You may think you know how to exfoliate skin (you've been doing it for years) but, even so, not all exfoliators are created equal. Yes, they yield the same result-- (sloughing from a scrub, chemical peel or microdermabrasion will wipe away dead skins cells, revealing a softer, more radiant, glowing complexion) but, to make the most of the exfoliator’s glowing skin benefits, it’s wise to know which formula works for your skin type. A scrub doesn't always suit a sensitive or dry face nor does a light peel help much for oily skin. No matter what your type, though, there’s a rule that every complexion must follow: Don’t overdo it. Too much exfoliating can lead to dry skin, red spots and irritation that may take days to reverse. Before you slough away, use these easy guidelines to find your perfect polisher:
FOR OILY TYPES: Go ahead and scrub away with an exfoliating cleanser that’s meant for daily use. It will prevent acne from forming, and keep skin looking bright. If want to play down acne scarring or large pores, try an at-home microdermabrasion kit. The physical scrubbing with ultra-fine aluminum or salt crystals--similar to what skin pros use at a spa—is more intense, and will give smoother, more polished results.
FOR DRY/NORMAL TYPES: Massage in a gentle, synthetic microbead scrub every few days to brighten and soften a sallow complexion. If you’re still looking dull, indulge in a weekly glycolic peel formula. It’s a lower strength version of the one you get from a dermatologist’s office.
FOR SENSITIVE TYPES: How to exfoliate skin that’s super-reactive? Skip the physical exfoliators which can be overly irritating and stick to very gentle peels that are made specifically for delicate skin. For a fresh glow, apply a chemical peel with 1-3% of AHA acids like lactic or glycolic, once a week.
Don't be afraid to let your skins natural beauty show through, exfoliate and watch it shine!