Exfoliating your skin can remove dead cells and provide lots of benefits for your skin health. However, you can only reap the rewards from exfoliation if you do it properly. Otherwise, it could end up doing more harm than good! What are some key do’s and don’ts of exfoliating your skin at home? This blog post explains.
Do Use a Chemical Exfoliant
There are two main categories of exfoliants: chemical and physical. Physical exfoliants use ingredients like ground nutshells, sugar, and salt to rub away dead skin cells. Unfortunately, they can be rough on the facial skin and end up harming it. Chemical exfoliants, such as those containing AHAs, BHAs, and fruit enzymes, are gentler while still providing noticeable results.
Do Not Overdo It
When it comes to skincare, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Exfoliating too frequently could harm your skin’s natural barriers. If you ever notice extra redness or irritation after exfoliating, that is a sign you are overdoing it. Many experts recommend exfoliation just twice a week or so. (Exfoliation product labels usually provide guidance on how often they should be used, but you may need to adjust your usage according to your skin type.)
Do Exfoliate at Night
Exfoliating your skin reveals a fresh layers of cells, which may be somewhat sensitive. The last thing you want to do is immediately expose these fresh cells to sunlight and other irritants. Therefore, you should exfoliate at night so your skin can rest for several hours afterward.
Do Not Exfoliate after Laser Treatments or Peels
Laser treatments and peels can make your skin extra-sensitive for a while. Exfoliating too soon after one of these services could cause irritation and even outright pain. Listen to your treatment provider’s instructions about how to care for your skin after any professional therapy.
Do Maintain a Good Skincare Routine
Exfoliation by itself is simply a means of removing dead cells. It should be complemented by a complete skincare routine that delivers important moisturizers and nutrients to help your skin enjoy optimum health. Products that contain antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients can be particularly beneficial.
Do Not Forget Your Body
It is great to exfoliate your face, but the skin on the rest of your body needs care as well! Because body skin is not as sensitive as facial skin, it should be fine to use a physical exfoliant. Doing so once or twice a week can make it easier for your body skin to absorb moisture, as well as look and feel fabulous.
Exfoliating should be part of your routine! Keep the above do’s and don’ts in mind so you can enjoy a beautiful glow without irritating your skin.
Meet the Practice
At Natural Beauty Med Spa, we want our clients to love their skin! That is why we offer a number of skin rejuvenation treatments, including facials, laser treatments, and more. We also sell professional-grade skincare products that can take your routine to the next level. If you would like to learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, contact our Chicago office at 312-981-1291.
