Shower, wash your face, brush your teeth, and apply day cream. These are the usual things we do every day. Some even add skin exfoliation to the mix. But is it really necessary?
The skin loses thousands of cells a day. This is quite normal and natural. In young people, skin is renewed on average in a 25-day cycle. The older we get, the slower this process becomes. As a result, skin cells accumulate excessively in the skin. Exfoliation removes these old cells and gives new cells a chance to grow again. But is it really necessary to exfoliate the skin?
How is Exfoliation Done?
Exfoliation is done by using a scrub, that is, a cream that contains a granular substance. The friction between the granular substance and the skin thins the stratum corneum layer and restores softness to the skin.
If you have normal or oily skin, a scrub is definitely good for your skin.
Skin Problems Are Becoming More Common
As a rule, skin exfoliation is not always necessary. Normal, healthy skin does not need the extra irritation of scrubbing away dead skin cells to function as it should. However, more and more people are suffering from skin problems. Sometimes, it’s good to lend a helping hand to the skin’s renewal process. Exfoliation is a good idea if you suffer from rough or impure skin. It is equally necessary and wise for all skin types, though.
How Often Should I Exfoliate My Skin?
Don’t exfoliate the skin too often. It is not necessary every day and can cause dryness and irritation. Once a week is often sufficient for both body and face. The advice of a skin specialist or skin therapist can more or less suggest this. Those with severely dry or sensitive skin need more attention; only exfoliate the skin once every two weeks.
Body Scrub
There are many different ways to exfoliate. However, it is best to distinguish between face and body. For example, the body has slightly thicker and harder skin than the face, so a rough scrub can be used. A dry brush or gloves can be used for “scrubbing”; in any case, do not strain the skin. Light circular movements that go over the skin are fine.
Face Scrub
What about the face? You need to be a little more careful. For example, rough scrubbing is not recommended for the face, as the skin is often thinner and more sensitive. This allows the skin to react more quickly. Therefore, always use a gentle scrub or choose an exfoliator. Note: It is not wise to exfoliate if you have scars, burns, or eczema. Doing so may cause further irritation and damage the skin.
Scrub Products
Both body and face can be scrubbed, but be careful about your product.
To remove dead skin cells from the face, it is better to choose a liquid exfoliant that unclogs pores from the inside. They contain skin-friendly acidic ingredients that penetrate deep into the pores to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin barrier. Because they work deeper than traditional scrubs, they are both more effective and gentler on the skin.
If you still want to use a classic facial scrub, always choose an adapted scrub with very fine particles, preferably water-soluble jojoba beads. Always wet your face and do not scrub more than once a week.
Do not be too thorough. As the dead skin is removed, new skin appears beneath it, and we want to avoid damaging it. If not handled with care, irritation and scarring will result, which is the opposite of what you want.
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