What Not to Do When You Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation can be a total game-changer for your skin. When done right, it gives your face a fresh start, revealing that gorgeous glow hiding underneath. But here's the kicker — it's also surprisingly easy to go overboard and do more harm than good.
I've seen so many people treating their faces like they're scrubbing barnacles off a boat hull. Trust me, your delicate skin deserves better than that! So, I thought it was high time we had a heart-to-heart about what not to do when you exfoliate.
Grab your favorite drink (might I suggest a refreshing coconut water?), get comfy, and let's uncover the dos and don'ts of exfoliation. By the time we finish, you'll be on your way to achieving a radiant glow without accidentally turning your face into a red, angry mess.
Ready to dive in? Let's go!
1. Don't Treat Your Face Like a Dirty Frying Pan
First things first — your face is not a crusty frying pan that needs to be scoured clean. I've seen people go at their skin like they're trying to remove years of built-up grime, and let me tell you, that's a one-way ticket to Irritation Station.
Your skin is delicate, especially on your face. It doesn't need (or want) to be scrubbed within an inch of its life. Gentle circular motions are all you need. Think of it more like polishing a precious gem rather than scrubbing a dirty dish.
2. Don't Exfoliate Every Day
I get it. When you find something that makes your skin feel amazing, you want to do it all the time. But exfoliating is not like drinking water or telling your dog he's a good boy. More is not always better!
Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of natural oils, disrupt its pH balance, and even cause micro-tears in your skin. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and breakouts. For most people, exfoliating two or three times a week is plenty. If you have sensitive skin, once a week is enough.
Remember, your skin is smart. It's constantly renewing itself and doesn't need your daily help to get rid of dead skin cells.
3. Don't Combine Exfoliants
In the skincare world, it's easy to fall into the "more is more" trap. But mixing different types of exfoliants isn't like making a delicious smoothie. You can't just throw everything in and hope for the best.
Using a physical exfoliant (like a scrub) at the same time as a chemical exfoliant (like an AHA or BHA serum) is a recipe for over-exfoliation.
Choose one method and stick with it for each exfoliation session. Your skin will appreciate the focus, and you'll be able to better gauge how each method affects your skin.
4. Don't Ignore Your Skin Type
Here's a truth bomb for you: not all skin is created equal. What works for your bestie might turn your face into an angry, red mess. That's why choosing an exfoliation method that suits your skin type is crucial.
If you have oily skin, you might be able to handle stronger exfoliants or more frequent exfoliation. But if you have dry or sensitive skin, you'll want to tread lightly with gentle exfoliants and less frequent sessions.
And for those with combination skin? You may need to use different methods on different parts of your face.
5. Don't Forget About the Rest of Your Body
It's easy to focus all our attention on facial exfoliation, but the skin on your body needs care, too. Dry brushing before a shower can help exfoliate your skin and boost circulation. Or try a body scrub in the shower. Just remember to be gentle, especially on areas with thinner skin, like your chest or neck.
And please don't use your body scrub on your face! Body skin is generally tougher than facial skin, so body exfoliants are too harsh for your delicate face.
6. Don't Exfoliate Irritated or Sunburned Skin
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people think exfoliating will help their sunburn or skin irritation.
Spoiler alert: it won't.
If your skin is already irritated, sunburned, or dealing with active acne, step away from the exfoliant. Your skin is in repair mode and needs gentle care, not a scrub-down. Exfoliating irritated skin can worsen inflammation, delay healing, and potentially lead to scarring.
Wait until your skin has healed completely before reintroducing exfoliation into your routine. Your skin will let you know when it's ready!
7. Don't Skip Moisturizer After Exfoliating
Skipping moisturizer after exfoliation is like doing half a workout — you miss out on the full benefits. Moisturizing helps to soothe your skin, replenish any oils you've removed, and lock in hydration.
Plus, following up with a moisturizer can help lessen any potential irritation if you're using chemical exfoliants. Try our Ultra Face Moisturizer!
8. Don't Forget to Patch Test
I know, I know. Patch testing isn't exactly the most exciting part of skincare. But trust me, it's better than ending up with a face full of irritation because you didn't take the time to test a new product.
This is especially important with exfoliants, which can be more likely to cause reactions than other skincare products.
Before you slather that new exfoliant all over your face, test it on a small patch of skin (like behind your ear or on your inner arm) and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts.
It might delay your gratification a bit, but your skin will thank you for the caution.
9. Don't Exfoliate Right Before a Big Event
Picture this: The day before your best friend's wedding, you decide to try out that new exfoliant you've been saving. Fast forward to the wedding day, and you're rocking a red, irritated face in all the photos. Not exactly the look you were going for, right?
Exfoliation sometimes causes temporary redness or sensitivity, especially when trying a new product. So, it's best to avoid exfoliating right before a big event. Give your skin a few days to settle down and show off its glow.
10. Don't Assume Natural Always Means Gentle
Just because something is natural doesn't automatically mean it's gentle or good for your skin. I've seen DIY exfoliant recipes calling for things like lemon juice or baking soda, and let me tell you, these can be way too harsh for your skin.
Lemon juice can make your skin photosensitive (more likely to burn in the sun), and baking soda can disrupt your skin's natural pH balance. And some natural physical exfoliants, like nut shells or fruit pits, can cause micro-tears in your skin. Yikes!
The Bottom Line
Exfoliation is a fantastic addition to your skincare routine when done right. It can help reveal brighter, smoother skin, unclog pores, and even make your other skincare products work better. But like many good things in life, it's all about moderation and doing it the right way.
Listen to your skin, be gentle, and don't get carried away with the latest exfoliation trends. Your skin is unique, and what works for one person might not work for you. It's all about finding that sweet spot where your skin feels fresh and glowing, not raw and irritated.
Remember, skincare should be a form of self-care, not self-punishment. Treat your skin with love, care, and respect, and it will reward you with that natural, healthy glow we're all after.
Until next time, keep glowing and remember to be kind to your skin, it's the only one you've got!
*This blog offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is designated for education purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read in this blog. The use of this information is solely at your own risk.
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