Although exfoliation is such an essential part of skincare, people tend to get it wrong quite often. You're either exfoliating too much (or too little), using the wrong products or not taking into account your skin’s needs. But by far, the biggest exfoliation sin you can commit has to be not tweaking your routine depending on the season. Yes, much like your cleansers and moisturisers, your exfoliation habits also need to change with the season. Especially in the cold, harsh winters, where the low humidity and dropped temperature demand more effective exfoliation from your end.

Your skin is drier in winters; this leads to flaky patches that can sit on your skin for longer. The cold temperature also dehydrates your skin cells faster, causing them to die out quicker. These dead skin cells not only make your skin look dull and tired but also inhibit the absorption of other skincare staples. You need to exfoliate to replenish your skin and allow moisture from lotions and other creams to seep into the skin and hydrate it. Depending on your skin type, exfoliating 2-3 times a week in the winter should be enough and here is how you should be doing it…

 

01. Face

face

There are a couple of ways you can exfoliate your face in the winter. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid or azelaic acids are both effective and gentle on your skin. You can also use physical scrubs formulated with powder or beads that are way less abrasive on your skin. One of our personal favourites is the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliant — a nutrient-rich and calming exfoliant that helps reveal polished and bright skin after every use. You can also use a damp, soft washcloth to gently slough away the dead skin cells on your face, but make sure to use light circular motions and avoid rubbing your skin too harshly.

 

02. Body

Body

It is not enough to exfoliate just your face during the winter season, your body needs some TLC too! Especially super dry areas like your elbows, knees and back (where dead skin accumulates more) require a thorough rub-down at least once a week. A nourishing and gentle formula like the Dove Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub with Crushed Macadamia and Rice Milk will get the job done just right.

 

03. Post-exfoliation care

Post-exfoliation care

So what do you do after you have exfoliated and polished every inch of your body? To maintain the rejuvenated and baby-soft skin, go in with a creamy moisturiser and lotion to restore lost moisture into your skin. For winters, we love using the Lakmé Peach Milk Soft Crème for supple and glowing facial skin. To combat winter dryness on your body post scrubbing, use the Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Moisture Body Lotion for a lightweight yet super-hydrating body massage sesh!