Exfoliating Dos and Don’ts
Do you long for smooth, healthy looking skin every day? We sure do, and we bet the majority of men and women do, too.
Fortunately, by staying hydrated, nourishing your body with wholesome nutrients, and incorporating exfoliation into your skin care routine, rejuvenated skin that feels fresh and gives you an extra boost of confidence is possible.
Almost every skin type can benefit from regular, gentle exfoliation. Here’s how:
Benefits of Exfoliating
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from the surface of the skin. By using a microdermabrasion sponge and an exfoliating body cleanser, dead skin cells are buffed away to reveal vibrant, youthful looking skin that can radiate a healthy, eye-catching glow. Additionally, consistent exfoliation supports the regeneration of new, soft skin.
Overall, the main benefits of exfoliating are:
1. Control Blemished Skin.
For individuals who are particularly prone to blemished skin and breakouts, exfoliation can truly work wonders. When an exfoliant is gently massaged into the skin, dead cells are removed, and every pore gets a deep clean. This aids in the removal of blemish-causing bacteria and the restoration of new, clean skin cells.
It’s important to always exfoliate with clean hands to ensure no additional bacteria gets transferred to your face or body.
2. Remove Clogged Pores.
The battle against blackheads and whiteheads can seem never ending. Exfoliation, however, can help ease frustration. To lift pore congestion anywhere blackheads, whiteheads and rogue pimples pop up – establish a consistent exfoliation routine with a proven and powerful product.
3. Fade Pigmentation & Remove Stretch Marks.
Stress, age, pregnancy, and shifting hormonal levels do a number on the skin. With the formation of dark areas and stretch marks, skin pigmentation can begin to look uneven or rough.
Exfoliation works to penetrate the skin’s surface to reach and break up damaged, pigmented cells. After a short period of time of consistent exfoliation, pigmented cells will begin to fade and healthy skin reproduction will evolve over time.
4. Improve Dry or Dehydrated Skin.
Dry, flaky skin is never fun to deal with, and lotion alone can’t remedy the situation. A moisturizing routine must be met with and follow exfoliation. Regularly removing flaky skin will improve your skin’s appearance and allow healthy skin to grow faster. After exfoliation, it’s crucial to apply a moisturizing cream to the new skin cells.
5. Increase Blood Circulation, Support the Lymphatic System & Drain Toxins from the Skin.
By exfoliating, you are ultimately benefiting your overall health. Exfoliation increases blood circulation and supports the lymphatic system – the network of vessels by which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood. In turn, fatty tissues break down and toxins drain from the skin.
Before you dive into an exfoliation routine to take advantage of these benefits, there are important ‘Dos and Don’ts’ that will help ensure you’re getting the most out of your skin care routine.
Full Body Exfoliation: 9 Dos and Don’ts
There is a right way and a wrong way to exfoliate. If you’re wondering how to exfoliate your body, follow these dos and don’ts:
You should:
1. Know your skin type.
Before you add a new component to your skin care routine, be sure to take your skin type into account. Try to remember how your skin has historically reacted to new products and procedures.
Additionally, certain products may work better for you than others.
- Do you have oily skin? Be sure you’re not removing too much oil and irritating your skin.
- Do you have dry skin? Be sure to scrub with an extra gentle hand.
- Do you have oily and dry skin? Find a good balance between gentle and effective exfoliating.
If you’re unsure how to proceed with an exfoliating routine, consult with a skin specialist, such as a dermatologist.
2. Find the right exfoliating scrub for your skin type.
Finding the right exfoliating scrub for you is imperative for desired results. An exfoliating wash should be effective, but not so harsh that it can irritate the skin. You want to find one that removes dead skin cells and delivers a wealth of benefits to your skin, such as an exfoliator with glycolic acid as an active ingredient.
Glycolic acid encourages cell turnover, helps remove dull, dead skin cells, aids in keeping pores clear, and gives your skin a bright, smooth complexion.
3. Give a new exfoliant time to prove results.
As with any new product or routine, give it a trial period and see how your skin does. After a few weeks, reassess to see if you need to adjust your use.
Overall, use the exfoliating scrub as directed and try to give the product 60 days to deliver consistent results.
4. Exfoliate in the morning.
There are differing opinions on when you should exfoliate, but the fact that skin renews itself overnight makes the morning an ideal time to wash any dead cells away.
Keep in mind that it’s not advised to use too many skin care products in the same time period. If you have products to wash off makeup and clean your face and skin at night, leave the exfoliating to the morning, The more chemicals that are mixed on your skin, the more chance of irritation and redness.
5. Be gentle.
Regardless of which skin type you have, skin is delicate and it needs a gentle touch. Once you get your skin wet from head to toe, apply your chosen exfoliating body scrub and buff your skin in gentle circular motions.
You shouldn’t:
1. Apply too much pressure.
As with anything, too little pressure will prove to be ineffective, and too much pressure will cause damage and lead to other issues.
Your skin is fragile. Applying too much pressure – even if you are exfoliating just one or two times a week – can lead to marred, dry, red, irritated skin.
2. Exfoliate irritated skin.
If your skin is irritated or over-sensitive from exfoliating, sun burn, an injury or any other circumstance, pause your exfoliating regime until your skin has returned to its normal state. When you start again, begin slow and massage gently.
Applying too much pressure and exfoliating irritated skin can significantly hurt your skin’s barrier that protects you again environmental elements.
3. Continue using a product that irritates your skin.
While starting an exfoliating skin care routine is important to help your skin ease into the new process, the slow start also helps you decide if a certain product is working for you.
If an exfoliating scrub is causing your skin to become dry, red or sensitive – even after moisturizing – then you should discontinue use and look for a new product. No product should ever harm your skin.
4. Forget to apply moisturize and/or sunscreen after exfoliating.
Exfoliating won’t completely drain your skin of vital moisture, but exfoliating without applying a good moisturizer will leave your skin feeling thirsty and overly-sensitive. This is especially true if you frequent hot showers.
Additionally, stripping your skin of dead cells leaves it wide open for more harmful UVA rays to penetrate and damage your skin. It’s a best practice to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before stepping outside.
A Breakthrough Exfoliating Body Scrub That Renews Skin and Delivers Desired Benefits
Your skin deserves the best. Let your skin glow with ReTone’s comprehensive exfoliating body scrub.
Designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots while also preventing stretch marks and scars, our exfoliating product will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and pampered.
Improve your skin’s texture, clarity, firmness and elasticity with one powerful, safe product that was formulated with only the most effective ingredients, like glycolic acid.
When paired with ReTone’s Stretch Mark Therapy Cream, this body scrub becomes even more impactful for achieving smooth, beautiful skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.