What is exfoliation ?
Our skin sheds dead skin cells on a periodic basis, removal of the dead skin cells from the topmost layer is called exfoliation. This removal is done by using granular products or chemicals. Each one of these has its own effects.
Benefits of exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin by removing the dead skin cells results in clearer and brighter skin. Skin exfoliation helps to unclog pores and remove the dry flaky skin that is caused when skin doesn’t shed completely. There is no use of applying skincare products on skin that is not exfoliated. Only when the dead cells are removed, it paves way for good absorption of skincare products.
Breakouts can be minimised when you do not have any clogged pores due to regular exfoliation.
Reduction of fine lines, sagging are what we want to keep skin healthy and for anti-ageing. Collagen is the key for the spotless and younger looking healthy skin. This protein helps in skin elasticity. If you need glowing skin, collagen is the secret ingredient behind it. Long term exfoliation, helps in increasing collagen production the natural way.
How often to exfoliate ?
If you are person with normal skin, you should do this thrice a week.
But if you have acne-prone skin, it is best to do it everyday. This should be done before using your cleanser since that will not completely remove the accumulation.
If you have sensitive skin, stick to exfoliating once a week.
When to exfoliate?
The ideal time would be morning, since at nights the skin goes to the repair and rejuvenate mode. This can soak up all the benefits. Make sure to use a good moisturizer post exfoliation.
Types of exfoliator
Manual exfoliators which can be the scrubs available OTC or DIYs at home. They can be abrasive so you must be careful while choosing them.
Chemical exfoliators are those with AHAs, BHAs and salicylic acid. They’re chemicals with acid which react with skin to remove the dead skin accumulation. They give you a uniform exfoliated look compared to the manual one’s.
Don’ts of exfoliation
1. Exfoliate very often if you have normal skin. Twice or thrice a week should be fine.
2. Exfoliate broken or irritated skin. Especially if you have shaved or waxed.
3. Use random exfoliators that you get.
4. Rub the skin or use rough motions to exfoliate.
5. Use body scrubs for face. They are harsher and apt only for body. The facial skin is delicate and requires specific product.
Do’s of exfoliation
1. Pick the right exfoliator that suits your skin.
2. Apply moisturizer generously post exfoliation.
3. Exfoliate in the morning and stick to the time. Not alternating day and night.
4. Invest in a good gentle scrub if you place to do it daily.
5. Wash off with cold water and pat dry.
DIY scrubs at home
- Salt scrub – One tbsp of salt, half a tbsp of almond, coconut or sesame oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
- Sugar scrub – One tbsp of salt, half a tbsp of almond, coconut or sesame oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
- Oatmeal scrub – Two tbsp of oats, two tbsp of sugar, one tbsp of oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
- Coffee scrub – Two tbsp of coffee powder, two tbsp of sugar, one tbsp of oil and 2 drops of essential oil.
These are readily available ingredients at home that can help you with exfoliation and also ones with which you can alternate. If you find any irritation or redness post exfoliation discontinue using it.
It is widely said that chemical exfoliators are better since they are less abrasive. The acids react with the skin and peel of the dry and flaky skin. But these exfoliators need to sit on the skin for a longer duration for the reaction to happen. However in a physical exfoliator do not rub and perform circular motion for more than three minutes.
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Image source : pixabay.
That Madras Mom 
A very important ritual in keeping one’s skin soft and supple. I just exfoliators once in a while, but never thought about which one suits my skin type. Thanks for sharing such details.
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It’s good to know the difference between manual and chemical exfoliates. Also, a lot of information is present here which is amazing for everyone.
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That’s practically a guide book for me on exfoliants . Loved the post . Totally saving it.
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This is really informative and useful. Did not know a lot of this stuff. Thanks!
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I have been using OTC exfoliators over the years since I have a blackhead problem. I Liked your list of do’s and don’ts, It is so easy to go wrong
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I have been doing exfoliation for my blackhead prone skin since ages. I really liked your list of do’s and dont’s. it is so easy to go wrong.
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I like natural home made scrubs for face .. and only a few other brand products.. most don’t suit my sensitive skin.. very informative post…
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Exfoliation is helpful in removing dead cells. Will try these DIY scrubs
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That’s very helpful tips for skin exfoliation.#dewreads
#MyFriendAlexa
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Quite a detailed post on exfoliation. Loved it.
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Sugar scrub – One tbsp of salt,. I think this might be sugar. Thanks for all those homemade scrubs. I’ll definitely try it out.
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Thanks for sharing going to try your home scrubs
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Clean is beautiful. Exfoliating removes dead cells and helps skin breathe. Noted the procedure of DIY scrubs:)
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This is such an useful post Sindhu. I never knew that exfoliators play such an important part to keep our skin supple.
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I always thought exfoliating once a month was enough !! Thanks for the useful tips, will try some body scrubs to start with as I’m not sure of how my sensitive face skin will react to weekly scrubs.
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Ultimate pointers regarding do’s and don’t of skin exfoliation, so glad to know there are so many scrubs that we can make at home too, I will try oatmeals scrub.
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Always wondered what chemical exfoliators are.
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This is the must-do skin routine every two days. Its the most essential part to take off any dead skin and add glow
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Gonna try the homemade DIY scrubs.. thank you for the informative post. Bookmarking this one.
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Reblogged this on My fumbling thoughts.
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I did not know much about chemical exfoliators. thanks for sharing about this. will explore more about it,
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I have normal skin and I exfoliate once or twice a week, it works great for my skin. This is such a detailed post on skin exfoliation, found it really helpful, it cleared some of my doubts as well. Thanks for writing!
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Thats a very good post Sindhu. Honestly speaking I didn’t have much information on exfoliation and how do we do it naturally or by using products from the market.
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These are some helpful tips. I have oily skin and I exfoliate my skin every alternate day.
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Hey Sindhu that’s a really good write up for skin care. I just got a zit like thing yesterday. Will do the needful.
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Thank you for these awesome tips. I love skin exfoliating
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Loved the useful post and DIY scrubs. Thank you, Sindhu. #MyFriendAlexa #TinaReads
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Exfoliation is very important. Yet has to be done properly, else it can backfire on the skin.
A very detailed & great post, Sindhu.
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Love using scrubs on the face and yes, it’s important to find the right one that suits the skin. I use one with tea tree 🙂
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