The Lowdown on Exfoliation (And Our Suggestions for Exfoliating Facial Skin Care Products)

There are certain skin care steps that should be in anyone’s routine, though they may be modified to account for certain unique attributes of each person. Exfoliation is one of these steps. Adding exfoliation into your routine, using the best facial skin care products, can result in younger, more healthy looking skin; play down the appearance of oversized pores; and uncover fresher, more beautiful skin. Do something great for yourself and start exfoliating for more beautiful and healthier skin.

 

What Is Exfoliation?

 

When you remove dead skin cells from your face, this process is called exfoliation. It’s an important step in any skin care routine and can help brighten your face and make your skin look more radiant. This renewal step is key for achieving a more vibrant and healthy-looking face. Exfoliation also helps remove other impurities from your face and thus can be a step in cleaning out your pores and making them appear smaller. (Unfortunately, you can’t actually make your pores smaller; though you can make them less noticeable through activities like exfoliation.)

 

Types of Exfoliation

 

There is more than one way to exfoliate your face and not all methods are right for all types of skin. Sensitive skin, for example, requires a different approach to exfoliation than skin that is not overly susceptible to irritation.

 

The two most common types of exfoliation you hear about are chemical and physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation involves the use of ingredients that chemically help to refresh that skin. Some of the ingredients used for this purpose include retinol, lactic acid and glycolic acid. You may also see products labeled as containing AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), which are another chemical exfoliant.

 

Physical exfoliation is more straightforward and involves using tools like washcloths or ingredients like oatmeal or jojoba beads to slough away the top layer of skin and refine its appearance. Some exfoliating products contain harsh ingredients like ground up nut shells or fruit pits, which can be too harsh for facial skin. In general, people with sensitive skin should avoid all but the most gentle of physical exfoliants.

 

How Often to Exfoliate

 

Don’t make the mistake of exfoliating either too much or too little. Exfoliation should not be an everyday practice, especially for those with sensitive skin, but exfoliating too infrequently can lead to dull skin and clogged pores. Aim for balance when it comes to exfoliation. For those with easily irritated skin, once a week may be as much exfoliation as you need, and you should be sure to use sensitive skin care products. Those with oiler skin may benefit from more frequent exfoliation, perhaps twice a week. Try one of these baseline amounts, and then adjust the frequency of your exfoliation based on how your skin reacts to the routine.

 

Healthy Skin Care Products We Love

 

Don’t know where to start with exfoliation? Here are a few product suggestions from the LaLa Daisy selection:

• Blemish Buffing Beads from Peter Thomas Roth: This overachieving product fights acne and exfoliates your skin in one sensitive skin-friendly formula. Try the anti-aging version of this product, too.
• Pro Skin Perfecting Peel Pads from Elizabeth Arden: For the women on the go, these exfoliating pads provide a quick and easy way to fit exfoliation and healthy skin care into your routine.
• Micro Polish Cleanser from REN Skincare: This cleanser uses lactic acid and glycolic acid to exfoliate skin and is a great choice for those who don’t have sensitive skin.

 

Exfoliation has many benefits and is an important step in achieving beautiful, youthful skin. Try a new exfoliating item from LaLa Daisy’s collection of beauty products to get started with exfoliation.