How to exfoliate the skin? A guide to healthy and radiant skin

Exfoliation is an important - but often overlooked - part of an effective skin care routine. Many people focus on cleansing, serum and moisture, but forget to remove the top layer of dead skin cells, which can prevent the products from working optimally. Others skip exfoliation because they are uncertain about how to do it properly or because they fear to irritate the skin. But when done right and with the right products, exfoliation can make a significant difference.

By regularly exfoliating the skin, you improve both the skin's appearance and health. The surface becomes more even and the skin gets a more uniform tone and structure. At the same time, cell renewal is supported, which naturally subsides with age. The result is a smoother skin with increased glow, fewer clogged pores and better absorption of subsequent care products. In the following, you get a practical and detailed guide on how to exfoliate the skin effectively and gently - both on the face and on the body.

What does it mean to exfoliate the skin?

When exfoliating the skin, you remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface. It may not sound like anything special, but it has a big impact on the appearance and health of the skin. The dead cells can create a matte, grayish tone, clog the pores and make it harder for moisture and active ingredients to penetrate the skin.

Regular exfoliation stimulates cell renewal, providing a more uniform and even skin and can reduce the visibility of fine lines, pigment spots and impurities.

The two types of exfoliation - mechanical and chemical

There are overall two ways of exfoliating the skin:

Mechanical Exfoliation:

Here, a physical scrub with small grains - often in a shower gel or body splitting - is used to remove dead skin cells. It acts as a kind of "grinding" of the skin and is most suitable for the body and areas with thicker skin such as legs, arms and elbows. Many people choose a mild, exfoliating shower gel with nourishing ingredients as part of their routine - for example, variants from HAIRSUUK's selection of exfoliating shower gels, which both cleanses the skin gently and contributes to a softer surface.

However, it is important not to overlook it - especially in the face where the skin is more delicate. Here for coarse grains can do more harm than good and create microscopic tears. Therefore, mechanical exfoliation is best suited for the body or for people who do not have sensitive skin.

Chemical Exfoliation:

Chemical exfoliation takes place with products containing fruit acids (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA), which gently dissolves the dead skin cells and stimulates the skin's natural renewal. AHA is suitable for dry or mature skin, while BHA is ideal for oily and unclean skin. The products are available as tones, masks or creams and can be adapted to your skin type. The advantage of chemical exfoliation is that it is often more even and milder than scrub grain - perfect for those with delicate skin or tendency to redness.

Exfoliation of dry and sensitive skin

If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is important to exfoliate gently. Use chemical exfoliation products with low concentration of AHA, e.g. lactic acid or male acid. Avoid coarse scrubs as they can irritate and create small tears in the skin.

It is a good idea to exfoliate in the evening and finish with a nourishing cream or lotion, which helps to rebuild the skin's barrier. A moisture mask or night cream can also provide extra care and prevent drying out.

How to exfoliate the skin step by step?

1. Clean the skin thoroughly

Before you exfoliate, the skin must be completely clean. Therefore, start washing face or body with a mild shower gel that removes dirt, oil and possibly makeup. A clean skin surface ensures that the exfoliation product works directly on the dead skin cells and is not blocked by impurities.

2. Choose the correct method for your skin type

It is important to choose the right form of exfoliation. For the body and areas with thicker skin - such as elbows, knees and lower legs - is mechanical exfoliation with a scrub often the most effective. To the face where the skin is thinner and more sensitive, chemical exfoliation can be a better choice. Here acids like AHA or BHA work more gently and precisely to loosen the dead skin cells.

3. Apply and massage gently

By mechanical exfoliation, you should massage the product into the skin with soft, circular movements. Avoid scrubbing hard - it can damage the skin and make it irritated. Use about 20-30 seconds on each area, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. In chemical exfoliation, the product is applied as directed, often without having to be massaged or rinsed off.

4. Add moisture and nutrition

Once the dead skin cells are removed, the skin is extra susceptible to care. It is therefore important to end with a moisturizing cream or lotion that both soothes the skin and helps to rebuild its protective barrier. If you exfoliate in the evening, you may want to use a slightly cooler night cream or a moisture mask to give the skin extra care overnight.

5. Remember sun protection the day after

After chemical exfoliation in particular, the skin is more sensitive to the sun's rays. It increases the risk of sun damage and pigment spots if you do not use SPF. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen daily - even in winter - when you exfoliate regularly. It protects the skin and extends the effect of your skin care.

How often should one exfoliate?

The frequency depends on your skin type:

• Normal/Combined Skin: 2-3 times a week

• Dry or sensitive skin: Once a week

• Oily and unclean skin: Up to 3-4 times a week with chemical exfoliation

Overex foliation can lead to redness, irritation and dryness, so it is about finding a balance and listening to your skin's signals.

Exfoliation of the body - an overlooked routine

We often focus on the face, but the body also benefits from exfoliation. Especially in areas such as elbows, knees and lower legs, dead skin cells can gather and create dry, uneven skin. A scrub in the bath a few times a week can make the skin softer and more susceptible to body lotion.

People with ingrown hair or keratosis pilaris (small buds on the upper arms) can benefit greatly from regular exfoliation.

Exfoliation for men - why it is also important

Men generally have a coarser skin with more sebum production, which makes exfoliation extra useful. Especially around the beard, dead skin cells can accumulate and cause itching and ingrown hair. A mild scrub 2-3 times a week, or a chemical exfoliant with BHA, can make the skin more clean and resistant.

It is an effective way to avoid irritation after shaving while giving the skin a fresher expression.

Exfoliation as part of a skin care routine

Exfoliation should be integrated into your regular skin care - not standing alone. When you remove the dead skin cells, the skin becomes more susceptible to moisture, active ingredients and nutrients from serum, creams and oils.

Especially during the winter months, exfoliation can help fight dry skin, and in the summer it can counteract the accumulation of sweat, sunscreen and pollution.

Frequent errors in exfoliation

• Too frequent exfoliation: It can damage the skin's barrier and cause increased dryness or outbreaks.

• No moisture afterwards: The skin needs to be reassured and moisturized - especially after chemical exfoliation.

• Rough scrubs in the face: Do not use body scrubs on the face - they are often too hard for the fine skin.
  

Long -term effect - glowing skin with fewer problems

By exfoliating regularly, you will find that your skin feels softer, looks more uniform and gets a healthier glow. At the same time, your other skincare products will be able to penetrate better and work more effectively.

You don't have to make it complicated - many choose products with mild, exfoliating ingredients that can be used daily, e.g. A cleansing gel with aha or a body lotion with fruit acids.