The word “exfoliating” itself sounds scary and a tad bit intimidating. Well, the reason why is because exfoliation is sort of a tricky step of skincare. It either makes or breaks your skin. Literally. For some people, exfoliating comes easy and works wonders for their skin. No matter if it’s a chemical or physical exfoliant. For others, however, it might just strip their skin raw. Not something you want to deal with if you have a date the next day! Exfoliating sounds like an easy task, but most people seem to get it wrong. Just because you are scrubbing hard and your skin is burning, does not mean that you are exfoliating right. Thus, Beauty Insider is here to teach you how to exfoliate! Get ready, because this time, you’re going to do it right. 

Why Should You Exfoliate?

First off, some people might ask why should I exfoliate? Well, that is because exfoliating provides the benefits of improving your skin’s health and giving it a fresh glow! Our skin cells are actually renewing on a daily basis. So, when new skin cells are produced, the once outer layer of skin cells die and get replaced. If you exfoliate, it helps make sure that those dead skin cells are completely removed. If you decide to not exfoliate for some odd reason, your skin can end up looking dull. In the long run, your pores might get blocked and breakouts might occur! You wouldn’t want that, would you? Therefore, you should definitely exfoliate your skin. 

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

How often you exfoliate depends entirely on your skin and skin type. Before you start exfoliating, you should always do a patch test first. This is to determine how your skin reacts to the product. If there is no irritation, you can slowly start to build it into your skincare routine. If your skin is a little bit sensitive when exfoliating, it is best to only exfoliate on a weekly basis. For those with oily skin, however, exfoliate twice a week to help absorb all the excess oil and prevent breakouts. When exfoliating, less is definitely more. You don’t want to end up looking red as a tomato right? 

The Types Of Exfoliation

Right, there are two types of exfoliation methods you should know. One is a physical exfoliant, and the other is a chemical exfoliant. Although both have the same goal of helping you get rid of dead skin cells, they are quite different. You need to figure out which method of exfoliation is right for you before you get into it. 

Chemical Exfoliate

Chemical exfoliation is actually gentler than physical exfoliation. Although it doesn’t sound that way when you think of the word “chemical”. Chemical exfoliants use acids that are gentle to get rid of your dead skin cells. How? They actually dissolve the glue that holds the dead skin cells together. There are also two forms of chemical exfoliants, and you might have seen them somewhere in your skincare products. AHA and BHA. While AHAs exfoliate the surface of your skin, BHAs dive deeper to treat oil-clogged pores. Depending on your skin type, you’ll want to look for either of the two!

Physical Exfoliate

Physical exfoliation is also known as mechanical exfoliators. This technique is a bit harsher as it uses grainy scrubs and exfoliating brushes. And yes, physical exfoliation does require physical force. Although this is the OG way to exfoliate your skin, it tends to cause more damage than chemical exfoliants. This is because they are very abrasive and can create micro-tears that end up destroying your skin barrier slowly. If you have sensitive skin, It’s best to keep physical exfoliants away from your face. But, they are definitely more safe to use on thicker skin such as your back and body.  

How To Exfoliate?

Now that you know what exfoliating is, you can exfoliate! But before you do that, you need to get the right products. Decide if you are going to use physical or chemical exfoliants. Scrubs or serums! Consider your skin type and where you want to exfoliate and go from there. Another thing to remember when you exfoliate is to follow the instructions! Read before you use it. It is also ideal to exfoliate when taking a steamy hot bath as it helps soften the skin and open up pores. 

Once you have used a gentle cleanser to wash your face, you can apply the specified amount of exfoliant onto your skin. Massage it gently in a circular motion and do this for about 30 seconds before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. After you exfoliate, always remember to apply some moisturiser and continue with the rest of your skincare routine.  

The Benefits of Exfoliating

The good thing about exfoliating is it brings quite a few benefits to the table. When you exfoliate, it can help brighten your skin and improve its appearance! Besides that, it also helps reduce blackheads, clogged pores, whiteheads and acne spots. Since all of our new and younger skin is hidden underneath our dying skin cells, exfoliating helps remove all of the dull skin. Thus, revealing skin that looks smoother, healthier, brighter and undamaged! 

Precautions To Exfoliating

But hang on, there are also precautions that you need to take when you exfoliate. If you don’t use the right products, it could definitely harm your skin and even cause scarring. So, if you aren’t sure about what to use for exfoliation, consult a professional beforehand! Over-exfoliating is also not a good sign. Exfoliating too often can lead to flaking, redness and peeling. Also, make sure that you read the instructions on the packaging as some exfoliants can’t be left on your skin for long. It is always best to follow the recommended application. 

Product Recommendations To Exfoliate

Lastly, here are some recommendations by us at Beauty Insider to help get you started on your exfoliation journey! 

1. Simple Kind to Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub

The Simple Kind to Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub is rich with ingredients that are nourishing. It has the benefit to help you achieve skin that is glowing and smooth! Its formula contains Vitamin E, Pro-vitamin B5 and Rice Granules to help gently buff away the dead skin cells. Thus, revealing skin that is even, healthy and bright.

Price: $12.90

Where to buy: Watsons

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum

If you are suffering from acne, try the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum! It has a texture that is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It also doesn’t leave a greasy or sticky residue! Its formula is packed with a concentrate of exfoliating acids and niacinamide to target blackheads, pores and pimples. Perfect for soothing your skin and leaving it purified.

Price: $38.40

Where to buy: Guardian

3. The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA has the benefit to fight skin that is prone to blemishes and discolouration. A cult favourite, The Ordinary uses clinical technologies that are effective to create skincare formulas that are innovative. This lightweight serum is quick-absorbing and helps minimise the appearance of imperfections and brown spots. Its formula also contains hyaluronic acid and alpha arbutin. 

Price: $13.00

Where to buy: LookFantastic Singapore

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