How to Exfoliate

Breakouts, dryness, sun damage, dull skin...so many skin concerns can be fixed by exfoliating! The key is learning how to exfoliate your unique skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand why exfoliating is so important. You produce around billion skin cells every day! These cells eventually end up on your outermost layer of skin (epidermis), and will flake off to make room for new cells. If they sit on your epidermis for too long, skin looks dull and dry. Breakouts can occur due to a build-up of cells. We must exfoliate them off to achieve a bright, clear complexion.

2. Understand the difference between mechanical and chemical exfoliation. Mechanical involves sloughing off dead skin cells with a fine scrub or exfoliating brush. Chemical exfoliation actually breaks the "glue" holding the dead skin cells together, and can go deeper (making it more effective) than mechanical exfoliation.

3. Determine if mechanical exfoliation is right for you. Mechanical is great for men because it lifts hairs out of the follicle and helps prevent ingrowns. Ensure that the "scrubbing" agent is super-fine, otherwise it could irritate the skin. Avoid scrubs if you are breaking out, as it can spread bacteria.

4. Determine if chemical exfoliation is right for you. Most skin types handle chemical exfoliants just fine. If you have oily skin, use products containing Salicylic Acid...it penetrates pores containg oil and is great for getting rid of blackheads. If you have dry, sun damaged, or dull skin, use Lactic Acid. It improves the appearance of fine linescan lighten dark spots, and increases the rate at which skin cells "turnover" (meaning your skin will look younger)!

5. Once you find the exfoliating product that is right for you, do it 2-3 times per week for maximum results. With a good exfoliant, you will notice a diference after just 1 use! If your skin starts to get red or itchy, decrease usage.

6. 
   Always wear a sunscreen!

   Wear a sunscreen! Exfoliating makes you more susceptible to the sun (since it is removing a layer of dead skin cells). An SPF 15 is recommended for day-to-day use. Wear an SPF 30 if you plan on being outdoors for an extended time.

7. Enjoy your fresh, rejuvenated skin!

Tips & Warnings

• I love products that combine chemical and mechanical exfoliation (like Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant)
• See a professional if you have concerns, or get a bad reaction
• Don't exfoliate if you are on Accutane, any Vitamin A product, have a sunburn, or have recently waxed in that area

Resources

• Discount Dermalogica Exfoliants
• More on Exfoliation

[gururaul]

on 4/3/2009 Great. At what age should men begin using exfoliating soaps?