Anti-Aging Tips for Your Whole Body

Anti-Aging Tips for Your Whole Body

by | Jul 12, 2023

Skin Exfoliation is important
Anti Age Your Body

Did you forget about it? The skin below the chin?

If so, you’re not alone. Every morning we check our face in the mirror, admiring our reflection as we brush our teeth and apply skincare. But many of us overlook our bodies; it doesn’t help that many mirrors are mounted at a height to focus on the face.

Our body is about 92% of our skin’s real estate — this is living property consistently reflecting our health, lifestyle choices, and internal and external experiences. It’s essential to pay attention to and care for the skin above and below the chin all year round. Let’s examine some “skinformation” to help us achieve healthier skin from head to toe.

Tip of the Iceberg Phenomena:
The good and bad news is that 80% of aging is up to you. The tip of the iceberg — our face — is out 365 days a year in all kinds of weather and sun exposure so you’d think it would look older, with lines, wrinkles, discoloration and sagging, than the rest of our body. But why doesn’t it? With care, our faces can be next to flawless: even-toned, smooth, wrinkle-free. We exfoliate, moisturize, mask, peel, protect, support, and we use tools to care for our face but usually not past the jawline. The lower part of the iceberg — our body — is undercover and misses the same treatments so eventually skin can look old, revealing your age.

Exfoliate
Exfoliation from head to toe is key to radiant, glowing skin as we age. Full face and body exfoliation encourages younger, more vibrant cells to the surface. Our cellular renewal slows down 50% over the years, and dead skin cells pile up. You’ll see dry, dull, ashy skin that can be easily released with an exfoliating product. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and allows topical product application to get to the true surface of the skin.

Tip: Avoid over-scrubbing for a quick result, especially if you’ve been working out, sweating, and want to destroy acne blemishes — you could get a serious acne flare-up. The skin needs to get used to exfoliation, so begin two to three times a week and increase as tolerated to five days a week. How do you know if you’ve overworked your skin? It will look red, and shiny, and feel sensitive or sting.

Micro-Dermabrasion Paste can be used on the face and body to exfoliate away dead skin cells for smoother, vibrant-looking skin after just one use. This sugar and salt-based scrub gently buffs away dull skin cells and dry, flaky skin. If concerned about exfoliation, massage onto damp skin to melt the salt and sugar crystals.

Hydrate
After removing dead skin cells from your face and body, it’s essential to drench your skin with hydration. Active Hydration Body Replenish delivers a luxurious layer of all-over hydration. Get younger-looking, younger-acting skin with our breakthrough body moisturizer that instantly and continuously hydrates. You’ll see less crepey skin and more plump, luminous, bouncy, and radiant-looking skin. You can improve your skin — it is not too late, and your body will thank you.

Protect
To help reduce skin aging and discoloration, apply sunscreen daily before you go outdoors. We often forget about skin under the chin that is exposed to the sun when we’re on a walk or just out and about, but it’s equally as prone to sun damage as the face. The best skin that I’ve ever seen in the dermatologist’s office was from a patient that applied sunscreen every morning on her entire body after a bath or shower. Although she was prone to freckles, they were extremely faint, and her skin was baby smooth even though she was over 50. Remember that there is no fountain of youth, but sun protection products are the next best thing.

Be picky. When it comes to sunscreen, look for one with SPF 30 or more of a broad-spectrum formulation and one that is water-resistant. Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a great option for full-body and long-wearing protection for an active lifestyle. Our formula offers up to 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance for activities like sports, outdoor recreation, and keeping up with the kids. The lightweight, non-sticky formula is excellent for the whole family and won’t cause breakouts.

Get even. Clothing straps move, backs are hard to reach, and sunscreen can only blend so far. So, do your best to apply an even amount over the skin. Tip: Apply the initial coat on bare skin. After putting on your clothing items, layer a second coat after 15 minutes. Finally, make sure you do not skimp on the amount of product — a teaspoon for the face and an ounce for the body, layered over time.

Re-apply. A very important sun protection step is re-application. Although we’d like it to be as easy as one and done, it isn’t. The basic rule is to re-apply sunscreen every 2-2.5 hours, and after swimming and sweating.

