In the spirit of the beginning of the new year with new ideas, new energy and leaving behind what no longer suits us, exfoliation is included. Because in the field of care, exfoliation embodies the idea “out with the old and in with the new”.
So, we start the new year renewed, leaving behind (literally) all the dead cells on face and body!
However, as exfoliation is often an issue that frightens us and fills us with questions and queries, we consulted the dermatologist-venereologist Dr. Valia Mousatou to learn all the secrets for proper exfoliation.
How does skin type affect our need for exfoliation, its frequency and the right products?
The rate of renewal of epidermal cells decreases with age. At the same time, the accumulation of dead cells on the surface of the skin makes it look dull, dehydrated, lethargic, preventing the penetration of care and hydration products. It is a fact that the most oily and combination skin has a greater need for systematic exfoliation, especially mild and controlled with appropriate products. The same goes for acne prone skin, where exfoliation prevents clogging of the pores. On the other hand, in more mature skin, exfoliation has an anti-aging effect, accelerating cell renewal. Thus, it gives a fresher and brighter look to the skin while balancing the discolorations.
Of course, the treatments in the doctor’s office offer immediate smooth and soft skin. Some of the most popular are microdermabrasion, peeling and oxygen therapy. However, maintaining the result presupposes proper care at home.
How do you suggest we continue the treatment after exfoliation? What are the best products to use?
After exfoliation, the skin needs hydration and protection. Products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, peptides, aloe and tiles moisturize and nourish the skin. In addition, the daily sun protection of the exfoliated skin is very important to prevent the appearance of freckles and discolorations.
Do we need to approach body and face exfoliation differently? What frequency do you suggest for each one?
It is very important to remember that different areas of the body have different thicknesses, therefore they have different needs in relation to exfoliation. Starting with areas such as the neck and décolleté we notice that they have thinner skin. In these areas we apply facial exfoliating products, ie cosmetics with exfoliating chemicals or in the form of granules-scrubs. If we choose a scrub, exfoliation on a weekly basis is usually enough. Proceeding to the rest of the body, we apply body emulsions with special compositions. We can choose scrub products which we can often use from 3 times a week until every day.
How can we choose the best exfoliating products for the face and body?
We choose exfoliating products based on our skin type and its tolerance to cosmetics. Thus, we choose products with exfoliating substances such as α-hydroxy acids or AHAs, the so-called fruit acids. Of the fruit acids, lactic, glycolic and mandelic are the most common. Similarly, there are products with B-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid, but also milder poly-hydroxy acids, known as PHAs. More specifically, salicylic acid is suitable for acne prone skin. Also, derivatives of vitamin A (retinol) have exfoliating action when found in high concentrations.
We start with low concentrations and with continuous use, the skin becomes familiar and tolerates higher concentrations. As for the body, we can choose in addition to the above ingredients and creams with urea in a concentration of 10-15%. When exfoliating with scrubs, the grains need to be small and homogeneous for the face, and larger for the body.
What other advice do you have for us?
The most sensitive, dry and intolerant skin may not tolerate exfoliating products. In such cases we can recommend products with PHAs that provide very gentle exfoliation. In any case, whether mechanical or chemical exfoliation, it is good to do it in season and time without intense sunshine. It is also good to avoid exfoliation on irritated or dehydrated skin. Also, mechanical exfoliation needs to be done with gentle and gentle movements.
Finally, do not forget that exfoliation is also important for men’s skin. While for those who do not like creams, there are cleansers with exfoliating ingredients for daily use.
Read more:
How to cancel a last minute appointment without being misunderstood
Is a non-perfectionist attitude a good solution?
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