Are you tired of looking for at-home methods to make your skin smoother and brighter? We have curated this article for you! The purpose of this article is to introduce you to your new best friend, THE EXFOLIATOR!
Despite knowing the importance of exfoliation, we do not fully understand how to do it! With so many skincare products claiming to be the best exfoliators, it often gets confusing to cut through the noise!
Given the numerous options available on the market, I understand how difficult it may be to choose an exfoliant and figure out how to use it. We hear you! Today we will explore all the different methods of exfoliation and how to do them step by step!
In addition, we will debunk a few myths about exfoliation because facts are more potent than myths!
2 Ways to Exfoliate Skin
Dermatologists consider exfoliation to be a holy grail for skincare. Exfoliation of the skin can be accomplished using a variety of methods and tools. Commercially available exfoliating scrubs with walnuts and apricots are examples of mechanical or physical exfoliation. Chemical peels are a type of chemical exfoliation that involves the use of powerful acids for exfoliation.
1. Mechanical Methods
Exfoliating Brush: As the name suggests, it is a brush with rough bristles that can aid in exfoliating dead cells and debris from the skin.
Exfoliating Sponge: These are soft sponges designed to exfoliate the skin gently. You can couple them with a cleanser or a body wash.
Exfoliating Glove: Something new? If the idea of holding a brushed and sponge is too taxing for you, these gloves are here for your rescue. They are handy for exfoliating legs, back and arms.
Exfoliating Scrub: Probably one of the most common mechanical methods. I am sure you are familiar with an apricot scrub, walnut scrub, orange peel scrub, etc-they all fall in this category.
2. Chemical Methods
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs): They work best for dry and combination skin. These chemicals naturally cause the skin to dissolve dead particles. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid etc.
Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): They work best for oily and combination skin. Sun-damaged skin with acne scars or sun spots will find instant relief after using these chemicals: Beta hydroxyl and salicylic acid.
How To Exfoliate Your Face?
Despite its power, knowledge, if not put into action, is useless. The types of exfoliation are now precise; let’s now break down the process step by step.
Physical Exfoliation
To figure out which method is best for you, you should first examine your skin and determine what type it is.
To scrub away dead skin, physical exfoliants typically contain apricot or walnut skin. These particles, if sharp, can cause microtears on the skin. When using them, use caution and avoid applying too much pressure.
Step 1: Wash your face with a regular cleanser before applying a physical exfoliant.
Step 2: Apply a small amount of your face scrub and slowly massage it into your skin in circular motions. Be careful to avoid the eye area!
Step 3: Gently massage the product into the skin for as long as the product’s instructions specify, usually between 30 seconds and a full minute.
Step 4: Rinse with warm water, and using a clean towel, gently pat down the moisture.
Step 5: Finish the procedure by applying a face serum, hydrating mask, or cream. Apply a soothing balm on your lips.
Chemical Exfoliation
You have a plethora of chemical exfoliants available in the market. They are available in face wash, serums, oils, face creams, masks etc.
Here’s a table you can use to plan your routine for exfoliating
| Product Type | Facewash | Scrub | Mask | Toner | Serum |
| When to use | Daily | Twice a week | Once a week | Daily | Daily |
| Level | Beginners | Intermediate | Advanced | Beginners | Intermediate |
Step 1: Wash your face with a regular cleanser after using a chemical exfoliant and gently massage it on your face.
Step 2: Apply your chemical exfoliant all over your face and neck.
Step 3: Spread it on your face with the help of a brush or cotton.
Caution: Don’t rub it, be gentle!
Step 4: Don’t forget your lips. Rub some products on your lips as well!
Step 5: Leave it for a few minutes and let the peel work its magic.
Step 6: Rinse with warm water, and using a clean towel, gently pat down the moisture.
Step 7: Apply a face moisturizer or moisturizing serum or cream on your face and a good lip balm on your lips.
Some chemical exfoliants are there in the form of peels. Always read the instruction manual provided with the peel to ensure that you use it correctly and safely.