Dark spots be gone. Using skin brighteners to even your skin tone can deliver even, radiant skin. Don’t expect to go back in the sun and get an even tan now that your spots and patches are history. Unfortunately, skin has a memory of your past skin habits and assaults. Freckles and marks can pop up right back in the same places. This is because our melanocytes, or pigment cells, are stimulated to protect the skin as its main job is to create umbrellas of color to protect the skin below from harmful UV rays. People with more pigment have a coat of protection so they burn less and usually tan evenly. Fair individuals have less pigmented cells, so they have less protection. The few cells bring less protection causing their skin to burn more easily and the pigment is more scattered. Over time, these pigment cells reproduce but look clumped together. The bottom line, avoid the sun and wear sunscreen.

Fake it. Do you want the best of both worlds — sun-kissed skin without the damage? Get summer color 365 days a year using a faux tan product. Re-apply as needed once or twice a week and more frequently to the face as it is usually cleansed twice daily. Remember to use your sunscreen every day as directed because tinted skin is not sun protection. Essentials Foaming Sunless Tan gives even, natural-looking color with RF-Dcell Technology featuring Narcissus Bulb Extract to extend the life of your sunless glow.

I hope you’ve now been inspired to love and care for your skin from head to toe all year long!

*Written by Mary Radford, RNBA
Mary Radford, RNBA, has an extensive background in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Spas. She worked side by side with Dr. Katie Rodan as a Registered Nurse in her dermatology office before being recruited to Rodan + Fields in 2004, where she currently focuses on Field Education + Tools.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The R+F Source.

Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging


Understanding the Difference Between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging

by | Dec 5, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

We all know that the skin is the human body’s largest organ, but what’s the purpose of skin and how does our growing older change skin’s ability to perform this role?  We know this skin’s basic functions are to:

  1. Protects us from the outside world of germs and the environment
  2. Maintains our equilibrium – holding in water, controlling our temperature
  3. Is our outward, visible, indicator of health, age and well being

Why does your skin age?

As we age, the appearance and functioning of our skin changes.  Typically, skin becomes thinner, more wrinkled, rougher, less radiant, more lax, less firm, shows changes in pigment levels, and often dryer.  This aging of the skin is a result of two separate but interrelated factors: intrinsic or chronological aging, which is the biological process associated with your genetics and the passage of time, and extrinsic aging, changes caused primarily by external factors, the most important of which is UV exposure, but also includes exposure to pollution, weather, stress, and lifestyle habits.

What is Extrinsic Aging?

It’s generally thought that extrinsic factors have more influence on the visible signs of aging than intrinsic factors. In fact, 80% of skin aging is likely due to exposure to sunlight[1]. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding sun exposure and the use of a good quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 as the most important steps in maintaining skin health and preventing the signs of aging[2]. The good news, 80% of how your skin ages is in your hands.

What is Intrinsic Aging?

Intrinsic aging is the change in your skin related to your age and your genetics, and there are three main causes:

  1. Slower cell turnover
  2. Reduced cellular energy levels
  3. Reduced collagen production

Cell Turnover

We know that skin has the capacity to constantly renew itself.  Dry, dead skin cells slough off the surface to be replaced with new cells that have migrated up from deeper layers.  This replacement process is driven by something called turnover or proliferation.  Proliferation just means one cell dividing itself into two identical copies. Remarkably, cells can do this repeatedly, up to a maximum of about 50 times[3], but research tells us that as we age, this proliferation slows down considerably and eventually stops.  There is no foolproof way of reversing this decline.

Cellular Energy

As you can imagine, for cells to divide constantly, they need a lot of energy, but as we age, our energy levels drop too, sort of like how your phone battery slowly loses the ability to stay charged and runs down more quickly as it gets older.  The good news is that research has shown this decline can be addressed to an extent by providing very specific nutrients, ones that are important to a cell’s energy cycle[4].  Look for products that contain ingredients such as vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) and adenosine, both vital molecules in cell’s energy cycle.

What Can You Do To Address Intrinsic Aging?

Firstly, cleanse, tone, treat and protect your skin everyday[5] as this will enable your skin to be as resilient as possible to the signs of aging. Secondly, use products that contain ingredients that address the visible signs of aging caused by changes in cell turnover, energy, and collagen. Third, only use products that have been independently clinically tested to validate their efficacy.

R + F’s groundbreaking Total RF Serum is a powerful anti-aging serum that revitalizes skin to help achieve stronger, healthier, more resilient skin.

