So, in short, yes, exfoliation can be responsible for lightening your skin, both by removing any abnormal or irregular pigmentation in your skin, as well as speeding up the process of losing a suntan.
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.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of skin - and you may be wondering, does exfoliating remove dark spots? Well, sadly they won't be completely gone, but exfoliation will help to diminish the appearance of dark spots.
Unwelcome Results: Over-exfoliation can activates the melanocytes that give the skin it's coloration. Side effects include temporary redness, burning, prolonged scaling, increased sun-sensitivity, a thick build-up of dead skin cells, pigmentation problems, and an uneven skin tone.
Exfoliation can stimulate cell turnover, which can result in your skin surface appearing brighter, smoother, and, in some cases, lighter. Advocates of natural remedies suggest using a paste of baking soda and water as a scrub to clean the accumulation of dead skin cells from your underarms.
Ways to fade a suntan
Gently exfoliating the skin will help remove pigmented dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin. This can reduce the appearance of the tan.
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.
You're exfoliating too harshly.
“Patients sometimes try to aggressively exfoliate dark spots to fade them, but that can often make the problem worse,” says Dr. Choudhury. “Too much scrubbing can darken the hyperpigmentation.”
“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.
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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.
1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! According to the Cleveland Clinic, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid can help exfoliate skin's surface and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.
It may encourage your skin's collagen production and can improve skin thickness – which ultimately reduces (and sometimes, even reverses) the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Thicker skin means fewer wrinkles. This is best is achieved through exfoliation.
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.
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.
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.
Exfoliating can help fade acne scars and give them a smoother appearance.
A simple way to treat white stretch marks is through regular exfoliation. This removes excess dead skin from your body and new skin from your stretch marks. Exfoliating alongside other treatment methods can also enhance your results.
Exfoliate Your Face
Exfoliating your face is a third way to energize your skin after a day in the sun. Take your favorite deep pore facial exfoliant and use the gentle formula to cleanse your skin of any lingering impurities and leave it feeling smooth, soft and clean once you're back inside.
Best practice is to exfoliate before shaving, rather than after. That's because, as Gallo explains, “Exfoliating removes dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which keeps your skin clean, unclogs your pores and helps you achieve a closer shave.
Darkening armpits can be triggered by hormonal disorders, improper shaving, or Acanthosis nigricans. Professor and Interim Chair of Dermatology, Dr. Adam Friedman explains that deodorant or certain medications can also cause armpit darkening.