How Often Do I Need To Exfoliate My Skin?

The old adage that there can be "too much of a good thing" can also apply to exfoliation in all its forms. When used just enough, your skin will be clear and glow, but if used too much, you may experience irritation, dryness, and even an increase in sebum production.

What is exfoliation?

Skin exfoliation refers to any method that removes dead skin cells to reveal the healthier new layer of skin beneath. It is an aesthetic treatment that can be done in multiple ways - from the simple exfoliating face wash to the intense deep chemical peel.

The frequency at which one should use these specific methods is based on their intensity and your skin type. Today we will discuss how often you should use these methods:

• Skin exfoliating face wash

• Cleansing brushes

• Microdermabrasion (non-chemical)

• Lunchtime/superficial chemical peel

• Medium chemical peel

• Deep chemical peel

As always, you should consult your aesthetician or dermatologist first to find out what skin type you have and what strategies will work best with your skin type. In general, people with moderate to severe acne should avoid too much exfoliation, as it can make the situation worse.

Exfoliating Face Wash

A face wash with microbeads is something gentle enough to use daily, with caution. If you notice a change in your skin's texture, like more oiliness or breakouts, you should reduce the frequency at which you use it.

Exfoliation has the benefit of cleaning out pores but it can also dry out your skin or over-stimulate it to produce too much oil.

Facial Cleansing brushes

We love cleansing brushes and the effects they have on your skin. With this tool, you should always use a gentle cleanser like the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and you should opt for softer bristles. Never use an exfoliating face wash with your brushes - the brush will do all the exfoliating you need.

The recommended use of these brushes is once or twice a week. They can take the place of a gentle facial. Using it too much will strip your skin, messing with its natural pH balance.

If you have any questions about your facial brush and how you should use it, come see us and we can give you advice tailored to your unique skin condition.

You should also avoid cleansing brushes if you have these skin conditions:

• Thin or Sensitive skin

• Rosacea

• Psoriasis or Eczema

• Lacerations or broken skin

• Sunburns

• If you just had a microdermabrasion

Cleansing brushes like Clairisonic are good for removing makeup and for your twice-a-week deep cleanse. Try to strategically time your exfoliations after a day where you know you will need an extra cleaning like after you have worn heavy makeup. Make sure to moisturize your skin thoroughly after brushing to keep your skin's hydration in balance.

Microdermabrasion (non-chemical)

A typical microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin improvement procedure that removes the top layer of your skin with a series of exfoliating crystals and suction.

This treatment can be used as frequently as once a week or scheduled every month as your face's skin regenerates fully after 30 days. Microdermabrasion can help with mild acne scars and help improve your skin texture, so this periodic treatment will give you a nice beauty boost.

The Lunchtime or Superficial Chemical Peel

These mild acid peels are done in sequential treatments initially, with six in a row being the average. Then, your aesthetician will suggest a maintenance peel every few months in order to keep the results glowing.

Lunchtime peels use milder acids so they do not require a long recovery time, however, they should not be a daily event.

Medium & Deep Chemical peels

Medium chemical peels penetrate deeper than superficial peels and have a longer recovery time.

The amount of spacing between medium peels will depend on the patient's skin condition and other factors that only your aesthetician can determine. On average, however, you should have fewer medium peels per year than superficial peels.

Deep peels, on the other hand,  should only be done once in your life. Its effects are dramatic and long-lasting and your skin can handle the deep healing process of this procedure once.

Information is Key

It is crucial to be 100% honest and open with your aesthetician about your entire skin care history and current regimen. Over-exfoliating is not going to help your skin, so you should be strategic and well-informed about what plan you implement for your personal care routine.

For example, if you just had a lunchtime peel for maintenance, you should tone down on facial brushing. If you just had a microdermabrasion, you should tell your aesthetician before you go through any spa treatments.

If you have more questions about how often to exfoliate your skin or anything else beauty related, contact us or schedule an appointment.