Exfoliation 101: How To Exfoliate Skin Without Damaging Your Skin
When it comes to glowing skin, exfoliation is key! It’s the one step in your skincare routine that dives deep into your pores and gets the job done. It does this not only by removing dirt and grime but also by breaking down dead skin cells and sloughing them off your skin. When dead skin cells sit on your face, they tend to contribute to dull and lack-lustre skin. Plus having a layer of dead skin cells prevents your skin from absorbing your skincare products properly –– therefore no matter how many products you slather on your skin, this layer will reduce its efficacy. But do you know how to exfoliate skin? The manner in which you exfoliate also plays an important role in how effective this entire process is. Scroll down to see how to exfoliate your face the right way, so that you don’t do more harm than good.
What exactly is exfoliating?
Exfoliating is an important step in every skincare routine which involves removing dead skin cells from the layer of your skin. It seems to be a simple process but it requires a good amount of attention to detail if you want to witness effective results. There are different types of exfoliators available in the market according to every skin type. Once you pick up the right product and know how to exfoliate face, you’re all sorted!
How To Exfoliate Face
Exfoliating is extremely significant, but sometimes if you do it incorrectly you can seriously damage your skin. Want to know how to exfoliate face without causing any harm? Scroll down to see how to exfoliate skin!
Step 1 - Tie Your Hair Back
Before cleansing your face, make sure to pull your hair back and secure it with a headband to prevent it from falling on your face. A lot of physical exfoliators contain tiny particles that can be messy if it gets in your hair. Plus, tying your hair back allows you to get into the nooks and crannies of your face, sans any disturbance from your lovely locks.
Step 2 - Cleanse
Cleansing is the first step how to knowing how to exfoliate face. Start the process by cleansing your face with a gentle face cleanser or face wash. Massage the product on your face and neck, as it lathers up. Rinse it off with cold to lukewarm water (avoid hot water) and pat dry with a microfibre cloth.
MyGlamm Recommends:
MyGlamm SUPERFOODS Cacao & Berry Face Wash
The MyGlamm’s SUPERFOODS Cacao & Berry face wash is enriched with natural extracts of sugar maple and sugarcane and other feel-good ingredients. From deeply cleansing the skin without stripping off skin’s natural oils, and brightening the skin, to protecting and making the skin soft, this cleanser is amazing!
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Step 3 - Exfoliate
Physical exfoliator - Take a small amount of your scrub and spread it across your face. Use your fingertips to gently massage it in circular motions. Don’t over scrub or go at it aggressively as this will cause your skin to become irritated and sensitive. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat the excess water off and let the dampness air dry and settle.
Chemical exfoliator - Chemical exfoliators are acids that get rid of dead skin cells by breaking the glue that holds the dead skin cells together. Exfoliating with a chemical exfoliant at least once a week helps regenerate new skin cells. Always read the fine print when picking your AHA, BHA, or PHA –– and follow the instructions on the bottle. Most chemical exfoliants need to be washed off after 10-15 minutes, but some come in the form of toners, which do not require a rinse.
MyGlamm Recommends:
Manish Malhotra Methi Face Scrub Gel
How to exfoliate face with a scrub? A gentle yet super effective scrub that removes all dead skin cells and sebum buildup, while deeply nourishing dull and dehydrated skin. The gel-based formula isn’t too heavy on the skin –– made with concentrated aloe vera juice and enriched with roasted methi, amla, grape seed oil, and walnut shell beads, it is a soothing scrub that also holds antioxidant properties. Say hello to smooth radiant skin, no matter what your skin type.
₹ 661
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Step 4 - Face Serum
When you use either exfoliant you need to follow it up with a mild face serum. As your skin can get a little tender after exfoliation, you might want to opt for a gentle and moisturising face serum. If you do apply a chemical exfoliant, make sure your face serum doesn’t contain active ingredients that’ll either react to the exfoliant or make it counterproductive.
MyGlamm Recommends:
MyGlamm’s 3% Hylauronic Acid Hydrating Serum
Enriched with feel-good ingredients such as Kakadu plum & marine algae, this amazing face serum hydrates the skin and reduces blemishes & dark spots.
₹ 490
Step 5 - Moisturiser
The most important step in this entire process under how to exfoliate face is to moisturise! Since exfoliation can dry out your skin a little, you need to ensure that you replenish any lost moisture. Massage your moisturiser on your face and neck –– and watch as your skin instantly absorbs it all in. If you’re stepping out, make sure to top off with sunscreen.
MyGlamm’s Recommendation:
The Manish Malhotra’s Amla Moisturising Gel is made from pure and ayurvedic ingredients that deeply nourish your dull and dry skin. This moisturizer also reduces puffiness and brightens your skin.
₹ 661
Things To Keep In Mind While Using An Exfoliator On Your Face
So now that you know how to exfoliate face, remember to tread lightly when exfoliating your face. The skin on your face is rather thin and sensitive, so treat it with all the tender, loving, care when doing so. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you exfoliate your face.
Tip #1 - Figure Out A Schedule
Try exfoliating at different points in the week to understand what works for your skin best. Depending on your skin type, you will understand whether you need to do so once or twice a week.
Tip #2 - Listen To Your Skin
Dry skin - If you’ve got dry and flakey skin, then try and avoid physical exfoliants. If you must use one, make sure it’s creamy so that you avoid any microtears on your skin. Want to pick a chemical exfoliant? Then glycolic is your best bet!
Sensitive skin - How to exfoliate skin that’s sensitive? If you’ve got sensitive skin, you might want to opt for a creamy physical scrub. Anything that’s aggressive can irritate your skin and cause it to become red.
Oily skin - You can opt for a creamy exfoliant or a gel-based one. Manual exfoliation for oily skin is good since this skin type tends to attract a thicker layer of buildup. Just remember not to be too aggressive when doing so!
Tip #3 - Be Gentle
This word of caution cannot be stressed enough. When you’re using a scrub, make sure to use your fingertips to massage it onto your skin. Treat it with care and don’t be rough.
Don’t Apply To Damaged Skin
Whatever you do, do not apply an exfoliator to skin that’s damaged or sensitive. Scrubs can cause microtears which makes skin more vulnerable to bacteria –– resulting in clogged pores, inflammation, and broken capillaries.
Beware Of Over Exfoliating
Yes, exfoliating is good. But, over-exfoliating is detrimental to it. While your skin may feel good, overdoing it will result in flaking, peeling, and redness.
Look Out For The Beads
If you’re using an exfoliating scrub, then go for beads that are small and round versus one’s with sharp edges. The latter can damage and tear the surface level of your skin, and result in breakouts and clogged pores.
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It’s all in the technique! When exfoliating you need to be extra careful –– any wrong move and your skin will bear the brunt of it. Wondering how to exfoliate face? This step-by-step will guide the way!
Image courtesy - Pexels
