Reasons why exfoliating is important for your skin

On By Capital FemmeIn Skincare

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

What is Exfoliating?

Exfoliating is the act of removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of the skin, often with the use of a substance. There are two types of exfoliation, physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation can be done with a grainy substance, product or tool such as a scrub or brush while chemical exfoliation involves the usage of enzymes and acids.

How often should I exfoliate?

It’s recommended by experts that you should exfoliate your skin at least twice a week. The frequency however can vary depending on things like skin type or the method of exfoliation, for example, chemical, sensitivity etc.

Health benefits of exfoliating

The are numerous positive health benefits resulting from exfoliating such as:

  • Evens out skin tone.
  • Unclog pores. Getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads allows pores to look smaller.
  • Prevents acne.
  • Boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage. This gives the skin a glow and promotes internal cleansing respectively.
  • Boosts collagen production. Long-term exfoliation reduces wrinkles and fine lines, giving the skin a more youthful look.
  • Helps other skin care products to penetrate the skin. You might be wondering why you aren’t noticing any progress from a product you’ve used before or has great reviews, this could be due to a build up of dead skin.
  • Prevents ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs happen when the hair follicle gets clogged by dead skin cells and debris.

How to exfoliate

You can physically exfoliate at home starting with a warm shower or bath. This warmth will open up your pores and help the body release natural oils. It’s best to exfoliate in the morning as the skin repairs itself at night leaving a fresh layer of dead skin to be removed.

Whether taking a shower or bath allow the skin to be in contact with the water for 5-10 minutes before beginning the process. You can use a scrub, brush, washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating gloves during the process. Circular motions for 20-30 seconds work for each area. After rubbing your skin, wash it off with warm water.

Also, remember that the skin on your face and neck is more delicate than the rest of your body so be gentle.

For chemical exfoliation, please follow the instructions given on the product. You can also try a patch test on a small area of skin. For chemical peels, leaving the product on for longer than recommended can do more damage than good. For more on chemical exfoliation, click here.

Takeaway

Exfoliation is possible for everyone with plenty of DIY recipes and affordable tools out there to aid in the process. However, consult a professional beforehand if you have an underlying skin condition to see which method of exfoliation suits you best.

Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine. All in all, not only will it result in more youthful, radiant skin but also has positive health benefits. Stay safe and indulge in your self-care.

Leave a comment