The serum does this through the use of carefully chosen ingredients proven to energize surface skin cells, including a propriety blend of ayurvedic sandalwood, Indian Kino extract + omega-6 fatty acids, combined with niacinamide and adenosine.  R+F’s patented antioxidant complex also fortifies the skin making it more resilient and defending against environmental aggressors.

A recent clinical trial published in Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, has shown how Total RF Serum can have a noticeable and positive impact on a broad range of anti-aging concerns and is capable of boosting the benefits of almost any skincare routine[6].

In Summary

Don’t assume all skincare is the same.  R+F is a dermatology inspired, problem solution skincare brand that sets out to identify key issues and provide demonstrable benefit. Do your research, identify your issues and do the best thing for your skin because what you do to your skin everyday has a huge impact on how it looks and feels.

Article by Simon Craw, PhD

Dr. Simon Craw holds a PhD in Chemistry from University of Manchester and held academic posts at the University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and University of Sydney (Australia). He has over 25 years’ industry experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and skin care research and development.  He began his career at Merck Research Laboratories before moving to a series of start-ups and early-stage biotechnology and skincare companies. At Lifeline Skincare, Dr. Craw helped develop and commercialize one of the first and most innovative stem cell extracts used in topical cosmetics.  At Rodan + Fields Dr. Craw has brought a number of skincare innovations to market including Retinal MD, one of the most powerful non-prescription retinoids and Total RF Serum a breakthrough anti-aging serum powered by a patent-pending new technology targeting cellular energy, RF TriEnergy Complex.

REFERENCES

[1] Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013 Sep 27;6:221-32. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S44686. PMID: 24101874; PMCID: PMC3790843.

[2] American Academy of Dermatology.  Skincare Tips Dermatologist’s Use. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use

[3] Watts G. Leonard Hayflick and the limits of ageing. Lancet. 2011 Jun 18;377(9783):2075. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60908-2. PMID: 21684371.

[4] Nicotinamide effects on the metabolism of human fibroblasts and keratinocyte assessed by quantitative, label-free fluorescence imaging. Liu Z, Chiang CY, Nip J, Feng L, Zhang Y, Rocha S, Georgakoudi I. Biomed Opt Express. 2021 Sep 20;12(10):6375-6390 https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.432561

[5] American Academy of Dermatology.  Should I Apply My Skincare Products in a Certain Order? https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/apply-skin-care-certain-order

[6] Craw JS, Falla T, Ong D and Butani S, Efficacy and Tolerability of a Novel Facial Serum.  Clinical Dermatology Open Access Journal, 2022,7(1) doi: 10.23880/cdoaj-16000259

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On Your Face Safely

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On Your Face Safely

by | Sep 11, 2022

Safe Skin Care

Your skin naturally sheds around a million cells a day. Knowing how to get rid of dead skin on your face properly is crucial knowledge for a healthy, fresh complexion. Also known as skin rejuvenation, the act of removing dead skin can be complicated to get right. Wondering where to start? Read on to learn how to do it safely and effectively. 

What Causes Dead Skin on the Face?

The skin is our biggest organ of the body, and is exposed to the outside world. Skin is constantly protecting us from environmental factors including the sun’s UV rays, pollution, changing weather and temperatures. Dead skin is basically dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin, caused by the natural cell turnover that’s happening every second.  Therefore, dead skin on the face is caused by environmental stressors, a new skincare product, skin damage or simply the cell turnover rate.

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On your Face

The best way to rejuvenate and remove dead skin from the face is to gently treat skin with exfoliants or moisturizers, depending on your skin type. Since different exfoliators may not work for every skin type, it’s essential to consider skin type before choosing an exfoliation method. By consistently keeping your complexion free of excessive dead skin cells, skin will look and feel fresh, healthy and vibrant.

Physical Products

An exfoliating face mask or treatment, by default, are heroes when it comes to dead skin on the face. Exfoliators buff away dead skin cells and reveal the new skin layer below. This results in a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion. If skin dryness, redness or other issues are present, rely on moisturizers for a few days before exfoliators. This helps to prevent a damaged skin barrier. Once skin seems hydrated and ready, you can rely on exfoliants to finish the job. If you choose to exfoliate, make sure your skin is ready in that the exfoliant doesn’t damage your skin, lead to breakouts, or increase redness. Examples of exfoliants include peels, scrubs, and microdermabrasion treatments. Sometimes a great exfoliating face wash can even be effective at removing dead skin from the face.

