What is exfoliation: A beginner's guide to face exfoliation

Before we go ahead and learn what is exfoliation, let us take a step back and learn about skin cells. You will be surprised to know this, but your skin sheds cells consistently. Without the body's natural procedure of replenishing your skin, you would have dead skin layers on top of each other. And it will make your skin look cakey and dull.

Exfoliation is a process that can basically remove dead skin cells right from the surface of your skin utilising an exfoliation tool or granular substance. With natural skin shedding, there are occurrences where the dead skin does not shed completely. It is something that may result in clogged pores and flaky patches. Exfoliation may help you with this. You are at the right place if you are looking to get an answer to the question' what is exfoliating skin.'

Shop Overnight Exfoliating AHA BHA Radiance Mask

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the act of removing the dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin, oftentimes with the help of chemicals and exfoliation tools. While it is true that these cells will typically fall off by themselves, an exfoliant is something that may help clear these away much sooner to make your skin look brighter and smoother.

However, it should be known that if you do not exfoliate your skin the right way for your skin type, you may damage or irritate your skin, or breakouts might surface. Therefore, before you jump onto a skincare routine with exfoliation, it is a must that you understand your skin type and take a strong look at what skincare products you are using.

Some specific medications and treatments can make your skin even more sensitive. Therefore, it is ideal to know the kind of your skin and which are the products that are perfect for that kind of skin.

How to pick the right exfoliator for your skin

Exfoliation is the procedure of sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal new and healthy skin. Since it eliminates any kind of dull and old skin, exfoliation is something that massively enhances the skin tone appearance and makes you look more radiant. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways to renew the look of beautiful skin.

The selection of the right exfoliator depends on a lot of facts, such as the things you would like your exfoliator to do, the ingredients you want, and, most importantly, what kind of skin you have. Now that you know what exfoliation means, here are some of the ways you may pick the correct exfoliator for your skin:

• AHAs

Chemical exfoliation is a procedure that utilises different chemicals, such as retinol and hydroxy acids, to renew your skin. AHAs are generally a bunch of acids that are water-soluble and generally derived from sugary fruits. There are many popular AHAs, which include:

1. tartaric acid (from grapes)
2. lactic acid (which is there in milk and pickled vegetables)
3. malic acid (found in apples)
4. glycolic acid (which comes from sugar cane)
5. citric acid (found in citrus fruits)

These acids are generally there to help peel away the skin's surface so that evenly pigmented and new skin cells may be generated and take over their place. Based on the kind, AHAs may also help with:

1. Pores that are enlarged
2. Uneven skin tone
3. mild hyperpigmentation such as age spots, melasma, and scars
4. Surface wrinkles and fine lines

• BHAs

Beta Hydroxy Acids, on the other hand, are soluble in oil. These acids typically go deep into your hair follicles and dry out extra oils and dead skin cells to unclog the pores. Due to this, BHA products are generally utilised to treat sun damage and acne. One of the common BHAs out there is Salicylic acid. It is generally famous as an acne treatment. However, it may also assist in calming the inflammation and general redness.

Also read: AHA vs BHA - Know the Difference Between AHA and BHA

• Retinoids

Retinoids are generally a class of medications that are derived from Vitamin A. They are utilised to soothe the skin that is damaged by the sun, treat acne, and minimise any kind of signs of ageing.

They work by safeguarding your skin from the radicals that are free and promoting the production of collagen. There are various topical retinoids available, such as:

1. Tretinoin
2. Adapalene
3. Tazarotene
4. Retinol
5. Bexarotene

How to exfoliate your skin?

Chemical exfoliators are generally acids that may assist in renewing the look of beautiful skin. There are generally two main groups that are famously known as AHAs and BHAs.

AHAs are considered to be gentle in the acid groups. They are known to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. On the other hand, BHAs are considered powerful exfoliants. They may work deeper in your pores and skin. Here are the steps you can take to exfoliate your skin:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any dirt and build up on your skin.
• Pat your face dry and use a chemical exfoliant like the Overnight Exfoliating AHA BHA Radiance Mask
• Apply the mask in circular motions starting from the centre of your face
• Leave it on for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably overnight to wake up to radiant skin
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water
• Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen like the Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen as exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Shop Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen

Wrapping up

The best time to exfoliate is right after you have used a cleanser. If you have selected a gentle mask, you may proceed with one to three times a week at the beginning. And if your skin is strong enough, you may increase the frequency.

Also read: How To Exfoliate Face Skin For Smoother And Brighter Skin

FAQs on what is exfoliation

1. Why should I use a serum after exfoliant?

An exfoliator is known to allow your skin to absorb the serum better. That way, the serum would have a better impact.

2. What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the procedure of sloughing off dead skin cells to reveal new and healthy skin. Since it eliminates any kind of dull and old skin, exfoliation is something that massively enhances the skin tone appearance and makes you look more radiant. It is one of the easiest and fastest ways to renew the look of beautiful skin.

3. What are the main ingredients in chemical exfoliants?

There are generally two main groups in chemical exfoliants. They are famously known as AHAs and BHAs.

AHAs are considered to be gentle in the acid groups. They are known to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. On the other hand, BHAs are considered powerful exfoliants.