Exfoliate, is it safe and suitable for all skin types?

Every day your body produces millions of dead skin cells. If not cleaned, dead skin cells will build up and cause various skin problems. Exfoliating helps treat this by exfoliating the build-up of dead skin layers.

The importance of exfoliating for the skin

The skin naturally sheds its outer layer once a month. This layer is actually self-exfoliating. However, the rate at which the skin is exfoliated slows down as you age.

If the dead layers of skin don't peel off, new cells underneath can't appear on the surface of the skin, leaving the skin looking dull and dry. In addition, the accumulated dead skin cells can clog pores and cause acne.

Exfoliating is very important because this treatment helps the skin speed up the exfoliation process and soothes several skin conditions. That is why exfoliation is one of the best treatments for the skin.

Apart from speeding up the natural process of exfoliating the skin, this treatment also provides other benefits. The skin becomes brighter because the accumulated skin cells have been cleared and the blood flow to the face becomes smoother.

Procedure which is also known as peeling It also enhances the potency of facial and skin care products. The reason is, the skin layer is more easily penetrated by the product skincare so that the benefits will be more optimal.

Types of skin and facial exfoliation treatments

There are two ways to exfoliate. First, physically with a brush or scrubbing to remove dead skin cells. Meanwhile, the second method uses chemicals by applying acid to the skin to dissolve dead skin cells.

Here are the differences between the two.

1.Chemical exfoliation (chemical peels)

Chemical peels can be said to be a chemical exfoliant because it uses chemicals to improve skin texture by removing the top layer of skin. This treatment is carried out to rejuvenate the skin, for example, to overcome wrinkles, uneven skin texture, and to restore damaged facial skin.

Chemical exfoliation is usually done by professionals such as a dermatologist. The doctor will initially ask you about certain skin complaints, skin health history, and medicines that you have used.

This method is safe for the skin, however You can't do it alone. Chemical peels is basically medical treatment. To do chemical peels carelessly the risk of causing side effects and permanent skin damage.

Even so, you can still use the product skin care contains exfoliator-like chemicals alpha and beta-hydroxy acid (AHA and BHA). Always use the exfoliator product as directed so that the exfoliating process does not become excessive.

Speaking of results, chemical peels can improve skin texture and tone, and remove facial wrinkles. In the first procedure the results may not look optimal. However, optimal results are seen gradually.

2.Physical exfoliation (scrub)

Besides chemical peels, Another popular option for exfoliating the dead skin layer is scrubbing. There are many products that offer advantages scrub based on basic ingredients scrub used.

Scrub for the face and body exfoliation usually made of natural ingredients, ranging from salt and sugar, oatmeal, to the pumice stone. Regardless of the type, the most important thing is to choose the ingredients with the benefits that best suit your needs.

Scrub very useful for preventing clogged pores and the appearance of blackheads and pimples. Unfortunately, scrubbing does not get rid of pimples. On the face with acne, use scrub actually increases the risk of inflammation.

Unlike chemical peels, exfoliate using scrub can be done independently. However, avoid pressing scrub too hard on the skin as this can cause irritation, redness, and a burning sensation on the skin.

Scrubbing can be done one to two times a week to maintain cleanliness and skin health. After scrub, skin will look cleaner, softer, and brighter. Even so, keep that in mind scrubbing not necessarily suitable for everyone.

The best time to exfoliate the skin

The exfoliation process is useful for reducing dull skin and improving skin condition. However, this treatment still should not be done excessively. Exfoliating time depends on your skin type.

Every individual has different skin types, such as dry or sensitive skin, oily and acne prone skin, combination skin, and mature skin who begin to age. These four skin types require different exfoliating times.

Here are the best times to exfoliate for each skin type.

1. Dry or sensitive skin

The recommended exfoliation time for dry or sensitive skin types is at least 1-2 times per week. However, it should be noted that using harsh exfoliating products too often can irritate the skin.

According to aesthetic expert, Elena Duque, sensitive facial skin types require an exfoliator that contains glycolic acid. In addition, you can also choose chemical exfoliating products that contain them moisturizer and formulated for sensitive skin.