Chemical Products

Chemicals can either make or break your skin’s condition when it comes to removing dead skin. Chemical products can very successfully remove dead skin cells, but they can also dry or irritate skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and chemical peels are some of the most common treatments used for removing dead skin on the face. Chemical peels are very popular in salons or as an at-home treatment, and generally affordable and relatively safe. Dead skin cells are usually removed easily, with one treatment being successful at proper removal.

Products to Avoid

It might seem counterintuitive, but there are certain exfoliating products you should avoid for getting rid of dead skin on the face. Exfoliants formulated for use on the body, for example, should never be used on the delicate skin on the face. Peels and other products with harsher, active ingredients should be considered for your particular skin type or left on the shelf for the time being. It is also wise to resist the urge to over-exfoliate, as you could damage the skin barrier and make the skin vulnerable to redness and sensitivity and other reactions.

Consider Skin Type

Remember to read all labels and use products designed and formulated for your particular skin type. By remaining diligent about which products you are using, especially on your delicate complexion, you can avoid the dryness that sometimes accompanies dead skin cells. Becoming well-versed in your skin type and the products, ingredients and skincare routines that suit it, you are fully taking care and control of your skin health. Not sure what your skin type is? Here is a quick guide:

Normal

Normal skin does not show signs of peeling or excessive oiliness anywhere on the face. Normal skin also does not usually show signs of redness, enlarged pores, or feeling of sensitivity.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is something you can feel, but also something you can see.  Visible or feelings of dryness, redness, burning, or itchiness are signs of skin sensitivity.

Oily

Oily skin is common, especially in younger demographics. People with oily skin have excess oil and shine in their T-zones or all over the face. Large pores may also be visible.

Dry

Dry skin often has visible symptoms of peeling, flaking, red areas, and dehydration. Physical symptoms include the feeling of tightness or taut skin.

Combination

The most common skin type, combination skin is known to be oily in the T-zone (across your forehead, down your nose, to your chin) and then dry or normal in the other areas. Lipids are unevenly distributed throughout your complexion.

Preventing Dead Skin on Your Face

The key to preventing dead skin on your skin is by being diligent with skin protection, cleanliness, exfoliation, and moisturization. Always remember that balance is key, and do nothing in excess when it comes to your skin. Products like a facial serum can help keep that balance in between more abrasive treatments. By working with your natural cell turnover and oils, you can improve and prevent dead skin on the face.

In Conclusion

Skin cells have a very short lifespan, so it is completely natural that dead skin builds up on your face. By keeping skin happy and healthy, you may not even notice it very often.

Sources

  1. US National Library of Medicine. Wound Healing and Nutrition: Going Beyond Dressings With a Balanced Care Plan.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home.
  3. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. An introduction to superficial, medium, deep and combination chemical peels.
  4. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Determine Your Skin Type.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

How to Even Skin Tone on Your Face

by | Aug 6, 2022

How to even your skin tone

If you suffer from uneven skin tone, rest assured that you’re not alone. “Uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation is often characterized by skin discoloration and is a result of an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color,” explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “This overproduction of melanin often occurs unevenly which results in dark spots and patches.”

While common—a form of hyperpigmentation called melasma impacts approximately five million people in the United States and has a prevalence rate of 40% in some populations—anyone who has ever dealt with this issue has probably wondered how to get even the skin tone on their face. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Causes An Uneven Skin Tone?

There are many factors that contribute to uneven skin tone, according to Dr. Green. These include:

Hormones

According to Dr. Green, hormonal fluctuations can cause an increased risk of hyperpigmentation, especially in the form of melasma. “Many individuals may experience this while taking oral contraceptives or during pregnancy,” she notes.

Genetics

For some people, an uneven skin tone is as simple as a genetic predisposition. “Individuals are more prone to uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation based on their family history,” Dr Green says. “For example, there is a strong hereditary component to the hyperpigmentation disorder melasma with half of the patients reporting a positive family history.”

Skin Tone

The tone of your skin might make you more likely to develop hyperpigmentation. “Individuals with darker brown skin are more likely to develop an uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation since they naturally have more melanin,” Dr. Green says.

