Exfoliating, maybe you have heard of it before, maybe you do it daily, or maybe it just raises questions for you. If the latter is the case, then you are like us, because we certainly still had some things to learn about this topic. That is why we went on an investigation to clear up all the questions about exfoliating. In this blog, you will read everything about exfoliating, what it is, how it works, and why it is good for your skin. And who knows, after reading this blog, we might all start exfoliating our skin together!
First things first, what is exfoliating?
Let’s start at the beginning and first find out exactly what exfoliating is. Hopefully, you already know that it is very important to cleanse your skin well and that a skincare routine is not a luxury. But is that all, or can we add an extra step to our daily routine?
Exfoliating is actually peeling your skin. When you exfoliate your skin, you remove the dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. This should not be confused with scrubbing. When you scrub your skin, you also remove dead skin cells, but then you wash the product off your skin. When exfoliating, you apply a product to your skin. The applied product then does the work for you and removes the dead skin cells. Unlike a scrub, you leave this product on your skin. By removing the dead skin cells from your skin, you help the skin renew itself so that a new, fresh layer appears!
Why you should never forget the word exfoliating from now on
We understand that you want to know what peeling your skin will bring you. Because honestly, if it doesn’t bring you anything, there’s no need to make it complicated. Exfoliating your skin has many benefits. By exfoliating and removing dead skin cells, wrinkles and fine lines are visibly reduced. Do you suffer from acne and blemishes? Then exfoliating your skin can also be a solution. Your pores are unclogged and dull skin starts to glow again. Told you so, after reading this blog you will definitely start exfoliating your skin! Actually, all skin problems can be solved with an exfoliant. It is only important to choose the right exfoliant for the problem you experience.
What different types of exfoliants are there?
We hear you thinking now: “Are there several types of exfoliants?!” Don’t worry, it sounds more complicated than it is. Try to compare it to a day cream, which also comes in different types for the different needs of the skin. And uh... We are of course here to help you choose the right exfoliant for your skin.
Each exfoliant has its own specific effect/talent. Below we have listed the different exfoliants:
AHA The AHA exfoliants are also known as glycolic acid. This is an exfoliant that is water-soluble. The exfoliants therefore do not penetrate the skin and only help renew the skin surface. These exfoliants are suitable for removing dead skin cells and excess sebum.
BHA BHA exfoliants consist of salicylic acid. Unlike AHA exfoliants, BHA exfoliants contain oil-soluble acids. These exfoliants penetrate deeply into the skin. They have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This exfoliant is perfect for deep cleansing your pores.
PHA The PHA exfoliant is the sister of the AHA exfoliant, so the exfoliants are very similar. In terms of effect, there are many similarities, but the PHA exfoliant has a slightly milder effect than the AHA exfoliant.
Which exfoliant is best suited for my skin type?
Nice, all those different exfoliants, but which one is best suited for my skin? Which exfoliant you should use depends on what you want to achieve and what your skin problem is.
Reducing wrinkles Is your goal to reduce wrinkles and fine lines? Then the AHA exfoliant is an effective exfoliant for reducing wrinkles. AHAs consist of various acids including lactic acid, citric acid, and glycolic acid. These acids ensure that dead skin cells are removed so that the young skin comes to the surface. Another exfoliant called Retinoids is also an effective exfoliant that helps reduce wrinkles. Retinoids have the property of promoting collagen production in the skin. This firms the skin and reduces wrinkles.
Below we have listed some exfoliants/peelings for you that contain AHA exfoliants for reducing wrinkles.
Improving acne-prone skin If you suffer from acne, it can make you very insecure and that is of course very unpleasant. By peeling your skin, acne can be reduced and prevented. In this case, we recommend a BHA exfoliant. These exfoliants penetrate deeper into the skin and know how to deeply cleanse the pores. This prevents blockages. In addition, BHA exfoliants also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce pimples, which are actually small inflammations.
Below you will find some products that contain BHA exfoliants and can help you in the fight against acne.
Reducing pigment spots, scars, and red spots We all dream of an even and flawless skin. Unfortunately, that does not happen by itself. If you want to get rid of that one scar or those annoying pigment spots, then an AHA exfoliant is your savior! The AHA exfoliant consists of various acids, which peel and renew the top layer of the skin. The new, young skin comes to the surface. The skin is renewed so that scars and unevenness become a thing of the past.
We have listed the products you can use for peeling your skin that contain an AHA exfoliant.
Resolving sun damage Have you been stubborn and forgotten to use SPF? Or do you have fair skin and burn easily? Then it is quite possible that your skin has suffered damage from the sun. Your skin is then very dry. To solve this problem, it is best to use an AHA exfoliant. This exfoliant helps improve the moisture balance of your skin, reducing sun damage.
The following products contain AHA exfoliants and are suitable for combating sun damage.
Prevention is of course better than cure, so the next time you go outside, don’t forget to use sunscreen!
How do I exfoliate my skin?
Have we convinced you of the benefits of exfoliating your skin and do you know which type of exfoliant suits your skin problem best? Then you are completely ready to start exfoliating your skin! We will explain step by step how to do this best.
First of all, patience is a virtue. Hopefully, you have chosen a product that contains an exfoliant that suits your skin. You never know how your skin will react to it. It could be that the exfoliant you chose is too strong for your skin and you need to switch to a milder variant. How often you exfoliate your skin depends on this. It could also be that you need to exfoliate your skin less often.
You know yourself and your skin best. So if you know you have sensitive skin, start with a mild peeling and build up exfoliating slowly. For example, you can start exfoliating your skin twice a week. If you notice your skin reacts well, you can continue to build up exfoliating your skin.
Start by cleansing your skin. After you have carefully cleansed your skin with, for example, a cleanser you can start exfoliating your skin. Put a little of the product on a cotton pad and wipe your face with it. Focus especially on the T-zone and your chin. We recommend exfoliating your face mainly in the evening, because the skin repairs itself at night. After exfoliating, you can continue with your daily skincare routine.
It is very important to keep your skin well hydrated during exfoliating. So always use a hydrating cream or serum after exfoliating. Because your skin is renewing itself, it becomes very vulnerable. Good sun protection is therefore extra important. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF and use it daily, even when the sun is not shining.
Well, that wasn’t so bad, was it? We hope you have become a bit wiser after reading this blog. We have already started exfoliating our skin and for us, this step is now indispensable in our skincare routine!
Where can I ask questions about exfoliating my skin?
Do you still have questions about peeling your skin after reading this blog or would you like someone to think along with you? We are happy to offer you that service. Send a detailed email with your question to info@haarspullen.nl and our beauty experts will help you within 24 hours. Prefer to talk by phone? Then just call 038-4582584. ♡