How Often Should You Exfoliate?

The science behind exfoliators is complex but understanding the basics can help you create your own customised skin care routine. Here at COSMEDIX we’re ready help you pick the right exfoliating product and give you all the ‘how to’ info you need to properly exfoliate your face.  Read on for a fresher-faced complexion:

Exfoliate 2-3 Times per Week

Let’s start with the one question that everyone asks; how often should you REALLY exfoliate? Here at Cosmedix, we believe that it’s best to exfoliate your face two to three times a week to help lift away the dry and dead skin that builds up every day.

But of course every skin type is different. It is important to be aware of your skin and feel how it reponds to different treatments. If you experience redness or irritation, reduce exfoliation to once or twice a week, or even try a gentler exfoliant.

Know the Difference between Exfoliants

It’s important to realise that there are two very different types of exfoliants: physical and chemical.

The physical exfoliant is the one we all know — it’s the textured scrub that was in everyone’s bathroom during adolescence; a time when we realised that just washing with soap and water wasn’t really “skincare”. Physical exfoliants contain grainy ingredients that scrub away dry skin and impurities from the surface of the complexion. Facial brushes and scrubs are also common physical exfoliants.  All these exfoliants should be used very gently to avoid irritation.

Chemical exfoliants are more technical. Unlike physical exfoliators, they don’t contain ingredients that can be felt scrubbing the skin. Instead, chemical exfoliators are acids or enzymes that work under the skin to help shed dry or flaky skin. Because chemical exfoliators are not as abrasive as their physical cousins, they tend to work better for sensitive skin types and are found in toners, serums, peels and more.

The Benefits

Even if you can’t see dirt, oil and impurities, your skin has a lot going on just below the surface. If you’re hoping to improve the look of uneven texture, redness or pore decongestion then washing alone won’t be enough. That’s where exfoliating your skin 2-3 times comes in.  Some of the benefits of exfoliating are:

• Unclogging pores
• Gets rid of dead skin and encourages skin renewal
• Even up the appearance of skin tone and texture
• Boost the skin’s ability to absorb product

Match Your Exfoliant to Your Skin Type

Dry Skin: Pure Enzymes

Chemical exfoliants are an ideal option for people with dry or sensitive skin due to their gentle, non-abrasive formula. Pure Enzymes Cranberry Exfoliating Mask uses fruit enzymes and chirally correcting acids that wash away dull skin and boost hydration for smoother, dewy-looking skin.

Oily Skin: Purity Detox Scrub

Oily skin can benefit from physical exfoliants such as clay, bamboo stem and seeds to help remove oil build up on the skin. Purity Detox Scrub features both jojoba seeds and poppy seeds to help sweep away pore-clogging impurities while Salicylic Acid helps clarify the look of pores. Pro Tip: If your oily skin is causing blemishes, try combining a physical exfoliant AND a chemical exfoliant. Salicylic Acid is a popular chemical exfoliant option that helps improve blemish-prone skin and can be used on a more frequent basis.

Combination Skin: Purity Clean or Glow

People with combination skin can choose between a chemical exfoliant or a physical exfoliant. Purity Clean is an exfoliating cleanser with Lactic Acid that can be used on a daily basis to help balance the skin and reduce the appearance of shine. For areas that struggle with shine or texture, exfoliate the skin with gentle scrub like Glow. This 2-in-1 Bamboo Brightening Mask can be used either as a weekly face mask or a scrub to help improve skin texture and tone while it nourishes the skin for a brighter-looking complexion.