Laser Damage

Sometimes, a dermatologist or other skin expert might use a laser treatment that isn’t suited to your skin, which can lead to uneven skin tone. “If laser treatment is used on a skin tone that it is not well suited for, it can result in skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “This is often because the energy or heat of the laser is too high for a particular skin tone and your body reacts by increasing melanin production.”

Steps to Even Your Facial Skin Tone

What can I do to brighten my face? How can I fix discoloration on my face? How can I prevent uneven skin tone? Dr. Green shares some answers to these questions and steps you can take to help even out skin tone:

Step 1: Start using sunscreen

Before thinking about the steps you should take to even out your facial tone, start by using sunscreen to prevent further damage. “Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above daily and to reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says.

Step 2: Use a vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, Dr. Green says. “This will help fade hyperpigmentation that may appear as sunspots, age spots, and melasma.”

Step 3: Try a retinol

Known for its anti-aging benefits, retinol can help even out skin tone, too. “Retinol inhibits the activity of tyrosinase which helps to lighten the skin while also improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, which can help make skin look more even.”

Step 4: Consult a board-certified dermatologist to discuss cosmetic procedures

If you’re not getting the results you want from your skincare products, consider consulting a professional. “Consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Several cosmetic procedures can help like the Cosmelan Peel, Fraxel Laser, AlexTrivantage Laser, Clear + Brilliant, Chemical Peels, and more,” Dr. Green says.

Other Facial Skin Tone Treatments

Here are other things you can do to achieve an even skin tone on your face:

Natural treatments

Vitamin C serum is a great natural treatment option for uneven skin tone. “As a strong antioxidant ingredient, Vitamin C can combat the negative effects of harmful free radicals in the environment that contribute to the development of the signs of premature skin aging, including hyperpigmentation,” Dr. Green says. “Vitamin C also helps to inhibit melanin production in the skin, thus brightening overall skin complexion. Additionally, Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis of collagen in the skin. By promoting skin cell regeneration and inducing the production of collagen, vitamin C improves both the texture and tone of the skin.”

Lifestyle Measures

The most important lifestyle measure you can take to even the skin tone on your face, Dr. Green says, is sun protection.

“Everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above regularly because it is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet radiation and prevent hyperpigmentation,” she says. “Pregnant women, in particular, should be diligent in applying sunscreen regularly. During pregnancy, it is common for patients to suffer from a skin condition known as melasma. Melasma often results due to hormonal fluctuations and presents itself as patches of skin that are darker than the patient’s natural skin tone. Sun exposure can worsen melasma and any hyperpigmentation so wearing sunscreen is especially important”

Medical Procedures

While you should always talk to your dermatologist about which procedures might be right for you, Dr. Green says chemical peels, laser treatments, and other procedures can be helpful when it comes to evening out skin tone. But as mentioned above, the wrong treatment can actually worsen hyperpigmentation—so make sure to have a thorough conversation beforehand.

How Can You Prevent an Uneven Skin Tone?

The very best thing you can do to prevent uneven skin tone? It probably won’t come as a surprise at this point, but you should apply sunscreen.

“The best thing you can do for your skin to prevent uneven skin tone from occurring or worsening is to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above daily and reapply every two hours,” Dr. Green says. “Sunscreen is great for protecting against hyperpigmentation that is a result of sun exposure. Excessive sun exposure will result in an increase in melanin production in the skin which ultimately manifests as hyperpigmentation.”

Key Takeaways

Long story short: Hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as uneven skin tone, is common—but there’s a lot you can do to make it less visible and protect your skin from further damage.

Reference Pages

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2019/10/31/how-to-get-an-even-skin-tone-according-to-dermatologists/

https://www.kiehls.com/skincare-advice/how-to-even-skin-tone.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-to-get-even-skin

https://usa.renskincare.com/blogs/clean-thoughts/5-natural-ways-to-achieve-an-even-skin-tone

https://www.ipsy.com/blog/how-to-even-skin-tone

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

Learn more about Rodan + Fields  and how you can get your most radiant skin ever. Trust your skin’s glow to the Doctors and to your consultant who know how to help you get your skin glowing.

Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

Share this with friends or family members. It will save their skin — and boost their confidence.

