Exfoliation Reviewed - Part 3

This is the third part of Exfoliation Reviewed

Exfoliation for Your Skin Type
Each skin type has different exfoliation needs. As you begin to experiment with exfoliating, start with the following recommendations. Then you can determine if you need more or less exfoliation and make the adjustments that work for you personally.
These recommendations can’t take into account your skin’s own special needs. So go slowly and gently at first to learn what works best for you.

Normal Skin Exfoliation
Normal skin needs exfoliation about three times a week. You can use any type of exfoliant, chemical, enzyme, or scrub. You may prefer to use a combination.

Oily Skin Exfoliation
With oily skin, you may be tempted to exfoliate every day, thinking that the more exfoliation you perform, the easier it will be to control and reduce your oil secretion.
In fact, just the opposite is true.
Daily exfoliation can overactivate your skin and make it even oilier. Instead, exfoliate
a maximum of three times a week.

Any of the following products can work well for your skin:

• A clay mask. Apply the mask according to the package directions. Leave on your face about 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse.

• Salicylic acid. Look for products that contain salicylic acid and use as directed.

• Highly refined and finely ground cornmeal. You can purchase the cornmeal at the grocery or health food store. Mix a tablespoon of cornmeal with a bit of warm water. Apply gently to your skin and massage for a couple minutes. Rinse.

• Exfoliants with polyurethane or silicone beads. These are gentle and don’t over-stimulate your skin but do a terrific job of removing dead skin cells. Use according to the package directions.

• Enzymes. Use only a small amount and rinse thoroughly, being sure to get all of the product off your skin because they can continue to work for a long period of time.

Sensitive Skin Exfoliation
Yes, your sensitive skin needs exfoliation, but be careful. Your skin reacts unpredictably to skin care products, so you need a gentle exfoliant. Avoid chemical exfoliants as they can leave your skin red and inflamed. Instead, choose rice powders or old-fashioned oatmeal. To use, moisten 1 or 2 tablespoons with a small amount of water. Put on skin, relax for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off. The oatmeal softens dry, patchy areas and soothes inflamed skin. The rice powder gently removes dead skin cells without causing irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you should only exfoliate once a week.

Oil-Dry Skin Exfoliation
Your skin really needs exfoliation. In its natural state, your skin doesn’t have enough sebum or oil. You want to stimulate oil production. You should still only exfoliate three times a week, but your skin can handle stronger exfoliants, such as glycolic acid AHAs or scrubs with polyurethane or silicone beads. Enzymes are also great for your skin type, especially for dry patches. You may want to alternate use of glycolic acid, beads, and enzymes. First, cleanse your skin, then apply the exfoliant. Rinse off and follow up with toner and moisturizer.

Acne-Type Skin Exfoliation
If your skin is inflamed with active acne, use salicylic acid three times a week. Salicylic acid helps kill germs, and that’s great for your skin. Clay masks and enzymes will also work well on your skin. You can also choose to alternate between salicylic acid, clay masks, and enzyme treatments. Always apply exfoliants to a clean face, and rinse well after using. Finish your routine with toner and moisturizer. Exfoliation makes skin more active, so restrain yourself from exfoliating more than three times a week. You don’t want active skin; you want soothed and calm skin. Avoid using scrubs, because they are too stimulating.

Posted in: Skin Care