Do I REALLY need to exfoliate?

The skin we see is, typically, old, a bit crusty and dead. 

It is the outermost layer of the skin, also known as the stratum corneum. It made of dead skin cells, lipids, and natural moisturising factors (NMFs) that work together to protect the skin from external factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors. 

The skin barrier also helps to regulate water loss from the skin, keeping it hydrated and preventing dryness and flakiness. It also acts as a barrier against bacteria, viruses, and other nasties that can cause skin infections. 

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential, not only for healthy skin, but for your overall health and wellbeing.

A tailored skincare routine, appropriate to your skin type and goals, including cleansers, exfoliators, reparative products, hydration and sun protection will help maintain and strengthen the skin barrier. 

Exfoliation is one of these steps for a reason. It improves skin cell turnover, helping ensure your skin is continually creating new, fresh skin cells and sloughing off old, damaged skin cells. When used appropriately, exfoliators will help remove dead skin cells from the epidermis, revealing brighter, smoother, clearer skin.

But beware, when overused, the skin barrier can become compromised, leading to a number of skin issues such as dryness, irritation, redness, and even infection. 

Before you get busy with that St. Ives Scrub At The Ready. HOLD ON! It’s not a case of go hard, or go home!

Read on for my top tips on exfoliation:

Choose the right exfoliator

There are two types of exfoliators: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators contain tiny beads or particles that physically scrub away dead skin cells. The problem with some physical exfoliators (I’m looking at you, St. Ives) is that they contain sharp, ground-up materials which can cause microscopic cuts in the skin…this isn’t great. If you do wish to use a physical exfoliant, choose one that has smooth beads/particles. Chemical exfoliators use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells in a more controlled way. Don't overdo it. Over-exfoliating can lead to redness, irritation, and can damage the skin barrier. It's generally recommended to exfoliate no more than two to three times per week. Those with sensitive or reactive skins may reduce this down to once a week. As always, start LOW and SLOW and listen to your skin. The adage “no pain, no gain” DOES NOT apply here. 

Prep your skin

Before exfoliating, cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove any makeup, dirt, or oil. This will help ensure that the exfoliator can work its magic more effectively. 

Be gentle

When using a physical exfoliator, don't apply too much pressure or scrub too hard. Instead, use gentle, circular motions to avoid irritating the skin. When using a chemical exfoliator, follow the instructions closely. If it says “Rinse off after 1 minute”. DO IT! 

Moisturise afterwards

Exfoliating can leave your skin feeling a little dry and tight, so it's important to moisturise after you exfoliate to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Choose a hydrating, fragrance-free moisturiser, as your skin may be a little more sensitive following exfoliation. 

Essentially, the best way to exfoliate your skin will depend on your skin type, concerns & preference.

If you’re not certain, book a skin consultation with me, and I can help pick the best exfoliator (and overall skincare routine) for you.