PM me for the best options to suit your budget 🙂

*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

Send Me a Message

How to Exfoliate Without Damaging Your Skin

How to Exfoliate Without Damaging Your Skin

by | Jul 7, 2022

Skin Exfoliation is important

We hear about exfoliation quite a bit as a means of keeping our skin smooth, moisturized, and healthy. After all, how can we get a glowing, healthy-looking complexion if we’re constantly dealing with dead skin cells that pile up?

But knowing that exfoliation is a good idea and knowing how to exfoliate are two entirely different things. Here, we break down exactly what exfoliation is, and how to exfoliate without damaging your skin.

What is exfoliation?

According to Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, the purpose of exfoliation is to get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and clear out congested pores to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

“Exfoliation plays into the life cycle of skin cells which is about 3 months in children and about 28 days in adults,” she explains. “With age, the dead skin cells that accumulate tend to take longer to shed from the surface of the skin. Dead skin cells build up and clog pores and lead to a dry and dull complexion and rough texture.”

Benefits of exfoliating

The main benefit of exfoliation, according to Dr. Green, is to help speed up cell turnover rate. “Exfoliation also allows serums, treatments, and moisturizers applied afterward to penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver the best benefits,” she explains.

Skin types that are suitable for exfoliation

All skin types are suitable for exfoliation, but you might have to make some tweaks in terms of how you exfoliate based on your skin type. For example, chemical exfoliants, which typically contain beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) can be great for sensitive or dry skin, according to Dr. Green. AHAs are great for dry skin because they don’t cause irritation, while BHAs are great for oily or acne-prone skin. With normal skin, you should feel comfortable going with a physical or chemical exfoliant.

How to exfoliate without damaging your skin

If you want to exfoliate without damaging your skin, there are a few key components to keep in mind, according to Dr. Green.

“Exfoliating too often or scrubbing too hard can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier and remove the essential oils present that provide hydration and healthy skin,” she explains. “This can lead to redness, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, dryness, infection, or acne breakouts. Stripping the skin of essential moisturizing oils can cause the skin to respond by overproducing sebum, which can then become trapped in the pores and lead to the formation of acne breakouts.”

It’s best to start slowly and gradually increase frequency of exfoliant use if you want to avoid irritated skin. “There is nothing wrong with decreasing the frequency if your skin shows any signs of irritation,” Dr. Green says. “It is highly recommended that you discuss with a board-certified dermatologist to determine which exfoliant and skincare regimen would be best for your specific skin type. If you’re experiencing redness, itchiness, or irritation, avoid using any exfoliants until your skin is healed.”

How to exfoliate the face

Before trying an exfoliating cleanser on the face, Dr. Green recommends applying it to your inner arm first.

“If you are trying a new exfoliating product, perform a patch test on your inner arm before applying to the face to ensure that the product will not cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction,” she says. “To perform a patch test, place a small amount of the product on clean skin and leave the area be for at least 24 hours. If there is no skin irritation after use such as redness, swelling, itching, burning, or rash, then the product should be safe to use on the face.”

Exfoliation on the face should be performed two to three times a week, and always remember to use a moisturizer afterward.

How to exfoliate the body

Since the skin on the body tends to be less sensitive than skin on the face, it’s easier to exfoliate it without damaging the skin, but you should still perform Dr. Green’s patch test before exfoliating your entire body. With a really high-quality body scrub, you can exfoliate your body two to three times a week, and be sure to use a moisturizer afterward.

How to exfoliate the legs

With a body scrub and a brush or sponge, exfoliate your legs by using short, gentle strokes on the skin. Just make sure to avoid any areas that have cuts, as an exfoliating scrub can further irritate those areas and slow down the healing process.

How to exfoliate the feet

Exfoliating the feet is different from exfoliating other parts of the body. You’ll want to soak your feet a few times a week, then use a pumice stone to slough off dead skin cells. Be sure to moisturize afterward, just as you would when exfoliating other parts of the body.

How often should you exfoliate?

You should not exfoliate every day, as doing so can cause dryness or irritation. Two to three times per week is the ideal amount.

Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine. With the proper attention, care, and the right products, you can say goodbye to dead skin cells and easily exfoliate your skin without irritating it. Enjoy!

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

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Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle, and diet.

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*information is taken from The Skincare Source.

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