Tip: Ensure that your cleanser is free of harsh ingredients like alcohol, perfumes, and dyes to avoid irritation.
How To Exfoliate Your Body?
Here is a spoiler: It does not take a lot of time. You can do it when you’re about to take a relaxing shower.
Step 1: Gently cleanse your skin with your favourite cleanser.
Step 2: Place a small amount of body scrub in the palm of your hand. Do you recall the exfoliating gloves?
Step 3: Gently rub it on your skin in circular motions to provide better absorption.
Step 4: Gently scrub your skin for no more than 30 seconds.
Step 5: Thoroughly rinse your skin with lukewarm water.
Step 6: Using a clean towel, gently pat down the moisture.
Step 7: After exfoliation, the skin is devoid of moisture. Hence, moisturize your skin generously.
How To Exfoliate Your Feet?
We are on our feet all the time. Hence, we cannot neglect taking care of it? Can we?
Physical Exfoliation
Step 1: Get your feet wet by soaking them in warm water
Step 2: Scrub it with a stone or dry pumice or brush to eliminate the dead skin.
Step 3: Exfoliate your feet with a foot scrub.
Step 4: Wash gently with lukewarm water.
Step 5: Using a towel, thoroughly dry the feet.
Step 6: Moisturize liberally. Since the skin is exfoliated, moisturizers can penetrate deeply.
Chemical Exfoliation
Step 1: Thoroughly wet your feet. Water softens the skin and allows the gel to penetrate more deeply.
Step 2: As per the directions provided by the peel, apply it on your feet and wear socks over it.
Step 3: Once the peel has done its magic, remove your socks and wash your feet.
Step 4: Soak your feet in the water and do this daily to activate the peeling process.
Step 5: Because dead skin cells will peel for a week, you can keep wearing socks to avoid the mess. Be patient; sometimes, peeling may take two weeks!
Homemade Exfoliators
If you want to try exfoliation, you don’t even need to buy one. You can find everything you need right in your kitchen. Let me share with you my two favorite homemade and natural exfoliators!
1. Coffee Scrub
Ingredients
- Two tablespoons of hot water
- Seven tablespoons of coffee
- One tablespoon of coconut oil
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, mix the coffee and hot water.
- Using a spoon, thoroughly combine all of the ingredients.
- Pour in the coconut oil.
- The consistency should be very similar to a paste; if need be, adding more coffee or oil can help you attain the right texture.
- Apply it every time you feel that your skin appears dull and tired.
2. Salt Scrub
Ingredients
- Eight tablespoons of cups of salt
- Eight tablespoons of any essential oil
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine salt and oil.
- Mix it!
- If you want, add honey for the extra zest.
- If necessary, add more salt or oil to achieve the desired consistency.
- Feel free to apply it when you want to get rid of aches or redness.
Let’s Debunk Some Myths
Let’s get started busting myths now.
Myth 1: You can exfoliate your face with a body exfoliator.
Because the skin on your face, especially around your eyes, is the susceptible skin on your body, you should treat it with special care. A facial scrub should be gentle and mild.
Myth 2: Exfoliation depletes the skin of its natural moisture levels.
Exfoliating reveals the new skin beneath the old. You may be over-exfoliating if your skin is constantly dry or tight. There is no link between exfoliation and moisture deficiency. If you recall, moisturizing is the final step in every exfoliation routine.
Myth 3: You can use the same skincare routine and products all year.
Seasonal changes can affect your skin; your skin may be dry in the winter and greasy in the summer. You should adjust your skincare program based on what your skin requires.
You May Also Like To Read:
Best Soaps For Oily Skin In India
Best Soap For Dry Skin In India
Summary
When it comes to your skin, exfoliation can be one of your best remedies (hello, glow)!
Exfoliation can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time using it. Make sure you don’t overdo it! The tips and tricks in this article can help you do it correctly.
You can clean your skin by using exfoliation, and it’s as simple as it gets. Let us know if you’ve tried any of the methods listed in this article. Don’t forget to let us know how you exfoliate!
