Imagine your skin as a canvas. Before you can start painting, you must prepare the surface by cleaning and smoothing it out. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from your face so that your skin can better absorb moisturizers and other treatments. Depending on your skin type, there are different ways to exfoliate effectively. Read on to learn more!
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How to exfoliate?
There are different methods of exfoliation, but we can say there are two main ways to exfoliate: mechanical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation.
Mechanical exfoliation
Exfoliating glove: This is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods. It involves using a glove, mitt, or brush with coarse bristles or nubs to massage the face in a circular motion.
Exfoliating sponge: You can also use a sponge, which will be slightly gentler on the skin.
Cleansing brush: This is a newer method that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves using an electronic brush with rotating bristles to massage the face. Speaking of cleansing brushes, one of the most gentle you can find is definitely FOREO LUNATM 4. It uses T-SonicTM pulsations and velvety-soft silicone touchpoints to remove impurities trapped deep within pores. It is clinically proven to remove 99% of dirt, oil, and makeup residue, and is 35x more hygienic than brushes with nylon bristles.
Made of ultra-hygienic silicone, LUNATM 4 is bacteria-resistant to reduce breakouts. It also gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells to reveal fresh healthy skin below.
Chemical exfoliation
AHAs: Alpha-hydroxy acids are popularly used in chemical exfoliants. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two common AHAs. AHAs are often used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
BHAs: Beta-hydroxy acids are another type of commonly used chemical exfoliant. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. BHAs can help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent the formation of acne. In addition, BHAs can help to fade the appearance of acne scars.
Now that you know the different types of exfoliants, let’s take a look at how to choose the right exfoliant based on your skin type.
How to exfoliate based on your skin type?
No matter what is your skin type, you should always be gentle while exfoliating. Start with once or twice a week and see how your skin reacts before increasing the frequency.
Normal skin
If you have normal skin, you can use any type of exfoliant. Just be sure to start slowly and increase the frequency gradually. Also, you are lucky because both manual and chemical exfoliation are safe for your skin type.
Dry skin
If you have dry skin, you should avoid mechanical exfoliants as they can be too harsh and strip the skin of its natural oils. Instead, opt for a chemical exfoliant with AHAs. Namely, glycolic acid will help remove dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin without stripping it of its moisture. Dry skin tends to be more sensitive, so start slowly once a week and increase the frequency gradually.
Oily skin
If you have oily skin, you can use any type of exfoliant except for those that contain oils. You may want to start with a BHA exfoliant as it can help to unclog pores and prevent the formation of acne. Because oily skin can have an extra layer of dead skin cell buildup, it may benefit from a physical exfoliant like brushing. Also, you should regularly exfoliate oily skin to prevent the accumulation of oils and dead skin cells, which can lead to acne and blackheads.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid mechanical exfoliants as they can be too harsh. You should also avoid exfoliants with high concentrations of AHAs or BHAs. Instead, opt for a gentler chemical exfoliant with a low concentration of AHAs or BHAs. You can also use a physical exfoliant with soft bristles or nubs. Like FOREO LUNATM 4.
How often should you exfoliate?
You should exfoliate 1-2 times a week. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with once a week and increase the frequency gradually.
Exfoliating your face can help to improve your complexion and make your skin look brighter and smoother. Here are some benefits of exfoliation:
- improves blood circulation
- removes dead skin cells
- unclogs pores
- prevents the formation of acne
- reduces inflammation
- fades the appearance of acne scars
Now that you know how to exfoliate, give it a try and see for yourself! Just remember to be gentle, start slowly, and increase the frequency gradually. And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to use a gentle exfoliant.
I strongly recommend the new Luna 4 brush, it is the best physical exfoliant for sensitive skin like mine. I tried it out a few days ago and it left my skin much cleaner, softer and healthier-looking! It is awesome!
This article has covered everything, but I have to add that my skin is sensitive and I use physical cleansing devices (luna 3) and bristles are really gentle. I was afraid that I will damage the skin barrier, but I’m happy with it. This was a good reading, because our skin is precious and we must go for the best only.
I have been using the LUNA 4 for a month now and I can only say that it is too soft. My sensitive skin goes well with the LUNA 4 for sensitive skin. I avoid chemical peels, because my skin wouldn’t tolerate it, but that’s why I now have LUNA, which gently exfoliates my face and doesn’t harm it.
Dear Frida,
Thank you for refreshing our morning with this comment :) Witnessing your delight with our LUNA™ 4 and the results it has brought to you makes us feel special. It really is an amazing product!
Have an amazing rest of the day <3
This article did not mention combination skin.
Dear Kristen, our agents will be happy to help with the recommendations! Please contact us: https://www.foreo.com/support/contact
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