Written by Rishika Singh If you end up scrubbing your face for 5 minutes straight during monsoon because the humidity begets you with skin oilier than a poori, you need to stop. Right now. Firstly, let's understand why exfoliating your face is essential for maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Dr Sharadi Shreemoyee, founder/director, Rejuve Aesthetics described that the process of exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This removal allows for better absorption of skincare products such as moisturisers, serums, and treatments, mentioned Dr Nishita Ranka, dermatologist, medical director and founder, Dr Nishita'a Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics. Regular exfoliation can also stimulate collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining the skin's elasticity and firmness. "This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful complexion," said Dr Sravya C Tipirneni, consultant dermatologist, cosmetologist and trichologist, Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore. Exfoliation and skincare content, in general, has become so pervasive that most of us know how to do it but do you know if you're doing it right? Especially for your skin type. Experts assert that different skin types need specific exfoliation methods. Here are some guidelines for exfoliating based on your skin type. Dry or sensitive skin According to Dr Shreemoyee, choosing a gentle exfoliator is most important when it comes to dry or sensitive skin. "Look for exfoliating products with mild ingredients, such as gentle chemical exfoliants (e.g., AHAs or BHAs) or finely ground scrubs," she said. Dr Ranka suggested looking for exfoliants containing natural fruit enzymes (such as papaya or pineapple) that help to dissolve dead skin cells without causing irritation. Dr Tipirneni advised following up with a rich moisturiser, with soothing properties, to lock in the hydration. Normal or combination skin According to Dr Ranka, people with normal or combination skin can pick both chemical exfoliants (AHAs or BHAs) and physical exfoliators (such as gentle scrubs or brushes). "Exfoliating once or twice a week should be sufficient, but you can experiment to find what works best for you," said Dr Shreemoyee. She went on to note that if you have combination skin, focus on exfoliating oilier areas like the T-zone while being more gentle on drier areas. Oily or acne-prone skin Dr Tipirneni suggested going for exfoliants that contain BHAs like salicylic acid, which can penetrate pores and control oil production, for those with oily or acne-prone skin. According to Dr Shreemoyee, oily skin can handle exfoliation twice to thrice a week, but you should monitor your skin's response to avoid over-drying. Dr Ranka advised wearing a clay mask once or twice a week, which can help absorb excess oil and exfoliate the skin. Things to keep in mind while exfoliating According to the experts, here are some tips you should be aware of before exfoliating. Always do a patch test with new exfoliating products to ensure they don't cause any adverse reactions. Exfoliate in gentle, circular motions to avoid excessive pressure or friction. Apply sunscreen daily, as exfoliating can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Don't combine multiple exfoliating products at once to avoid over-exfoliation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Don't use exfoliants on active acne lesions, open wounds, or sunburned skin. Remember, listening to your skin and adjusting the frequency and intensity of exfoliation based on its response is essential. If you experience any persistent irritation or discomfort, consult a dermatologist for personalised advice. 📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don't miss out on the latest updates!
