It might not be the most pleasant thing to think about, but everyone has dead skin cells on their face, which can make the skin look dull and dry. Exfoliating helps to remove these dead skin cells and reveal fresh skin underneath. There are many ways to exfoliate the skin, but not all are created equal. We'll be discussing the different types of exfoliants, how to use them, and when to exfoliate. By the end of this post, you'll be an expert on exfoliation!
Anti Aging
How To Remove Dead Skin From The Face
Why Do We Have Dead Skin On Our Faces?
Humans shed millions of skin cells every day. Our skin gradually regenerates itself approximately every 30 days. As new skin cells reach the surface, they die and make room for newer cells underneath. Therefore, dead skin cells are the ones that have reached the end of their life cycle and are ready to be shed. This is a normal part of the skin's life cycle.
How Does Exfoliating Help Remove Dead Skin Cells?
Dead skin cells naturally fall off or are brushed off when we wash or rub our faces, but this doesn't always do the trick. Dead skin cells protect us from bacteria and other contaminants, but they can also make our skin look dull and dry when too much is accumulated.
Exfoliation helps to remove these dead skin cells to reveal healthy, glowing skin underneath. Exfoliation can also help to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Types Of Exfoliation And How To Use Them
There are two main types of exfoliation: mechanical and chemical. Both types of exfoliation are effective, but you may want to use one or the other, depending on your skin type.
Mechanical Exfoliation
Mechanical exfoliation, sometimes referred to as manual exfoliation, involves things like scrubs, brushes, and cloths. They work by physically removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can be a better There are a few different types, each with its own method:
- Washcloth: Using a washcloth to brush dead skin cells off the surface can be a safer option for sensitive skin since it is less abrasive. Rub the washcloth in circular motions over your face, but avoid scrubbing too hard. You should also use a separate washcloth for your face and body to avoid cross-contamination.
- Sponge: Sponges are a great way to exfoliate your face because they're gentle and effective. There are many different types of sponges available, but we recommend the konjac sponge. Konjac sponges are made from a natural material, which makes them gentle on the skin. They're also great at removing dirt and debris from the skin. To use a konjac sponge, simply wet it and rub it over your face in a circular motion.
- Dry Brushing: This involves using a dry, bristled brush to massage the skin in a circular motion. As always, be gentle so as not to damage the skin.
- Face Scrub: When choosing a face scrub, look for one with small, round beads. Avoid scrubs with large, harsh beads, as they can damage the skin. To use a face scrub, wet your face and apply the scrub in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and follow up with a moisturizer.
- Powders: Powder exfoliants are a great option for those with sensitive skin. They're usually made with gentle ingredients, like oats or rice bran, that won't irritate the skin. To use a powder exfoliant, simply wet your face, pour a small amount of the powder into your hands, and massage it into your skin using circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Chemical Exfoliation
You might not want to use a chemical exfoliant if you have very sensitive skin, as this can cause dryness and irritation. No matter what you do, please follow the directions on the packaging to avoid damaging healthy skin cells.
There are three main types of chemical exfoliants:
- AHAs: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, which helps to slough them off the surface of the skin. AHAs can be derived from natural sources, like milk, or synthetic sources. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid are all examples of AHAs.
- BHAs: Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are able to penetrate deep into the pores, which makes them ideal for people with oily or acne-prone skin. BHAs are also anti-inflammatory, so they can help to reduce redness and swelling. When using BHAs, it's important to start with a lower concentration and slowly work your way up. The most common form is salicylic acid.
- Enzymes: Enzymes are protein molecules that can break down other molecules, like dead skin cells. They are gentler than other chemical exfoliants, so they are better for people with sensitive skin. Enzymatic exfoliants are typically derived from fruit, like papaya or pineapple.
How Often Should I Exfoliate?
How often you should exfoliate depends on a few factors, like your skin type and the type of exfoliant you're using. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to exfoliate only once or twice a week. If you're using a physical exfoliant, you can probably exfoliate a bit more frequently. Ultimately, it's best to listen to your skin and exfoliate only as often as you need to.
The Final Verdict
Now that you know the different types of exfoliants and how to use them, you can start incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine to remove dead skin cells from your face. Remember, exfoliation is important for all skin types, so don't be afraid to give it a try.