We all know the importance of keeping our skin clean. After all, no cosmetic product will look and feel good on your face if the skin beneath it is not in good shape. Agree? Now, you may be diligently following a CTM (cleanse, tone and moisturise) routine, but how often are you scrubbing off the dead skin cells and those stubborn specks of dirt stuck in your pores? If your answer is ‘not too often’, we’ve got news. Ahead, we take you through the importance of exfoliation and how it can help you achieve glowing skin.
- Why is exfoliating your skin important?
- Types of exfoliation tools and products
- The correct way to exfoliate
Why is exfoliating your skin important?
Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin and impurities that clog your pores and cause dullness and breakouts. This step brings you closer to achieving brighter, glowing skin. Skin issues like breakouts, spots, uneven texture and clogged pores end up becoming our biggest woe in the absence of regular exfoliation. So, stick to exfoliating your skin 2-3 times a week for best results.
Types of exfoliation tools and products
The kind of exfoliator that you choose for your skin matters. Primarily, there are two types of exfoliators, one is physical, and the second is chemical. Your personal preference, skin type and comfort are some factors to keep in mind before proceeding with either of the exfoliation methods.
Physical exfoliation literally means physically (manually) removing the dead skin cells and impurities with the help of a grainy face scrub or a tool. You can grab an effective, gentle scrub like Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, a rice-based powder that activates when mixed with little water. Its micro particles help to remove surface debris, revealing softer and glowing skin.
Some other physical exfoliants, especially tools, should be used with caution if you have dry or sensitive skin. They are comparatively more abrasive and may lead to skin irritation or even flaking.
As the name says, chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells and dirt by using its chemical properties. The common types found in the market are ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) – in the form of facial toners and peels made with salicylic glycolic or citric acid. People with sensitive skin should always consult their doctors before using AHAs and BHAs on their skin.
The correct way to exfoliate
Step #1: Don’t directly jump to exfoliating your skin. First, clean your face with a cleanser.
Step #2: On a damp face, apply a gentle exfoliator like the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. Massage the product across your face In a circular, outward motion, avoiding the area near your eyes.
Step #3: Keep massaging and scrubbing for a few minutes. Now, wash your face with lukewarm water and gently pat it dry.
Step #4: Follow up your exfoliating routine with toning, moisturising and, of course, sunscreen.
Written by Pratishtha Rana on Aug 22, 2021
Pratishtha is a writer driven by curiosity. With over two years of experience in journalism, her toes are dipped in the exciting world of beauty, fashion, food, travel and luxury. Trust her words to help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of all that’s trending online (and offline). A lover of minimal aesthetics, she’s also big on experimenting with colours and prints, and often finds herself power-dressing even for a quick grocery run. When not at work, she’s reading a book, learning Korean, binging on K-Dramas and kimchi ramyeon or just karaoke-ing her hours away.