Is facial exfoliation for all skin types?
Friday, 2 May 2008
Exfoliation is often said to be an essential step in our beauty regime as it works to remove the dead skin cells on the epidermis, resulting in a clearer, smoother and more even-toned skin which has greater translucency. In fact, regular exfoliation not only improves the surface appearance but the function of the skin as it allow better penetration of the active ingredients in toners, serums and moisturizers.
There are two ways we can exfoliate. Mechancial exfolliation is where the dead skin cells on our skin’s outermost surface are physically scrubbed off with mircobeads and microdermabrasion falls under this category too. Chemical exfoliation on the other hand uses alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), betahydroxy acids (BHAS), retinoids, fruit enzymes, salicylic or glycolic acid to loosen the glue-like substance that holds the skin cells together, thus allowing them to slough away.
While exfoliation do sound like good skincare, but is it for all skin types? Apparently not, according to what I’ve gathered after reading The Skin Type solution by Leslie Baumann.
Sensitive skin
Those with sensistive skin should not exfoliate as the process of scrubbing may cause inflammation for such skin type. Stick to using a soft washcloth to slough away dead skin. If yours is sensitive and oily with acne, you may already be using prescription retinoids and that itself provides natural exfoliation.
Combination skin
Those with combination skin can choose either mechanical or chemical exfoliation and exfoliate 2 times a week to keep pores clean and trouble-free. Anything more may induce sensitivity and lead to skin reddening. Microdermabrasion can be done but again, should be in moderation.
Dry resistant skin
Those whose skin are dry and resistant can exfoliate either mechanically or chemically more frequently and can even go for microdermabrasion regularly to keep skin glowing and smooth.
Pigmented skin
But if you have pigmentation, exfoliation like microdermabrasion or chemical exfoliation may help to remove the superficial unevenly pigmented skin cells stuck on the surface but it is not possible to remove those deeper. In fact, those with hyperpigmentation should exfoliate moderately as overexfoliation in some instances is said to aggravate pigmentation.
So while exfoliation provides great skin benefits, it does not work for all skin types. Even if it is suitable for yours, I would say exfoliate with moderation. In addition, never use mechnical and chemical exfoliation together; pick one or the other as too much exfoliation may induce skin sensitivity and redness.
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Posted in Beauty | 12 Comments »
12 Comments to “Is facial exfoliation for all skin types?”
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May 4th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
i am very happy after 2 sessions of microdermabrasion. it has helped control the breakout of acne and my face tone is more even now. for once my open pores are not noticeable
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May 17th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
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May 17th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
[...] Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
May 17th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
[...] Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
May 18th, 2008 at 12:03 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
May 19th, 2008 at 2:01 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
May 19th, 2008 at 9:59 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
June 24th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
[...] Okay, the ingredients as you see here are mostly chemical but still, I don’t mind using this up to three times a week because it’s a wash off and I think my face can do with some help from AHA and BHA. Anyway I have pretty resistant skin type so this Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser has worked well for me. Anyway, 70 reviewers at Makeupalley gave this product a 4.3 out of 5 rating which says something good about it too. But before you decide if you want to try this, you may also like to check out this entry where I examined if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
November 1st, 2008 at 6:19 am
[...] Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
January 17th, 2009 at 9:05 am
[...] Leon of Beauty Secrets Revealed Releases Her First e-book “Leon’s Anti-Aging Beauty Secrets” Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]
January 18th, 2010 at 10:39 am
I have been using a mild retiniods and find that gentle exfoliation with a washcloth a cold cream works well. The trick with exfoliation is to not overdo it – BE GENTLE!
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August 16th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
[...] Viva Woman finds out if facial exfoliation is for all skin types. [...]