Selecting the right skincare product.
Part of learning how to exfoliate skin correctly is picking an exfoliator based on your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, ingredients such as retinol may cause irritation or possibly lead to acne breakouts or dark skin spots (1). Instead, look for skincare products with nourishing, exfoliating ingredients like the amber microbeads found in the Micro Polish Cleanser. This will help keep the skin calm and healthy-looking, while reducing fine lines.
The microbeads work as natural, gentle scrubbers that lift away dead skin cells and melt into your skin leaving dry skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Other natural ingredients found in the best skincare for dry skin that work to slough away flaky skin and revitalize a lackluster complexion are glycolic acid from pineapples and papain from papaya. These are both found in the Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask. The combination of these all-natural, fruit-derived acids smooths and refines the skin’s surface texture while promoting rejuvenation for brightness and toning.
When exfoliating the rest of the body, including particularly rough spots like your knees and elbows, choose a body exfoliators that removes dead skin cells and supports the skin’s natural renewing process. Dry skin responds well to alpha hydroxy acid or AHAs (2). The AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum uses lactic acid (AHA) from yeast to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface and a probiotic extract to strengthen the skin’s barrier, plus xylitol to boost hydration. The result: softer, brighter skin.
Maintaining a regular skincare routine.
Now that you know how to exfoliate skin naturally, make it part of your regular skincare routine. The way you protect your skin now will pay off in the future. Plus, setting aside a few minutes each day to care for your skin can feel pampering. A minimum daily skincare routine should include cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin with sunscreen at the very least.
Typically speaking, limit the exfoliation part of your regimen to once or twice a week. Getting rid of dead skin cells is a good thing, but you also need to allow the skin to go through its normal cell renewal process and avoid stripping it of its natural oils. It’s also important to stay consistent to see positive changes. While we like to see immediate results, skincare is an ongoing process.
Also, keep in mind, the weather may affect how often you need to exfoliate. The dry, wintry months can leave the skin feeling chapped and irritated. On the other hand, extra sweat buildup as a result of the summer heat can clog pores on a more frequent basis. As you perform a daily check-in of your skin’s texture and appearance, it’ll become clear how often exfoliation is necessary. Although it’s not a process you’ll want to implement every day, if your skin is extra dry or clogged, try two to three times a week versus one or two.
Learning how to exfoliate skin is simple and makes a big difference in protecting its tone and texture. In the same amount of time it takes to brush your teeth, you can give a healthy boost to your skin. By polishing it on a twice-a-week basis, you’ll help to create a more even skin tone and allow healthy skin cell regeneration to take effect.
Keep your complexion in good shape by exfoliating with a face wash formulated for your skin type. Always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to help achieve a healthy glow. Once this becomes a habit, you’ll see and feel the difference as you put your best face forward.
