Laser · 6 min read
When Do You Exfoliate in Your Skin Care Routine? All of Your Exfoliation Questions, Answered.
Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine. It involves removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, which can help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. However, knowing when and how often to exfoliate is important to avoid damaging your skin. This blog post will discuss when to exfoliate in your skincare routine.
Laser Treatments
Patient Education
By The Summit Aesthetics Clinical Team
6 min read
Updated December 8, 2023
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First, How Often Should You Exfoliate?
How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliation you use. In general, it is recommended to exfoliate no more than once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliating and damaging your skin.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from exfoliating more frequently, up to three times a week, to help unclog pores and reduce breakouts. However, if you have sensitive skin or are using a harsh exfoliant, such as a scrub with large granules, it’s best to exfoliate less frequently, perhaps once every two weeks or as needed.
It’s also important to consider how your skin responds to exfoliation. If you notice redness, irritation, or flaking after exfoliating, you may need to reduce the frequency or switch to a gentler exfoliant.
Ultimately, the best approach is to start with a gentle exfoliant and increase the frequency gradually as your skin tolerates it. Listen to your skin and adjust your exfoliation routine as needed to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.
Second, It Depends on the Exfoliant
When to exfoliate also depends on the type of exfoliant you are using. There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants include scrubs, brushes, and other tools that physically remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. On the other hand, chemical exfoliants use acids like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells.
At The Summit Aesthetics we use Cutera XEO — an FDA-cleared platform trusted across dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
When Should You Use a Physical Exfoliant?
If you are using a physical exfoliant, it’s best to use it at the beginning of your skincare routine after cleansing. This will ensure that any dirt, oil, or makeup is removed from the skin’s surface before you start exfoliating. Use gentle, circular motions to apply the exfoliant, and be careful not to rub too hard, as this can damage the skin.
When Should You Use a Chemical Exfoliant?
If you are using a chemical exfoliant, it’s best to use it after cleansing and toning but before any serums or moisturizers. Chemical exfoliants can be harsh on the skin, so it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency of use over time. Start using the exfoliant once a week, then gradually increase it to two or three times a week, depending on how your skin responds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine, but knowing when and how often to exfoliate is important to avoid damaging your skin. If you are using a physical exfoliant, use it at the beginning of your routine after cleansing. If you use a chemical exfoliant, use it after cleansing and toning but before any serums or moisturizers. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency of use over time, and never over-exfoliate. Exfoliation can help keep your skin healthy and radiant with the right approach.
Abington Center Medi Spa is a medical spa located near Scranton, PA, in Clarks Summit. We offer an array of different medi spa services, including chemical peels. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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