6 Best Exfoliation Tips To Make The Most of Your Exfoliation Routine

Do you want to take your skin care routine to the next level? Exfoliation is key and one of the most important steps in a skincare routine, but it can be tricky to get right; here are 6 best exfoliation tips to help you get the most out of your exfoliating routine.

The modern skincare routine has come quite a long way from just washing your face with soap and water — nowadays, exfoliation is an integral part of maintaining healthy skin.

Exfoliating your skin not only helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities that build up on the surface of your skin to unclog pores, but it also promotes cell renewal and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which is essential for a healthy glow and youthful looking skin; that said, proper exfoliation is key.

But with so many tips and tricks out there about how to make the most of your exfoliation routine, it's hard to know what really works. That's why we've compiled this list of 6 best exfoliation tips you should follow to make the most of your exfoliation routine.

Here are 6 best exfoliation tips you should follow to make the most of your exfoliation routine:

1. Prep your skin. 

To get the most out of your exfoliation routine, it's essential to take a few minutes to prep your skin ahead of time so that it is properly cleansed and ready to be exfoliated.

Cleanse your face with a mild gentle cleanser to help remove dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, makeup, and other impurities clogging your pores without stripping your skin of its natural oils and moisture.

Next, use a steam towel or warm facecloth to open up your pores before proceeding with your exfoliation routine so that the exfoliant can penetrate deeper into your skin and work more effectively.

2. Use the right type of exfoliant for your skin type and concerns. 

The type of exfoliant you choose is important because different types are made for different skin types and can be better suited to address specific skin concerns, which makes all the difference in your skincare routine.

There are two main different types of exfoliants:

• Physical exfoliants — such as beads, seeds, and granules scrubs — physically remove dead skin cells by using physical abrasion.
• Chemical exfoliants — such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and Poly Hydroxy Acids (PHAs) — chemically dissolve dead skin cells with acid-based formulas.

Most skin types can use both types of exfoliants, but as a rule of thumb:

• Physical exfoliants and gentle chemical exfoliants are both great options for normal and combination skin types.
• Gentler chemical exfoliants are generally preferred for sensitive and dry skin types because physical exfoliants can be too abrasive.
• Strong chemical exfoliants are generally the best choice for oily and acne-prone skin types because they penetrate deeper into the skin to target clogged pores and acne breakouts.

Using the wrong type of exfoliant can do more harm than good, so it's important to listen to your skin and adjust your exfoliation routine accordingly; take the time to research and experiment with different types of exfoliants to find the perfect match for your skin type and concerns.

If you experience any adverse or severe reactions, discontinue using the product and visit a board-certified dermatologist, esthetician, or skincare professional for medical advice on which type of exfoliant is right for you.

3. Be gentle while exfoliating.

When it comes to exfoliation, many of us are guilty of being too aggressive with our skin by exfoliating too harshly or using an exfoliant that is too abrasive, which can cause severe skin damage.

Physical exfoliants can be too abrasive, so avoid applying too much pressure on your skin and instead be gentle, which means being conservative with the amount of pressure you apply when massaging the product into your skin.

Stay away from overly aggressive techniques — such as harsh rubbing or scrubbing — which are damaging to your skin's natural barrier. And, instead use light and circular motions — which are more than enough — to let the exfoliants do their job.

Take your time and use gentle circular motions when exfoliating, and if you feel any discomfort stop immediately; if you're still unsure about how much pressure to apply, start with very light pressure and gradually increase it as needed. The key is to find a balance between being gentle and effective.

4. Exfoliate no more than 1-2x a week to avoid over-exfoliating.

Although it's tempting to exfoliate every day — especially when results are instantly visible — exfoliating your skin too frequently can lead to over-exfoliation, so limit your exfoliating sessions to no more than 1-2 times a week; that being said, although it may take some trial and error until you find the right frequency that works best for you, here are 10 steps to help you exfoliate properly.

Everyone's skin is different, which is why it's essential to pay attention to how your skin reacts to determine what works best for you so that you can adjust your exfoliation routine accordingly; if you end up over-exfoliating your skin, here are 7 steps to help you reverse the damage caused by over-exfoliation.

If you experience any adverse or severe reactions, stop using the product immediately and visit a board-certified dermatologist, esthetician, or skincare professional for medical advice on how often to exfoliate.

Note: Limit your exfoliation routine to once a week if you have sensitive skin.

5. Use lukewarm water for maximum effectiveness.

Once you're done exfoliating, rinse off the product with lukewarm water — which is somewhere in between hot and cold — because it opens your pores and allows the active ingredients in exfoliants to penetrate deeper into your skin for maximum effectiveness.

Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture, resulting in Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), while cold water won't be effective enough at removing the dead skin cells that have been loosened up from exfoliation, but lukewarm water provides the perfect temperature that's comfortable to your skin while providing maximum effectiveness.

Pat dry your face with a soft clean towel before following up with your regular skincare routine — such as moisturizer and sunscreen — to lock in the moisture and protect your skin from sun damage.

6. Don't forget the rest of your body.

Your face isn't the only area that is prone to dead skin cell buildup and needs exfoliation — other areas of the body — such as your neck, hands, arms, chest, back, legs, and feet — can benefit from exfoliation too.

Pay attention to the type of scrub you use on your body; a gentle body scrub can provide effective results without damaging your skin.

When exfoliating sensitive areas, it's best to use a super gentle chemical exfoliant that won't be too harsh on your skin, but if you're looking for a deeper level of exfoliation — for areas like your elbows and knees where skin tends to thicken — consider using a physical exfoliant.

Remember, the same rules apply when exfoliating other parts of your body as they do your face, and if you're ever unsure about how to exfoliate a specific area of your body properly, always consult a board-certified dermatologist, esthetician, or skincare professional for guidance.

Note: Wear sunscreen after exfoliating any part of your body to protect against UV damage.

It's essential to have patience when establishing a regular skincare routine that includes exfoliation; by following these simple tips along with patience and consistency, you can ensure that each exfoliation session is safe and effective for your skin.