All You Need To Know About Exfoliation

The cell renewal rate or cell turnover rate slows down when we age and this leads to a build-up of dull, dead skin cells and coarse skin surface. The build-up of dead skin cells can result in excess oil and clogged pores, causing acne and other skin problems. Skin exfoliation can help avoid these problems by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, giving you healthy and glowing skin. Dead skin cells might prevent optimal product penetration and the skin’s ability to absorb the products (sunscreen, moisturizer, serums). 

Skin exfoliation removes dry patches that are unsightly and hard to cover with makeup. It helps the skin retain moisture and make it soft and supple. Overall, it keeps skin glowing, young, and healthy. Knowing your skin type is essential or else you may end up harming your skin. There are different types of skin like dry, oily, sensitive, and these skin types have different ways to exfoliate!

Oily skin–

Oily skin has more dead cells as compared to other skin types and exfoliation is one of the best ways to reduce clogged pores and get smoother skin. Go for a physical exfoliator like a cleansing device or a scrub. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week for optimum results. Don’t over-exfoliate as it can cause your skin to dry out and produce even more oil. 

Sensitive skin–

It is important to use gentle products to exfoliate your sensitive skin. Irritation and redness can easily be triggered by both chemical and physical exfoliators. So, your best bet would be to use an exfoliating tool (cleansing sponge, cleansing pad, or brush) rather than a product. It is easy to control the abrasiveness based on the pressure you apply and you will never have to worry about any ingredient you might be allergic to. 

Dry skin–

Do away with heavy-duty exfoliator since your skin is already dry and it can just worsen your skin. Get exfoliator with the finest grains in a lotion or creamy texture, it should not just remove dead, dull skin, but also provide hydration. Follow your exfoliants with a good moisturizer. Exfoliating just once per month is enough for dry skin. Look out for exfoliators with brown sugar and Vitamin E, which work to dissolve dead skin cells and nourish the skin, rather than drying it out. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a good skincare tool, but over-exfoliation can give you redness and irritation. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you exfoliate wisely. 

Do’s 

• Exfoliate in the morning as our body rejuvenates itself overnight. So, it’s best to scrub away dead cells when new, healthy cells are strongest. 
• Exfoliate while taking a hot shower as it will open up the pores, making it easier to clean. Quickly wash it off subsequently with warm water and a splash of cold water to close your pores.
• Cleanse before you exfoliate as an exfoliant can push dirt and oils deeper into the skin.
• Rub gently in a circular motion and never go above 1 minute to exfoliate your skin. 
• Use a powder exfoliant if your skin is sensitive to scrubbing.

Try the Pilgrim Volcanic Lava Ash Face scrub that has extra-fine articles and pillowy texture. It would help clean the skin and slough off the dead skin cells. Using this scrub, you will be able to get rid of wrinkles, fine lines, discolorations, pigmentation, and suntan.

• Moisturize after exfoliation or else it will dry out. 
• Be careful on sensitive areas of your body, especially eyes or bikini areas while you exfoliate. 
• Use a suitable exfoliation product, the product meant for feet should not be applied on cheeks as it can be really harsh. 
• Apply sunscreen after exfoliation as it is now prone to damage from the sun. Pilgrim White Lotus Day Cream is built with SPF 50. It will provide protection from the sun and prevent sunspots. It also helps in covering discolorations like redness and hyperpigmentation.
• Exfoliate on other parts of the body other than the face, including your lips. 

Don’ts

• Apply too much pressure while exfoliating as it can damage the healthy skin and is just as bad as irregular edges. 
• Over-exfoliate as it can make your skin red and flaky. 
• Exfoliate sunburned or tanned skin as it will further aggravate it. 
• Scrub skin with active breakouts or acne-prone skin as it will cause more irritation and spread the bacteria, causing worse inflammation. 
• Use scrubs that have sharp jagged beads as they can cause micro-tears to the skin and are extremely damaging to the skin. 
• Use a body scrub to exfoliate your facial skin as they often have harsher and larger granules.
• Exfoliate immediately after a waxing or chemical peel as waxing not only removes hair but also removes skin cells. So, waxing may remove those live cells.