Question about exfoliation💬

Jan 26, 2014

Sarah C.

Is exfoliating just washing your body with soap? If not then what is it lol! Thanks!

Jan 26, 2014

Lia L.

Exfoliating is to get rid of dead cells of the skin surface it can be with a scrub or a chemical exfoliation.

Jan 26, 2014

Hannah P.

There are three main ways to exfoliate -

Scrubs: this is probably the most common way and you can pick them up any wear. They are like a gel or a cream with little beads suspended in it. You rub it into your skin in circular motions and the beads remove the dead skin particles. Stay away from apricot scrubs especially if you are planning to use it on the face as they are very harsh and can cause micro tears on the surface of the skin. I would use facial scrub more than 2 times a week and body scrubs no more than 3 times a week.

Gloves/Washcloths: This is probably the cheapest method. You can buy exfoliating gloves from most drugstores and they are more exfoliating than a wash cloth so I won't recommend using them on your face. A wash cloths is fine to use on face and body. To use use this method you apply you soap/face wash how you normally would then use the gloves/washcloth to polish of the soap and dead skin cells in circular motions. Wash cloth is mild enough to use everyday but I wouldn't use the golves more that 2-3 times a week.

AHA/BHA: Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids are a relatively new way of exfoliating. You apply them to the skin after you have cleansed and they help to increase the cell turn over rate which mean your skin sheds the dead cells more quickly. They are mainly use on the face however they can be used on the body. As the strength of the acid varys you need to use as the packaging states. Also many products that claim to have acid exfoliation are useless because the pH is too alkaline which neutralises the acid and renders the product ineffective.
Common AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid usually in concetrations of 4%-10%. Common BHA is salicylic acid in concentrations of 1%-2%
Neutrogena visibly clear spot control moisturiser (called oil free 3in1 hydrating acne treatment in the US) Is a 2% salicylic acid gel with a low enough pH but it is also very cheap compared to most acid exfoliators if you want just want to try one. (You also don't have to have acne to use it)
Sorry for the long winded answer you just sounded a little lost.

Jan 26, 2014

Sarah C.

Thanks guys! Haha and yes I was lost but thank you!! You guys helped!