Exfoliation: What Should You Know First?
You might do skin exfoliation unconditionally because you hear it’s good for your skin. However, exfoliation should be done correctly to prevent skin damage and maintain good condition. Let’s find out what you want to improve through exfoliation and which exfoliation product you should use.
Why Do We Exfoliate?
The first reason we peel is for skin brightening. The brightening effect comes because the exfoliation removes dead skin cells on the epidermis, and the repeated process of this decreases the amount of melanin. The second reason is to make the skin smoother. This smoothness is about the texture, and using chemical exfoliation products to remove dead skin can lead to the effect. The third reason is to improve acne.
Acne is caused by dead skin cells blocking the pores, leading to whiteheads and inflammatory acne. Exfoliation can prevent this blockage, thus improving acne. The fourth reason is the effect on collagen regeneration. It may not be that strong, but depending on the product, it affects collagen regeneration, giving a rejuvenation effect. Hence, this is why high-strength exfoliation is proceeded when treating scars.
Recommended Exfoliating Products for Different Skin Types
Glycolic acid is the product recommended for normal skin types. Paula’s Choice’s 5% AHA daily exfoliant contains AHA, a component that peels off the very surface of the skin, making it bright and smooth. This is considered an essential exfoliation product. I recommend The Ordinary’s salicylic acid 2% solution for oily skin.
Although not highly concentrated, BHA is oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into the skin, removing things like pore plugs and making it suitable for acne and oily skin. I recommend The Ordinary’s mandelic acid 10%, which includes hyaluronic acid in the gel formula for sensitive and dry skin types whose skin barriers are not appropriate.
What Should You Be Aware of When Using Peeling Products?
Firstly, be mindful of the frequency of use. If you’re using a high-concentration product, it’s better to start with three times a week and gradually increase the frequency. If your skin is sensitive and irritated, you should reduce the number of uses. Secondly, you must use a moisturizer after using the product. Peeling removes dead skin cells, but it can also strip away skin barrier lipids, so it’s necessary to use a moisturizer that can reinforce the skin barrier.
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