Immediately after any exfoliation, the skin will appear slightly red and puffy. However, if the redness and irritation linger for hours or into the next day, you can be sure that you've gone a bit too far.
Dryness and flakiness
A routine heavy on exfoliation can cause a dry, flaky complexion. You may notice dry skin and flaky patches on the face that indicate the skin has been stripped of its moisture barrier.
For people with acne, it may take up to 8 weeks to see an improvement in the condition of their skin. For anti-aging benefits, it may take even longer to see the results. In general, consistent and regular exfoliation is important for maintaining the benefits of exfoliation.
Exfoliating simply speeds up the process by buffing away the dead skin cells from the surface of our skin. Plus, you'll also sweep away dirt and bacteria at the same time. This keeps our skin smooth, soft and glowing with radiance.
The sebum produced by the sebaceous glands can cause dead cells to stick together. These clumps of dead skin can lead to clogged pores and a buildup on the skin's surface. In addition, excess oil production can also prevent exfoliating acids from doing their job correctly.
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.
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.
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.
Skin purges are usually triggered by chemicals that exfoliate your skin, such as retinols, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Flaky skin can be made worse by not applying a moisturizing product after exfoliating. If you only remove the dead skin without protecting the new skin underneath, it can lead to rough skin and uneven texture. Some people even experience peeling skin because the texture is so dry and rough.
You might be tempted at this point to over-exfoliate in an attempt to speed up the process even more. Don't. Harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing can create irritation, which will trigger more inflammation and make dark spots darker.
“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.
“Over-exfoliating damages the skin barrier, which helps keep the skin balanced, nourished and protected from environmental factors,” agrees Dr. Yadav. Redness, dry skin and flaking, as well as breakouts, can indicate that you've gone too far.
Dull Complexion
Without regular exfoliation, dead skin cells can accumulate over time, casting a dull shadow over your natural radiance. This veil prevents light from reflecting off the skin's surface uniformly, leading to a complexion that looks uneven and fatigued.
Dry, sensitive skin
For people with dry or sensitive skin, exfoliating twice a week is the maximum frequency dermatologists recommend. You may want to exfoliate only once a week or even every other week if you use products that can cause dryness and irritation, such as retinoids.
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.
Should a person cleanse or exfoliate first? Cleansing washes away dirt, makeup, and other skin impurities. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Cleansing first may remove surface-level dirt, allowing for better access to dead skin cells when exfoliating.
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.
As your over-exfoliation worsens, your skin can become dry and flaky. Dry skin builds up dead skin cells faster, so you're more likely to see a layer of dead skin over the surface of your skin. This layer of dead skin can cause dry skin to look very dull. You may also see more redness than usual with dry skin.
If an exfoliant is right for you, you should start to see results with smoother skin and reduced hyperpigmentation after within 2 months or 8 weeks. Continuous use is required to maintain results. Tip: Make sure not to over exfoliate!
What does dead skin look like? Dead skin is a natural part of the human body's renewal process. It often appears as rough, dry, or flaky patches on the outermost layer of skin. In more severe cases, it can lead to calluses, especially on the soles of the feet.
A Korean body scrub, or seshin, is a traditional exfoliation treatment performed in Korean bathhouses. Using textured mitts, the skin is vigorously scrubbed after a steam or soak to remove dead skin cells and reveal smooth, rejuvenated skin.