Is Exfoliating Really Good for Your Skin and How Often Should You Do It?
Many people suggest that exfoliating is good for your skin, and it is recommended to make it part of your skincare routine, but how often should you really do it? The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute share their best skincare tips to make sure your skin stays healthy while not unintentionally suffering damage from overusing products.
What to Know About Exfoliating
Every Good Skincare Routine Includes Exfoliation
Having a daily skincare routine that you follow helps to slow the aging process while giving your face a natural, healthy glow. The first step in most skincare routines is to exfoliate. Exfoliating has many benefits including removing dead skin cells, clearing up clogged pores, and rejuvenating flaky skin. After long-term exfoliating, it will help to increase collagen production, resulting in better skin elasticity and a minimized appearance of fine lines. Exfoliating can be harsh on your skin, so you want to limit exfoliation to every other day to avoid unnecessary irritation.
To begin the exfoliating process, you will want a dry brush and a cleansing scrub. First, use the dry brush in circular motions around your face. Start at the nose and work your way out around the rest of your face. This will help to increase blood flow. Next you will use your cleansing scrub. When choosing a cleansing scrub, you will want to choose one that benefits your skin type, so it is important to know if you have dry, oily, or combination skin. Using the incorrect product can irritate your skin and fail to provide any benefits. Use the cleansing scrub as directed on the package, and then you are ready to finish the rest of your skincare routine.
What to Use for the Rest of Your Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine should be used every day to maximize benefits. It is important to know your skin type to ensure you are using the correct products and to maximize the benefits of your skincare routine. On days you exfoliate, your skincare routine can follow. On days you skip exfoliating, you will want to make sure you are starting off with clean, fresh skin first.
Next, you will want to tone your skin. Toner helps to balance the skin’s pH level by evening out your skin tone. Most toners have salicylic acid that penetrates the skin to help exfoliate it and unclog your pores. It is great for those prone to acne. Other toners help to hydrate the skin, which is best for those with combination or dry skin.
After toner, you will use a Vitamin C serum. Vitamin C helps to reverse sun damage. It soaks into the skin and helps heal any damage that has been done from the sun or from a tanning bed. Next, you will moisturize. Moisturizing is so important year-round to help keep the skin hydrated. Harsh winters dry out your skin, and the sun sucks up moisture from your face, both of which can be noticeable. The moisturizer will keep your skin from looking dull and will instead make it look healthy and rejuvenated. Lastly, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Not only does it protect your skin from the sun, but it also adds in a bit of moisture as well.
You will notice a change in your skin if you follow a daily skincare routine, but make sure to only exfoliate every other day to avoid reversing the benefits. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas, complete this form. The dermatologists at the Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can help recommend products or answer questions about exfoliating and skincare.