Women are focussed on skincare more than ever before. They spend hours reading and watching videos about new products and skincare trends and try everything that promises to give them glowing skin. You may be following a strict daily, weekly and monthly skincare routine but none of it would work if your basics aren’t clear.
A lot of women don’t know the basics of something as simple as exfoliating. This essential skincare step isn’t just about sloughing off dead skin cells. When done correctly it can address a lot of other skin problems too.
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your exfoliation, here are a few basic rules you need to follow.
- Rule 01: Pick the right exfoliator
- Rule 02: Scrub your skin at night
- Rule 03: Use the right amount and method
- Rule 04: Don’t forget to moisturise
- Rule 05: Protect your skin from the sun
Rule 01: Pick the right exfoliator
No two face cleansers or moisturisers will offer the same results on two different people and that’s because of the different skin types they have. Same is the case with exfoliators, pick a formula that would suit your skin type to avoid irritation and prevent breakouts. Look for a gel scrub if you have oily skin, a cream scrub if you have dry skin and a gentle formula without any microbeads for sensitive skin.
Rule 02: Scrub your skin at night
The reason we focus so much on a nighttime skincare routine is because your skin is the most active at night. This is the time it repairs and regenerates itself, strengthening the protective barrier. Scrubbing your face at night will not only allow your skin to breathe but will also ensure the skincare products penetrate better.
Rule 03: Use the right amount and method
Using a lot of product and scrubbing aggressively won’t improve the texture of your skin. Instead, it will damage the protective layer making it susceptible to damage. Wet your face, apply a pea-sized amount of product and massage in circular, outward motions.
Rule 04: Don’t forget to moisturise
Now that all the dead skin cells and oils are removed, your skin might feel dry and tight. To avoid this, reach for your trusted tub of moisturiser and massage until completely absorbed. You will notice that your skin will absorb the product better and quicker.
Rule 05: Protect your skin from the sun
With your pores open and layers of dead skin cells gone, UV rays, pollution and other environmental stressors will set deeper into the pores and cause skin problems. Therefore do not step out without applying sunscreen and covering your face with a scarf or hat.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Jan 24, 2020
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.