The purpose of exfoliation is to promote skin cell health, increase the new skin cell turnover rate, even out the complexion, and help your skin glow. Throughout this article, you’ll read about the many benefits of exfoliating your skin. However, not all exfoliators are the same, and not all are perfect for every skin type. So before we begin, here’s a quick overview of physical and chemical exfoliators and which ones will likely suit your skin type best.
Physical exfoliators contain particles, such as sugar, that work as a cleaning brush to remove dirt and dead skin. However, not all physical exfoliants are of the same caliber, and you should avoid exfoliant particles that contain microplastics or other materials that are not in a finely ground form. Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), help remove dead skin. Depending on your skin type, some exfoliants are better for you than others.
If you have oily skin, combination skin, or mature skin, then you will benefit more from finely ground physical exfoliants. However, if your skin is dry, irritated, or prone to breakouts, your skin will more likely benefit from a chemical exfoliant. However, if you’re still unsure what to use, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your dermatologist, as everyone’s skin is different. So now that you know which exfoliants to look for, here are the top ten benefits of exfoliating your face and body.
1. Removes Dead Skin and Dirt
The first step of every skincare routine, aside from washing your hands, is a good old fashioned cleanser. Cleansers help remove the top layer of dirt and dead skin cells that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. They’re great at removing the initial layers of grime that naturally build up over time. However, while cleansers are great and should be a part of every skincare routine, they can’t do all the work on their own.
As mentioned previously, physical exfoliants work like a brush to remove the dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that your cleanser may have missed. However, chemical exfoliants work by breaking down dead skin while removing excess dirt. Ideally, if your skin can handle it, you should only exfoliate up to three times per week with physical exfoliants. Gentle chemical exfoliants are usually fine to use every day, but this will depend heavily on the product you are using. You should always ease into a new product before using it regularly.
2. Improves the Efficacy of Your Moisturizer
Because exfoliants are great at removing all the extra grime and dirt, your moisturizer is going to work much better after you exfoliate. . This is especially so with AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid. The AHAs in chemical exfoliants also work as humectants, drawing water to the top layer of your skin. When you apply your moisturizer, your skin will be clear and prepped to let your moisturizer lock in all that hydration, as any good moisturizer should have some form of an occlusive to trap water.
3. Helps Even Out Your Skin Tone
Your skin color is beautiful! Unfortunately, certain blemishes can make your skin tone look uneven. Luckily, exfoliating can help. Your epidermis has four layers: dead cells, deteriorating cells, maturing cells, and new cells. In order to get to those new cells, you have to make way by getting rid of the dead and deteriorating cells at the skin’s surface.
Both physical and chemical exfoliators promote cell rejuvenation,m, encouraging your skin cells to appear nourished and glowing at a faster rate. Your skin can’t show off beautiful replenished skin without getting rid of dead skin and grime first, , and your exfoliant helps do just that.
4. Makes a Great Canvas for Your Makeup
Because exfoliators help your cleanser clear out unwanted dirt and debris, your skin will be cleaner and smoother than ever. And remember, exfoliating helps your moisturizer work better, which includes the primers and moisturizers you use in your makeup routine. Not only will they work better, but you’ll have a smoother canvas for your makeup to look airbrushed and runway ready. You can say goodbye to your makeup coming off due to dry and flakey skin.
5. Creates a Natural Glow
The ever-envied glowing skin you see people talk about non-stop isn’t actually glowing at all. The truth is that what you’re seeing is a healthy, happy, and moisturized epidermis. As this article has mentioned, exfoliators improve the intended effects of your moisturizer. Because of this, the healthy natural oils in your skin will beautifully reflect any natural light, giving you an effortlessly luminous appearance rather than a dull, matte one.
6. Helps Serum and Moisturizer Absorption
Along with improving the efficacy of your moisturizer, your other skincare products will work better as well. Whatever serums, vitamins, or oils you use in your skincare routine will work better and faster when you add an exfoliant to the mix. Because exfoliants help clear away grime blocking your skin, , whatever you put on your skin afterward will absorb more effectively and at a faster rate, allowing your skin to reap the benefits of all those healthy vitamins and nutrients.
7. Prepares the Skin for Self-Tanning Products
Unfortunately, many people have fallen victim to the dreaded results of not exfoliating before self-tanning. Whether you use cream or a spray or get it done professionally, not exfoliating before applying tanner is more likely to cause streaks and an uneven, patchy appearance. The primary ingredient in self-tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is what helps dye the skin cells.
If you don’t exfoliate, the dye will latch onto some dead skin cells. And when you shed them off, it will leave your tan looking uneven. Exfoliating will reveal a completely fresh layer of skin that will dye evenly.
8. Smooths Skin Texture
One of the most popular benefits of exfoliating is the evening of overall skin texture. If you’ve come this far, you know by now that the main purpose of both chemical and physical exfoliants is to remove stubborn dirt and dead skin blocking your radiant complexion. .Your exfoliant scrubs away built up grime and imperfections, resulting in an overall smoother texture. Any dry flakes of skin will gently come off and leave the overall texture of your skin feeling softer.
Now that you know about the top eight benefits of exfoliating your face and body, you’re one step closer to creating the perfect skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs. If you’re unsure where to find natural physical exfoliants, you should look to Essential Wholesale & Labs. We sell exfoliating body scrubs online so that you can find your new favorite skincare product from the comfort of your own home.
