Spring is finally here! And it's not just our wardrobes that need a refresh. Our skin also requires some care to shed the remnants of winter and to prepare it for the upcoming summer months.
After months of harsh weather conditions, our skin often becomes dry, flaky, and dull. Also, as we age our cell turnover rate decreases, making exfoliation necessary. This accumulation of dead skin cells not only makes the complexion appear lacklustre but also impedes the absorption of skincare products, making them less effective. Enter exfoliation: the process of sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal fresh, radiant skin.
By incorporating gentle exfoliants into your skincare regimen, you can effectively remove the buildup of dead skin cells, unclog pores, brighten and even skin tone and promote cell turnover. NOW is the ideal time to ramp up your exfoliation routine. During the summer months, when our skin is more susceptible to sun damage, we want to dial back on exfoliation.
While exfoliation is beneficial to the skin, it's crucial to strike a balance, especially if your skin barrier is compromised. If you're experiencing sensitivity, reactivity, or frequent breakouts, proceed with caution. Over-exfoliation can exacerbate these issues, further compromising the skin's barrier and leading to inflammation and irritation.
Exfoliation Basics
- We never want to be rough with our skin, even if it is not sensitive. Your skin should never sting or burn with exfoliation products.
- Exfoliate a maximum of twice a week, though once a week is often enough.
- Make sure you are not over exfoliating by having exfoliants in more than one or 2 of your products. If your mask or serum has an exfoliant (ie. glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid) in it, make sure to space out these products and not use them every day.
- Adding a physical exfoliator to a cleanser can help make it less abrasive for sensitive skin and is a time-saver in your routine.
Types of Exfoliants
1. Chemical exfoliants: Non-abrasive acids that help loosen up skin cells and unclog pores and increase cell turnover. Some types can go deeper into the skin offering more pore-clearing capabilities.
- AHA chemical exfoliants are ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
- BHA chemical exfoliants are ideal for oily, acne-prone skin types.
- Some chemical exfoliants offer both AHAs + BHAs and many at home concentrations can be used by all skin types, with the exception of compromised skin, once a week.
Examples exfoliating acid include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid and lactic acid.
Oresta's picks: LILFOX Acid Glow, Josh Rosebrook Daily Acid Glow, Kahina Antioxidant Masque
2. Physical exfoliants: Often use powdered grains or nuts to help physically lift dead skin cells and debris from the top layer of skin. It is important to use very gentle circular motions when using a physical exfoliant to not damage the skin. For sensitive skin, choose a gentle very fine physical exfoliant.
Oresta's picks: Eminence Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant, Blissoma Fresh Mild Rice Cleanser, Laurel Almond Rose Exfoliant
3. Enzymatic exfoliants: Similar to chemical exfoliants, they are a non-abrasive exfoliants, they are often naturally derived from fruit and work to breakdown the dead skin cells. They do not actively increase cell turnover, however. These are excellent solutions for more sensitive skin types.
Oresta's picks: LILFOX Moss Hydra-Bright Mask, Josh Rosebrook Active Enzymatic Exfoliant, Laurel Honey Berry Mask