What is Skin Exfoliation

Exfoliation is used to eliminate dead skin cells from your skin’s surface. Every four weeks or so, your skin naturally sheds old skin cells to make place for new growth. Dead cells do not often shed fully. Blackheads and dry, flaky patches may occur from this. Exfoliating can assist in avoiding skin problems that arise from clogged pores. Depending on skin type, people should use different types of exfoliants. Only some kinds of exfoliants are for everyone.

After several studies and research, the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that exfoliation could make your skin look more radiant and boost the effectiveness of topical skincare treatments by enhancing absorption. Exfoliating regularly can also help prevent pores from clogging, which reduces breakouts. Exfoliating skin diligently can boost collagen production over time. The secret to healthy, bright skin is collagen. Additionally, this protein increases skin elasticity, reducing the visibility of fine wrinkles or related signs of aging. Visit the best dermatologist in Patna to get more advice.

If you choose to exfoliate, proceed carefully to avoid harming your skin, escalating redness, or bringing on an outbreak of acne. Your skin type must be taken into consideration before choosing an exfoliation method because not all exfoliation methods are suitable for all skin types:

  • People with sensitive skin should do a patch test to see if they have an allergic reaction
  • Normal skin will appear clear
  • Dry skin looks scaly, rough and dehydrated
  • Oily skin produces extra sebum, so it is shiny and greasy
  • Combination skin (like oily T-zone) is dry in some places while oily in others.

Types of exfoliants

Mechanical/Physical exfoliant

A physical exfoliant is any scrubbing product or technique that calls for manual massage or scrubbing. Easy accessibility is the primary benefit of physical exfoliants. Physical exfoliation can occasionally irritate your skin and contribute to transepidermal water loss if done improperly. Applying an emollient oil or serum afterwards can lessen irritation and maintain hydration locked within the skin’s barrier.

Chemical exfoliants

These exfoliants rejuvenate your skin by combining various substances, such as hydroxy acids and retinol, with enzymes. While DIY and over-the-counter scrubs can improve your skin’s appearance, chemical exfoliation can yield more pronounced effects. If carried out improperly, chemical exfoliation can irritate the skin similarly to physical exfoliation.

For advice, consult a dermatologist in Patna or any other healthcare professional before using chemical exfoliants. There are several types of chemical exfoliants:

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

A group of water-soluble acids are known as AHAs. They are typically generated from sweet fruits. Popular AHAs are glycolic acid (derived from sugarcane), lactic acid (derived from milk), citric acids (from citric foods), and malic acid (found in apples). AHAs reduce visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, moderate hyperpigmentation, and enlarged pores.

Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)

They are a compilation of lipid-soluble acids that penetrate your hair follicles deeply to remove excess oil and skin debris and clear your pores. The primary purposes of BHA treatments like salicylic acid are to cure acne, reduce UV damage and soothe skin inflammation or redness.

Retinoids

Developed from vitamin A, retinoids are a class of medications. They are applied to cure acne and soothe skin irritated by the sun. They function by preventing free radical damage to your skin and encouraging collagen synthesis. Because retinoids might make the skin more sensitive, always apply SPF over 35 in the morning after exfoliating with retinol-based products.

To prevent skin damage while exfoliating, online doctor consultation with dermatologist will recommend the following tips

  1. Buy exfoliants based on your current skincare products: Your skin may become more sensitive or even peel if you use prescription retinoid creams or products that contain retinol or benzoyl peroxide. When using these products, exfoliating may make your skin prone to dryness, or you may have a breakout and in that case you should opt for an online doctor consultation.
  1. Select an exfoliation type that suits your skin type: A washcloth with a mild chemical exfoliator may be appropriate for anyone with rough, sensitive, or breakout-prone skin because mechanical exfoliation could irritate their skin too much. stronger chemical treatments or mechanical exfoliation may be required for people with oilier, thicker skin. However, if you have a darker skin tone or see dark patches on your skin after burns or bug bites, stay away from utilizing vigorous chemical or mechanical exfoliation. Some people, especially those with darker skin tones, may develop dark scars from more aggressive exfoliating methods.
  1. Be gentle to your skin: Use gentle, tiny, circular strokes to apply any scrubs or chemical exfoliators you use. You can also use lukewarm water to rinse after about 30 seconds of this. Make quick, light strokes with a brush or sponge if you use one. Avoid exfoliating if you have blisters or cuts or if your skin is burnt.
  1. Follow with moisturizer: Both chemical and physical exfoliants can leave your skin dry and pale-looking. Always follow it up with a moisturizer according to your skin type. This will keep your skin soft and supple.
  1. Find the proper schedule for you: How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and exfoliation technique. The frequency of exfoliation decreases with increasing intensity. Do not over-exfoliate since this may cause the skin to become irritated, dry, or inflamed.
You may also read : 8 Best Gift Ideas For Housewarming Ceremony