How Often Should You Exfoliate For Your Face?

All of us desire to attain glowing, vibrant skin. In an attempt to achieve the best skin, we sometimes overdo our skincare regime or try to follow one too many trends! Adding products to your routine after consulting a qualified practitioner or reading thoroughly about the effects that an ingredient can have on your skin is the always best approach.

Going overboard, especially when it comes to exfoliation can do more harm than good. Scrubbing or peeling can be extremely satisfying since it makes the skin feel super fresh and squeaky clean. Exfoliation can make your skin look and feel younger as you age. Just keep in mind that as you get older, your skin can become drier and more sensitive. Gentler exfoliants, rather than abrasive physical procedures, can provide greater assistance to sensitive skin.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, and we do need these cells to protect your skin! The problem arises though when the dead cells pile on so much that the skin starts to look dull and lifeless. On the other hand, over-exfoliation can hamper the skin barrier function. Hence, finding the right balance in your skin care routine is key!

So, how often should you really exfoliate?

When it comes to exfoliation, less is more! Choose your exfoliation routine based on your skin type. The important point to keep in mind is even your daily cleansers or mud masks may count as exfoliants based on their content. Even certain serums like the glycolic and lactic acid can act as exfoliators in a mid form. Hence, the ingredients in all your other skincare products need to be revisited before choosing an exfoliation routine.

If you have a normal skin type, exfoliating twice weekly with a gentle exfoliator works well. While people with sensitive, dry or mature skin can exfoliate once a week or once every alternate week depending on how your skin responds.

The most important tip to follow when determining how frequently to exfoliate your skin is to listen to your skin. A defined regimen is not always the greatest guide. Your skin may feel rougher to the touch on some days than others, and it may be more inflamed on others. Let your face do the talking. Listen, look, and feel, and adjust your skin routine as necessary.