Like everything in life, exfoliating should be done in moderation. Contrary to what used to be a common myth, exfoliation isn’t necessary every single day – in fact, doing so 7 days a week will leave your skin without its essential lipid barrier, leading to all kinds of problems including breakouts, dryness, and redness.
Exfoliating should be carried out 2-3 times a week for best results, and it may be that some trial and error is necessary before you know exactly how many days a week suits your skin.
Here are 4 fantastic benefits of exfoliating (no matter what your skin type!)
Skin tone transformation
Exfoliation is something you should be doing no matter what your skin type, but hyperpigmentation, acne and blemish-prone types will want to make sure they never skip twice weekly exfoliation. Exfoliation breaks down skin dryness and dead skin cells whilst simultaneously smoothening skin texture. The skin renewal that’s prompted by exfoliation also removes excess pigment in the skin, leaving you with a brighter complexion and reducing acne-related hyperpigmentation.
Boosts lymphatic drainage and enhances circulation
One of the benefits of exfoliation that often gets forgotten about is that it helps to rid the skin of toxins, by stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Regular exfoliation will bring out your skin’s natural radiance and glow, and help to give the impression of skin tightening by reducing skin sagginess and wrinkles.
Helps to minimise breakouts
If you’re prone to breakouts, you may feel a bit tentative about exfoliating for fear of drying out your skin and destroying your skin barrier. However, a gentle exfoliating routine will help to break down harmful bacteria lingering on your skin’s surface. Use a gentle exfoliant such as Exuviance’s Skin Rise Bionic Tonic which gently awakens and renews your skin twice a week and use a moisturiser right afterwards to make sure your skin isn’t vulnerable to drying out.
It allows other products to penetrate within your skin
Once your pores are unclogged and the dry and dead skin cells have been expelled from your skin post-exfoliation, this creates an optimal foundation on your skin for active ingredients to work their magic. Failing to exfoliate before applying products like serums and moisturisers means your skin won’t be getting the best out of their properties.
An exfoliant such as ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish is a highly effective product for preparing your skin for maximum product penetration.
Glowing and radiant skin (with an antioxidant exfoliator)
When looking for an exfoliating product for your skin, make sure you check it contains skin-brightening and rejuvenating antioxidants.
ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish is an antioxidant-rich product that contains three highly b beneficial antioxidants, A, E, and C. Whilst vitamin A helps to stimulate cell renewal, vitamin C will give dull skin a glow-up and Vitamin E will act as an anti-inflammatory agent against UV damage.