Cleansing the face is something that I knew was a must do daily, but I never really thought twice about exfoliating my face until more recently. It’s probably because the manual exfoliating that I remember was with products that contained noticeably gritty pieces, that honestly, didn’t feel that great on the skin. Nowadays, there’s products that uses fine micro-beads or chemicals like alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids that does a great job without irritating the skin.

What Is Exfoliating?

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells manually or with chemicals. Skin naturally sheds on its own but slows down as we get older — exfoliating speeds up the skin renewal process allowing new skin to surface.

Different Types Of Exfoliating

Manual exfoliating is exactly as it sounds. It requires a rubbing or scrubbing action. Scrubs, exfoliating mitts, dry brushes, loofahs, or battery powdered devices all count as manual. This method removes the surface layers and shows immediate results for softer and smoother skin.

Chemical exfoliating requires the use of products that contains acids or enzymes. Common chemicals used are glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic, acid, papain enzyme, or bromelain enzyme. They work by loosening the bonds between cells causing the dead skin to slough off. With chemical exfoliants, they not only work on the surface but penetrates lower layers as well. This option would be good for sensitive or problem skin because it does not require any scrubbing.

How Often To Exfoliate?

It is recommended that exfoliating should be done 2-3 times a week to leave skin softer and brighter. For those with acne-prone skin, daily exfoliation would be ideal for removing and preventing dirt from pores. How often to exfoliate all comes down to the individual's skin type. If you notice your skin feeling raw, that is a sign you are over-exfoliating.

Benefits of Exfoliating

Brightens and evens out skin tone - Exfoliating removes dull, dead skin to reveal new and luminous skin. The skin tone is more uniform because the pigmented dead skin cell is removed.

Unclogs pores and prevents acne - When dead skin cells get trapped in the pores, it causes breakouts. Exfoliating helps to unclog them, resulting in less acne.

Anti-aging - As we age, cellular turnover slows down, and build-up dead skin cells accumulate. Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells to encourage collagen synthesis. The complexion is plumper and wrinkles are less defined.

Here are some recommended exfoliants to add to your skincare regimen.

Rhonda Allison Brightening Scrub

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