Did you know that exfoliating your skin the wrong way can cause more harm than good? The skin naturally renews itself after 28 days, and dead skin cells start to peel off. Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells, enhances blood circulation, and gives you a bright, youthful appearance. If done wrongly, you can end up with irritated skin, black spots, and even cracks on your surface. With these tips, you can safely exfoliate your skin without causing any damage.

1.     Know your skin type

Knowing your skin type will help you to choose the best method of exfoliation for you. People with dry, sensitive skin should stay away from mechanical exfoliation because it will irritate their skin more. Instead, they should opt for a mild chemical exfoliator that will separate the skin from dead skin cells without scrubbing. If your skin is oily, normal, and healthy, mechanical exfoliators will work best. 

2.     Be gentle

Most people think that scrubbing your face with the store-bought scrub until you feel a burn is the best way. Unfortunately, exfoliating your skin for too long or doing it with harsh chemicals and products will only tear your skin and remove its protective barrier. This is especially true if you just went through laser hair removal. Your skin is still sensitive and needs to be treated with care. LaserAll recommends you start exfoliating at least 72 hours after your treatment. When it’s time to exfoliate, gently apply the product and scrub with gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds. Follow directions for chemical products to avoid going past the recommended time. Cleanse the face gently immediately after the time lapses and pat yourself dry with a clean towel. 

3.     Prepare the skin

Before applying any form of exfoliator, you have to prepare the surface first. Gently cleanse your skin using some coconut oil or any cleanser, especially if you use makeup. Follow up with a wash using some soap and warm water to remove any oils on your skin and then pat yourself dry. If you are going to use a chemical exfoliator, you may need to use the pre-wet wipes that come with the package to clean your skin. It always helps to use a loofah, exfoliating gloves, or body brush before you start exfoliating. 

4. Apply moisturizer after

Exfoliating leaves the skin stripped of natural oils and moisture. Although not all the moisture will be lost, it’s important to follow exfoliating with a good moisturizer. This protects your skin from becoming overly sensitive. Don’t leave the house without sunscreen and use moisturizers that have ultra-hydrating oils if you enjoy hot showers. Other great alternatives are glycerin, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. They lock the moisture deep in the skin and prevent excessive dryness and oiliness.   

Exfoliation should be one of the steps in your weekly skincare routine. Make sure to use a gentle product to get rid of those dead skin cells. If you follow up with proper nutrition and water intake, exfoliation can give you a bright, youthful, and healthy skin. 

Mandy X

Photo by kevin laminto on Unsplash

Author: Mandy Kloppers

Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.