If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Exfoliate for about 30 seconds and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. Avoid exfoliating if your skin has cuts, open wounds, or is sunburned. Apply moisturizer with SPF after exfoliating.
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
After just 10 minutes you should see an improvement in your complexion if done properly. However, for the real long term and highly noticeable results, it can take 6-8 weeks.
Recommended For You
Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better. Clinique Derm Pro Dr. Michelle Henry gives us her top five reasons to exfoliate daily. Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better.
DON'T rinse off a chemical exfoliant
After exfoliating, don't wash it off right away - the active ingredients take time to absorb into your skin and work their magic! Leave your exfoliant on for about 15-30 minutes to ensure the ingredients dissolve and remove all dead skin cells.
When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.
“Full body exfoliation is great from the mid-20s on, simply because it eliminates dead skin buildup, which can occur that early, depending on genetic makeup,” Dr. Jegasothy says.
If you're using a physical exfoliant:
Gently massage the scrub onto the skin for as long as your specific product recommends, usually from 30 seconds to a full minute.
After exfoliating, make sure you thoroughly rinse away the product and any dead skin cells and then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. ”Apply a moisturizer or shea butter following your [exfoliating] and shower/soak to help your skin retain moisture and look radiant,” advises Burns.
Lack of exfoliation leads to build up of dead skin cells, and could result into dry, dull, patchy, flaky skin, clogged pores, with uneven skin tone.
For example, Palm warns against using an exfoliant more than once per week for folks with a balanced skin type (and recommends using only physical exfoliants that have a very fine and gentle texture). Those who have combination or oily skin can exfoliate “up to three times weekly,” according to Marchbein.
Whether your acne is mild or more severe, regular exfoliation will smooth and soften the skin and brighten your complexion. It also helps reduce breakouts by keeping the pores from becoming clogged with the pus of dead cells and sebum (skin oil).
Use your scrubbing tool to gently move along your bikini line in a small circular motion to remove dead skin cells that may be clogging up the pores. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the area. Allow the exfoliate to sit on your skin for up to 3 minutes. Rinse the area well.
First, don't exfoliate more than twice a week. Second, wash your face first. Preferably with a face cleanser that not only takes the dirt and grime off your face, but also hydrates and rejuvenates it so your skin doesn't feel dry and tight after you wash.
Exfoliating is actually a must for an anti-aging skincare routine. By exfoliating away dead, dull skin cells, you're revealing brighter, newer skin underneath and also increasing cellular turnover, softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr Ritu advises that you don't really need to exfoliate, particularly if you're on the younger side. Let's face it, you're rocking that youthful glow anyway! Your regular cleansing routine should be enough to keep your skin clean and healthy and can promote exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Physical exfoliation
Sweep a small amount of the the exfoliant onto damp skin in circular motions using very light pressure to prevent irritation and micro-tears in skin, the GH Beauty Lab suggests. When applying, avoid the eye area. Rinse the exfoliant off of your face, then pat skin dry with a towel.
How Often Should Teens Exfoliate If They Decide To? Most sources suggest exfoliating 2-3 days a week, but no more than that. Exfoliating too much can hurt and irritate the skin regardless of what skin type teens have. Not only does this and the previous information apply to the face, but it also applies to the body.
Typically, exfoliating does not cause acne. In fact, in most cases, exfoliating can help minimize acne when performed properly as part of an acne treatment program. Beware though, if exfoliating is done improperly or too often, it can bring on problems. If you use a scrub, use as directed and be gentle.
Occasional gentle exfoliation is generally fine for the skin, but exfoliating skin with acne can cause inflammation and redness. Blemishes can't be scrubbed away. In fact, too much scrubbing can cause irritation and make things worse. Remember, your skin is a sensitive organ and should be treated gently.
According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.
If you tend to wear makeup throughout the day, it may be better to exfoliate at night, Dr. Gonzalez says. “Exfoliating at night helps clear out makeup and dirt on the skin,” she says. Exfoliating at night also removes oil and debris from the day.