BEAUTY
How To Properly Exfoliate According To Your Skin Type
By OANA MURESAN
Type Of Exfoliation
There are two types of exfoliation: mechanical or physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants are scrubs, brushes, sponges, or gloves that physically remove dirt and impurities whereas a chemical exfoliant uses acids or chemical reactions like AHAs or BHAs to remove a layer of dead skin.
When To Exfoliate
Exfoliate in the morning because there’s most likely a layer of dead skin cells that’s ready to be shed. You can also exfoliate at night with a very gentle exfoliant and, for most, exfoliating twice a week is enough to keep their skin clear and clean.
Skin Type
There are many different skin types including oily, dry, combinations, acne-prone, sensitive, or mature. To figure out what type of skin you have, wash it in the morning, then pat it dry, and see what it looks like at the end of the wash, but an alternative is the “blot test” where you wash your face, leave it bare for three hours, then use blotting paper to see how oily it is.
Oily Skin
Oily skin benefits the most from physical exfoliants, and oily skin collects a lot of dust and particles from the air. With oily skin, you can exfoliate up to four times a week, but make sure you are very gentle when scrubbing or applying pressure to the skin.
Dry Skin
Those with dry skin should exfoliate only twice per week, and it’ll benefit the skin to use a scrub that includes hydrating oils like jojoba oil. Chemical exfoliants are also recommended, and you should exfoliate in the morning so you start the day with fresh, clean skin.