There are a few general rules to follow, though. 1) It's good to exfoliate at night in order to encourage skin repair while you sleep—but if you use harsh and irritating ingredients like retinol at night, opt for exfoliating in the morning. 2) Watch out for red, irritated skin and little bumps.
Using an exfoliating scrub twice a day is generally not recommended. Most skin types benefit from exfoliation only 1-3 times a week, depending on the scrub's formulation and your skin's sensitivity. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, redness, and a compromised skin barrier.
You should cleanse first and then exfoliate. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin, allowing the exfoliation process to be more effective. Exfoliating after cleansing helps to slough off dead skin cells and can enhance the absorption of other skincare products you may use afterward.
Plus, the best time to exfoliate your face is at night before bed. This way, you can follow-up with a hydrating night cream and let all that delish moisture soak on in. If you are new to exfoliation and have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist.
Important: if this same patch of skin is also irritated, red or itchy, that is a sure sign not to exfoliate.
It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier.
While you might want to have glowing, freshly-exfoliated skin every day, over-exfoliating can cause damage to your skin and its natural barrier. Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.
“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
“The best practice is to avoid over-scrubbing because you want to maintain a healthy and intact skin barrier,” Dr. Khalifian notes. Going too hard can leave your skin red and irritated. Use it after cleansing, and always follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration.
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.
Choose products specifically tailored for use under the eyes—check labels to make sure there's no warning against using the product near the eyes. Only exfoliate the skin under the eyes and on the corners where crow's feet form, not the eyelids or directly under the lash line.
"Nothing happens if you don't exfoliate — you just walk around with bumpy or slightly dry skin, which is inconsequential except for cosmetic reasons," Dr. Reynolds says. "No one has to exfoliate, but it can be helpful to exfoliate the arms and legs," she adds.
“The concept behind double cleansing is to first remove whatever is on the skin (think: makeup, sunscreen, dirt, oil, and buildup from the day), and then cleansing the skin a second time to actually get the skin clean.” The methodology has its origins in Korea as a mainstay in K-beauty rituals, though it has risen in ...
Is toner necessary? Toner is not an essential part of your skincare regime but something of an extra boost that can enhance and enrich your routine. For many skincare enthusiasts, it's a must!
After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.
The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.
For exfoliation, a body scrub is the go-to option. Exfoliation is its sole purpose, sloughing off dead skin cells for incredibly soft and smooth skin. A dry brush, on the other hand, does exfoliate your skin a bit but its real magic lies in its benefits for your circulation.
Pro Tip: If you're in a pinch and want to exfoliate your lips, you can DIY your own lip scrub with one part oil and two parts fine sugar. (4) You can also apply a drop or two of oil onto a soft-bristled toothbrush and lightly rub back and forth over your lips before rinsing.
Soak the feet in warm water to soften the dead skin. Wet the pumice stone or foot file with warm water. Gently rub the pumice stone or foot file over the dead skin or callus. Use circular motions with a pumice stone and gentle back-and-forth motions with a foot file.