2. Oily or acne prone skin

Exfoliate for oily or acne-prone facial types 2-3 times a week. The recommended product choice is a chemical exfoliator containing salicylic acid. This material can absorb oil, thereby reducing sebum on the face.

3. Combination skin

Combination skin is a combination of oily or acne-prone skin types, as well as dry or sensitive skin on other areas of the face. The recommended facial exfoliation treatment time for this skin type is two to three times per week.

You can still use a physical or chemical type of exfoliator, for example scrub, products with certain acid content, or enzymes. Take a look at their effect on your skin to determine which exfoliator works best for you.

4. Mature skin

Mature skin is skin that begins to show signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. For those of you who have mature skin, facial skin exfoliation can be done twice per week using a chemical exfoliator.

You can choose an exfoliator product that contains alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). This content is much sought after because of its skin tightening properties so that it can delay signs of premature aging.

How to exfoliate safely

So that the process of removing dead skin cells that you are doing provides benefits, pay attention to the following steps.

1. Know your skin type

Your skin type determines what treatment you should do and how often you need to do it. So, get to know your skin type first before doing any treatment, including exfoliating.

2. Choose the right care products

Once you have identified your own skin type and needs, it will be easier to choose the right product. You can determine if your skin type is suitable using glycolic acid, AHA and BHA, scrub, as well as other materials.

Avoid ingredients that can reduce skin moisture such as benzoyl peroxide or retinol. Make sure you always clean too scrub, brushes, and towels to clean the face both before and after use.

3. Create a regular schedule

Everyone's needs for exfoliation are different. Some only need to do it twice a week, and some are more frequent. Schedule exfoliation with scrub also may be different from chemical peels with the doctor.

This is the importance of making a regular schedule. At the very least, remember how many times you should exfoliate your skin in a week. For example, if you need to exfoliate twice a week, try to do it regularly on Wednesdays and Sundays.

4. Select the appropriate method

Dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin is recommended to choose a treatment with a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator. Meanwhile, for oily skin types, choose chemical treatment products that are stronger in salicylic acid levels and help scrub or brush.

5. Exfoliate properly and carefully

Before exfoliating, clean the surface of the skin first and rinse with warm water to open the pores. Then, apply the product or scrub on the skin slowly in a circular motion.

Do this for 30 seconds and rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry gently with a dry towel. After that, apply skin moisturizer evenly so that skin moisture is maintained.

Errors in exfoliation that need to be avoided

Sometimes the skin may not develop even though you are diligent in using it scrub or products skincare contains a chemical exfoliator. This problem is usually caused by the following errors.

1. Do not regularly or too often do exfoliation

For optimal results, you need to exfoliate your skin regularly. If it is too rare, the results may not be visible. However, if done to excess, the skin can actually become irritated and appear reddish.

2. Just focus on T-zone

All areas of the face must produce dead skin cells. Unfortunately, not a few miss this because skin problems generally appear most often in the area T-zone consisting of the forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks.

In fact, all areas of the face need to get the same care. So, don't let you forget other areas of the face because it is fixated to remove dead cells in the area T-zone only.

3. Forget to use sunscreen or moisturizer

The exfoliation process removes the outermost layer of skin, making the skin more sensitive. Therefore, the use of sunscreen and moisturizer is very important. Both of these products will protect the skin as long as new skin cells multiply.

4. Feel free to use special exfoliating chemicals

Many people are still afraid to use chemical exfoliators, especially those with sensitive skin. In fact, chemical exfoliators such as AHA and BHA acids, salicylic acid, and others are the safest to use compared to scrub which tends to be rude.

It's just that, you have to understand very well how your skin condition first before choosing the ingredients to be used. In fact, it would be even better if you use a chemical-based exfoliator under a doctor's supervision.

Exfoliation is an integral part of any skin care routine. Its function is to exfoliate dead skin cells so that the skin looks brighter and avoid the problem of clogged pores.

This treatment is very safe and beneficial, but it must be done in a safe manner so that the skin can reap the benefits without experiencing side effects. Whatever type you choose, don't forget to always follow the recommendations.

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