Exfoliation 101: Tips for Healthy, Glowing Skin
Know Your Skin Type
Sensitive/Dry: Stick to gentle exfoliation 1-2 times a week with a hydrating product.
Oily/Combination: You can exfoliate 2-3 times a week using chemical or physical exfoliants.
Normal: Regular exfoliation 2 times per week helps maintain balance.
Choose the Right Exfoliant
Chemical Exfoliants
AHAs (e.g., glycolic or lactic acid) brighten skin and improve texture. Great for dry or aging skin.
BHAs (salicylic acid) go deeper into pores to clear oil and acne. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
PHAs: A gentler option for sensitive skin types.
Physical Exfoliants
Scrubs with fine particles (like sugar or jojoba beads) gently remove dead skin. Avoid harsh, gritty scrubs that can cause micro-tears.
Don’t Overdo It
• Over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, leading to redness, sensitivity, and dryness. Start slow and listen to your skin.
Time It Right
• Exfoliate at night to allow your skin to recover while you sleep.
• If you exfoliate during the day, always apply SPF afterward since your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
Hydrate After Exfoliating
• Follow up with a hydrating serum (like hyaluronic acid) and a nourishing moisturizer to restore balance.
Be Gentle
• Avoid scrubbing aggressively. Use light circular motions when applying physical exfoliants to protect your skin.
Adjust for the Season
• In colder months, cut back on exfoliation as skin tends to be drier. In warmer months, you may need a more consistent routine to combat oil buildup.
Combine Wisely
Avoid mixing strong exfoliants (like retinol and acids) on the same night. This can irritate your skin. Opt for one active ingredient at a time.
Be Patient
Results take time! Regular, gentle exfoliation will gradually reveal smoother, brighter skin without compromising its barrier.
Consult an Expert
Consult your SKN Lab esthetician to help guide you on the best exfoliation routine to integrate!
Our four estheticians each have professional knowledge of ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and physical exfoliants and can match them to your skin’s needs. They can suggest medical-grade or clinical products that are often more effective than over-the-counter options.
If you have acne, pigmentation, aging skin, or sensitivity, our estheticians can pinpoint what type of exfoliation will address those concerns without aggravating your skin. Each one of The SKN Labs estheticians will help guide you on how often to exfoliate, how to layer products, and how to combine exfoliants with other skincare actives like retinoids or vitamin C safely.
Most importantly, our estheticians will ensure you’re exfoliating effectively without compromising your skin’s health.
Keep exfoliation balanced to support a glowing, healthy complexion!