smoothness and even helping the skin to absorb products better, exfoliation is a vital step in every woman’s skincare routine. But what is the best way to safely exfoliate your face and what do you need to know? We have teamed up with the experts at SkinCeuticals to tell you everything you need to know.
What is exfoliation?
Exfoliation simply explains the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This can be done in a few ways such as chemical exfoliation using acids like salicylic or glycolic, or physical exfoliation with a cloth or cleansing tool.
Why is it important to exfoliate your skin?
The skin naturally sheds old skin cells during its natural renewal process that happens approximately every 30 days. But sometimes dead skin can hang around and not shed completely which is why you may notice your skin becoming dry, dull and congested. Using skincare that either chemically or physically exfoliates the skin will help it to look brighter, smoother and more even.
How to exfoliate your face
There are two methods of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation is the method used in scrubs, or any exfoliant that uses physical pieces to smooth the skin, looking like tiny bumps within the product. Chemical exfoliation involves acids and advanced ingredients that dissolve dead skin.
Most dermatologists recommend using a chemical exfoliant as mechanical techniques can irritate and damage the skin’s protective barrier. Forget the rugged exfoliants of the early 00s that would leave your skin red and sore, the beauty industry has since moved onto something more advanced. These new-age exfoliants are infused with exfoliating ingredients, such as Glycolic Acid, as well as calming ingredients, like Aloe Vera, to avoid irritation.
Experts in the field of skincare, SkinCeuticals recommend using either a cleanser, toner or serum to add an exfoliating element to your skincare routine. However, when it comes to exfoliation, less is more. Only one step of your skincare routine should involve an exfoliant, as too many can cause irritation and leave the skin exposed and sensitive.
Exfoliating Cleansers
An exfoliating cleanser is a great way of brightening and clearing the skin. What's more, it also clears the way for your skin to absorb subsequent products, making every step of your skincare routine more effective. If you have an oily or blemish-prone complexion, opt for the SkinCeuticals Blemish & Age Cleanser that combines glycolic and salicylic acid to remove makeup while accelerating skin surface exfoliation, brightening the look of the skin.
If you have enlarged pores, try the Simply Clean Gel Cleanser. Enriched with potent hydroxy acids as well as calming aloe vera, the formula purifies the complexion without irritating skin.
Chemical Peel
Clinically proven to deliver results, SkinCeuticals' Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Cream harnesses the power of a chemical peel to supercharge your beauty sleep. Refining rocky textures, this gentle yet effective formula is fuelled by 10% Glycolic Acid and enriched with soothing botanicals to exfoliate the skin without causing irritation. Working overnight, this advanced formula lets you wake up to brighter and smoother skin with a more unified texture.
Exfoliating serums
While you may think of serums as hydrators, they can also be a really effective way of delivering exfoliating acids to the skin. The SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator uses a dual-action technique to simultaneously exfoliate and replenish the skin with moisture. If previous treatments such as peels or physical exfoliation have damaged your skin barrier, this serum also helps to reinforce it for healthier more radiant-looking complexion. You can then follow with your usual moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as the SkinCeuticals Mineral Matte UV Defense.
