Exfoliation is a cornerstone in the realm of skincare. By removing dead skin cells, it paves the way for a vibrant, radiant complexion.
However, the art of exfoliation can be nuanced, from which exfoliants you use to how often you use them. Read on to discover the answers to your most pressing exfoliation questions.
Why Is Exfoliation Important?
Exfoliation is an important element of any comprehensive skincare routine, helping us achieve healthy and vibrant skin. It does this by helping us remove the accumulated dead skin cells that often contribute to a dull and lifeless complexion.
When old cells are gently sloughed away, newer and more youthful cells rise to the surface, casting a natural glow on the skin. Plus, the removal of these cells can prevent the clogging of pores, which can contribute to breakouts. Both physical exfoliants, like scrubs, and chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, target different skin concerns.
Whether you're battling with dryness or oily skin, exfoliation can recalibrate your skin's natural balance, encouraging a clearer and more refined skin texture.
Should You Exfoliate in the Morning or Evening?
Whether or not there’s a “right” time to exfoliate is up for debate. However, many dermatologists and skin care enthusiasts advocate for morning exfoliation. When you exfoliate in the morning, you effectively remove the build-up of dead cells and sebum that has accumulated overnight.
This not only provides a smoother canvas for makeup application but also maximizes your skin’s ability to absorb following skincare products. The active ingredients in serums, enriched with nutrients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), are then able to do their jobs more efficiently. Similarly, sunscreen, a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, can apply better to freshly exfoliated skin.
If you use retinol, then you may not want to use another chemical exfoliant at the same time, since that can lead to irritation and redness. If this is the case, then you might also want to hold off on exfoliating in the mornings — instead, try alternating nights between your retinol product and your other exfoliant.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
The answer depends on your skin type and the types of exfoliants you’d like to use. In general, exfoliating up to three times per week strikes a balance for most.
While using an exfoliant to slough away dead skin cells and other build-up on your skin’s surface can definitely encourage innately radiant skin, over-exfoliating is a real risk. It can make your skin more vulnerable to sunburn, dry out your skin, and even cause irritation over time — especially for sensitive skin. Over-exfoliating may even compromise your skin barrier.
If you have normal skin, oily skin, or combination skin, you can likely lean into the higher end of frequency. Breakout-prone skin can specifically benefit from gentle exfoliation to help unclog pores and minimize the appearance of breakouts.
How Do You Incorporate Exfoliating Into Your Routine?
Given its ability to support radiant skin, it makes sense that understanding when and how to exfoliate is foundational for anyone looking for a more youthful-looking appearance.
However, proper exfoliation requires more than just slathering on a product. It’s also important to embrace a holistic routine that nurtures each phase of care, from scrubbing to hydrating. Read on to learn how to consider exfoliation in every step of your skincare routine.
Start With a Gentle Cleanser
While it’s important to choose a high-quality exfoliant, it’s also important to make sure that your exfoliant has a strong foundation to work on. If you use a cleanser that is made with harsh ingredients, your skin might be sensitive and irritated before you even apply your exfoliant, setting it up to fail.
To start off right, begin your routine with our Cleansing Oil Balm. This triple-texture formula features organic olive oil, olive leaf water, olive squalane, and wild organic soapwort to create a blend that features the best elements of both a cleansing oil and lather.
Our unique formula uses the rich nutrients provided in the herbs grown on our regenerative Sicilian farm to infuse your skin with nourishment. This way, your cleansing step isn’t just about removing debris and buildup — it’s also about leaving behind hydration and botanical vibrance.
Use a high-Quality Exfoliator
It's important to select the right product. Our Triple Active Exfoliator not only clarifies the skin but also targets skin texture and uneven tone.
Enriched with powerful botanical enzymes from our wild-foraged plants, this exfoliator gently releases the bonds between dead skin cells to restore radiance to the skin. Beyond its ability to reduce the appearance of blemishes, our formula also harnesses the ancient wisdom of nature to brighten and lift dull, aging, and dry skin.
It also makes use of what we call our Triple Olive Story, where finely ground olive pits, olive leaf water, and olive oil are all used to enrich and nourish your skin.
Each has a specialized role, from resurfacing the epidermis to replenishing its natural oils. For optimal results, apply on dry skin and massage in upward circular motions, steering clear of delicate areas like the eyes.
Seal in Lasting Hydration
Having revealed new skin through exfoliation, it's important to nurture it with hydration. Our Daily Renewal Cream is here to do just that. Day by day, it works in tandem with your skin's circadian rhythm, fortifying its defenses and revitalizing its appearance.
At the heart of this moisturizer is our Circadian Rhythm Complex, an alchemy of seven potent, wild-foraged blooms. Each bloom, hand-picked from our farm, offers unique attributes, making this cream more than just a hydrator — it's a shield, a rejuvenator, and a promise.
Glow and Behold
In the landscape of skincare, exfoliation emerges as a key step in ensuring your skin feels and looks its best. Integrating this step into your routine requires a thoughtful approach tailored to your skin needs.
Whether you’re looking to brighten dullness or smoothen the appearance of fine lines, exfoliation can work wonders. To learn more about how to harness our unique blend of regenerative skincare, browse our best sellers.
Sources:
The Benefits of Regular Exfoliation for Skin Health and Beauty | Oregon State
How to Safely Exfoliate At Home | American Academy of Dermatology
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