Scrub Away Your Skin Issues With Our Exfoliation Guide

If you think you’ve got your skincare routine down pat with your trusty cleanser, toner, moisturiser, and sunscreen (when you remember to use it), think again. ‘Coz if smooth, soft, younger-looking skin is what you’re dreaming of, you’re not going to get it unless you add some exfoliation into the mix. But it’s always made my skin red and irritated, you exclaim. Not if you’re doing it correctly, we say.

We know, we know, it’s not as easy as we’re making it out to be. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about exfoliating.

What Is Exfoliation

Before you go all out spending every penny stocking up on scrubs, it’s important to know what exactly exfoliation is and why it’s so necessary. Basically, it’s the process of removing dead skin cells, which, as they accumulate, interfere with the light reflecting off your skin, making it look dull and lacklustre. And that’s why scrubbing those dead cells makes you look more radiant and glowing. Exfoliation oxygenates your skin, softening it and stimulating the regeneration of cells, all the while prepping your skin for maximum effectiveness of your moisturiser. Wait, there’s more. Exfoliating before and after hair removal helps keep that dastardly ingrown hair at bay by helping your hair grow outwards instead of curling under your skin.

Exfoliator V/S Scrub

There are two kinds of exfoliators – physical (a.k.a. mechanical) and chemical. Physical exfoliators are scrubs which use their abrasive particles (sugar, salts, etc) to create friction and exfoliate your skin. Chemical exfoliators are peels which use active ingredients like enzymes and fruit extracts to dissolve dead skin cells, giving way to smoother, brighter skin.

Fact And Fiction

Fiction 1: You can use the same exfoliant on your face and your body.

Fact 1: Absolutely not! The skin on your face is thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your body. It needs a more finely ground scrub or a milder peel for exfoliation to be effective without damaging skin or causing redness and irritation.

Fiction 2: You can’t exfoliate if you have sensitive skin.

Fact 2: While you do need to be more careful when you have sensitive skin, as long as you’re using a gentle exfoliant made specifically for your skin type, you have nothing to worry about.

Fiction 2: You can use a scrub every day.

Fact 2: Anything in excess is harmful, and exfoliating more than a couple of times a week is definitely excessive. It can hamper the protective layer of your epidermis, causing redness, inflammation and acne outbreaks.

Fiction 2: You need to exfoliate only during the winter.

Fact 2: Unless dead cells, pollution and impurities are present only during the winter season, this couldn’t be a bigger myth. The key to soft, luminous skin is exfoliation twice a week all year round.

The Best Exfoliators For You

Don’t break the bank just yet. You still need to know which the perfect exfoliators are for your skin type. You’re in luck. We’ve laid down our top picks for you based on your skin type.

1. For Normal, Combination Or Oily Skin

Scrubs are perfect for you. To prevent the natural lipid layer of your skin from breaking down, pick something that’s mild and gentle on the skin, like the O3+ Volcano Scrub or the Nykaa Naturals Face Scrub. If you’re looking for a daily use scrub, try out the Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Daily Scrub, which delivers on its promise of clearing and deep cleansing your skin.

2. For Dry, Sensitive Or Acne-Prone Skin

Since your skin is more susceptible to damage, steer clear of scrubs with big granules, which can strip away sebum from your skin, causing more dryness and irritation. Try the Biotique Bio Papaya Visibly Ageless Scrub Wash or the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Face Scrub. If you’re feeling generous, give The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion a try.

3. For Your Body

Your body, especially the rougher areas like your elbows, knees, heels and your back, can handle more abrasive scrubs. For your smoothest skin yet try the Nykaa Wanderlust Body Scrub that works wonders and smells divine or the Biotique Bio Nut De-Toxifying Body Scrub that leaves your skin feeling more refreshed than ever before.

Key Takeaways

Now that you know the whens, whys, and hows of exfoliation, you can't let flaky, lifeless skin rob you of your radiance. The secret? A little patience, the appropriate products, and consistency. The secret handshake into the realm of lit-from-within radiance is exfoliation. We promise that your mirror (and your selfies) will appreciate it once you get it correct.

FAQs

1. How often should I exfoliate my body?

   Ideally, 2–3 times a week is enough for most skin types. If you have sensitive skin, once a week might be your sweet spot. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin, so more isn’t always more.

2. Should I exfoliate before or after shaving?

   Exfoliating beforehand helps slough off dead skin cells, giving you a smoother shave and reducing the chance of ingrown hairs.

3. Can I use the same exfoliator for my face and body?

   Facial skin is more delicate than the skin on your body. Use products formulated specifically for the body, they’re stronger and more effective at tackling rough spots like elbows and knees.

4. What’s the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation?

   Physical exfoliants use scrubbing particles, while chemical ones use acids like AHAs or BHAs to dissolve dead skin. Both work wonders, just choose based on your skin type and tolerance.

5. My skin turns red after exfoliating. Is that normal?

   A little flush is fine, but if your skin feels raw or irritated, you might be overdoing it or using a product that’s too harsh. Opt for gentler formulas and always moisturise after exfoliating.