All about exfoliating
- 7 min reading time
Exfoliating, maybe you have heard of it before, maybe you do it daily or maybe it only raises questions for you. If you fall in the last category, you’re like us, because we certainly had more to learn about this topic. That’s why we went on an investigation to clear up all the questions about exfoliating. In this blog, you’ll learn everything about exfoliating, what it is, how it works and why it’s good for your skin. And who knows, after reading this blog we’ll all be exfoliating our skin!
First things first, what is exfoliating?
Let’s start at the beginning and first find out exactly what exfoliating is. Hopefully, you already know it’s crucial to cleanse your skin well and that a skincare routine is also no luxury. But is that all, or can we add an extra step to our daily routine?
Exfoliating is basically peeling your skin. When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells from the outer skin layer. This is not to be confused with scrubbing. When you scrub, you also remove dead skin cells, but then you rinse the product off. When exfoliating, you apply a product on your skin. The product then does the work for you and removes the dead skin cells. Unlike a scrub, you leave this product on. By removing the dead skin cells, you help your skin renew itself so a fresh layer of skin appears!
Why you should never forget the word exfoliating again
We get that you want to know what peeling your skin does for you. Honestly, if it doesn’t benefit you, there’s no need to complicate things. Exfoliating has many benefits. By exfoliating and removing dead skin cells, wrinkles and fine lines become visibly reduced. Do you suffer from acne and blemishes? Then exfoliating can also be a solution. Your pores get unclogged and dull skin starts to glow again. Told you so, after reading this blog you’ll definitely be exfoliating your skin! Practically all skin issues can be improved with an exfoliant. It’s just important to choose the right exfoliant for your specific problem.
What different types of exfoliants are there?
You might be thinking: "Are there multiple types of exfoliants?!" Don’t worry, it sounds more complicated than it is. Think of it like moisturisers, which come in different types for different skin needs. And uh... we’re here to help you pick the right exfoliant for your skin.
Each exfoliant has its own specific action/talent. Below we list the different exfoliants:
AHA
AHAs, also known as glycolic acid, are water-soluble exfoliants. They don’t penetrate the skin deeply but help renew the surface layer. These exfoliants are suitable for removing dead skin cells and excess sebum.
BHA
BHAs consist of salicylic acid. Unlike AHAs, BHAs are oil-soluble acids and penetrate deeper into the skin. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This exfoliant is Perfect suitable for deep cleansing your pores.
PHA
PHAs are like the little sister of AHAs — they are very similar. Their action overlaps a lot, but PHAs are milder than AHAs.
Which exfoliant suits my skin type best?
Lovely all those exfoliants, but which one is best for my skin? The best exfoliant depends on what you want to achieve and your skin problem.
Reducing wrinkles
If your goal is to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, AHAs are effective. AHAs include various acids like lactic acid, citric acid and glycolic acid. These acids remove dead skin cells, revealing young skin beneath. Another exfoliant called Retinoids also effectively reduces wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. This firms the skin and reduces wrinkles.
Below are some peels/exfoliants containing AHAs for reducing wrinkles.
- COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Exfoliant
- Revox AHA Acids 30% Peeling Solutions
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Improving acne-prone skin
Acne can make you feel very self-conscious, which is really unpleasant. Peeling your skin can reduce and prevent acne. We recommend a BHA exfoliant. These penetrate deeper into the skin and deeply cleanse the pores, preventing blockages. BHAs also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pimples, which are basically small inflammations.
Below are some products with BHA exfoliants to help fight acne.
- COSRX Calming Liquid IntenSive Toner
- COSRX One Step Moisture Up Cleaning Pad
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Reducing pigmentation, scars and red spots
We all dream of an even, flawless complexion. Sadly, it doesn’t happen by itself. If you want to get rid of scars or annoying pigmentation spots, an AHA exfoliant is your saviour! AHA exfoliants contain different acids that peel and renew the skin’s top layer. Young, fresh skin comes to the surface, renewing it so scars and unevenness become a thing of the past.
We’ve listed products that contain AHAs for skin peeling below.
- COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Exfoliant
- Revox AHA Acids 30% Peeling Solutions
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Repairing sun damage
Have you been a bit careless and forgot to use SPF? Or do you have fair skin and burn easily? Then your skin may have suffered sun damage. Your skin becomes very dry. To fix this, use an AHA exfoliant. This exfoliant helps improve your skin’s moisture balance, reducing sun damage.
The following products contain AHAs and are suitable for combating sun damage.
- COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Exfoliant
- Revox AHA Acids 30% Peeling Solutions
- COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Prevention is better than cure, so next time you head outside don’t forget to use sunscreen!
How do I exfoliate my skin?
Are you convinced of the benefits and know which exfoliant suits your skin problem? Then you’re ready to start exfoliating! We’ll guide you step-by-step.
First, patience is a virtue. Hopefully, you’ve chosen a product with an exfoliant that fits your skin. But you never know how your skin will react. Your chosen exfoliant might be too strong, so you might need to switch to a milder one. How often you exfoliate depends on this. You may need to exfoliate less often.
You know yourself and your skin best. If you have sensitive skin, start with a mild peel and slowly build up. For example, start exfoliating twice a week. If your skin responds well, gradually increase frequency.
Start by cleansing your skin. After carefully cleansing with, for example, a Cleanser, you can begin exfoliating. Put some product on a cotton pad and wipe your face. Focus on the T-zone and chin. We recommend exfoliating mainly in the evening, since your skin restores overnight. After exfoliating, continue with your daily skincare routine.
It’s crucial to keep your skin hydrated while exfoliating. Always use a hydrating cream or serum after exfoliating. Since your skin is renewing, it becomes very sensitive. Good sun protection is super important. Choose a sunscreen with high SPF and use it daily, even when it’s cloudy.
See, that wasn’t so bad? We hope you feel a bit wiser after reading this blog. We’ve started exfoliating our skin too and this step is now essential in our skincare routine!
Where can I ask questions about exfoliating my skin?
Do you still have questions after reading or would you like us to Man think along with you? We’d love to help. Send a detailed email with your question to info@haarspullen.nl and our beauty experts will help you within 24 hours. Prefer to call? Just ring 038-4582584. ♡
