DCSI understands the importance of understanding different skincare trends, habits, and products. Our patients often ask how often you should exfoliate your face and which products to use. Our West Palm Beach Dermatologist is here to help patients learn about their skin and which type of exfoliant would be best for them. Exfoliation is a quick and easy way to give the skin a healthy glow. It is the process of removing dead skin cells to reveal an improved skin tone and condition skin.There are many types of exfoliants and different amounts of times that it should be used weekly for each skin type.
Why Is Exfoliating Good for Your Skin?
Exfoliating is an essential step to having great skin. But it can be potentially harmful if it is not done properly. Exfoliation is meant to assist the skin’s natural cell turnover process, which begins in the deepest layer of the epidermis. This is also the process that shows the slowness of aging.As a general guide for this process, it happens in healthy and young skin every 28 days or so. As the skin becomes more mature this process starts to take longer like 40 - 60 or more days. This means that dry and flaky cells aren’t being replaced as quickly, which can lead to dullness, uneven skin tone, and breakouts due to clogged pores. Here is a guide for exfoliating for different skin types:
Skin Type
Once Per Week
Twice Per Week
Three Times Per Week
Chemical Exfoliant
Physical Exfoliant
Dry or Sensitive
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Combination Skin
Mature Skin
Different Types of Exfoliants
Here are different exfoliating ingredients that are beneficial for the skin:
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Lactic Acid (AHA)
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Fruit Enzymes
Bamboo Extract
Many products include these ingredients and there are different types of exfoliants for patients to choose from. It is also helpful to understand the differences between AHA and BHA and other ingredients when looking for an exfoliant. Here are the different types of exfoliant products!
Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliating of the skin when a granular scrub is rubbed across the skin. It buffs or abrades the skin’s surface which removes the dead skin cell and build-up. Most physical exfoliants use fine crystals and exfoliating ingredients to give a safe and controlled appearance to help improve overall skin texture and tone. Skin will be left feeling soft and revitalized.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants include enzymes and acid-based products. The exfoliating effect they have is when the protein bonds that exist between dead skin cells are dissolved, which allows for the dead skin to be removed.When using enzyme and acid-based products, patients might experience a tingling feeling as the skin begins to respond to the ingredients.
Mechanical Exfoliants
This type of exfoliant includes the use of a machine or device to exfoliate the skin, such as microdermabrasion and laser treatments. All forms of exfoliation are effective and beneficial for the skin. We recommend talking with your dermatologist before deciding what form and type of exfoliant you are going to use.
Contact DCSI Today!
If you have any further questions about which exfoliants you should use on your skin, contact us today or make an appointment to learn more.
