Exfoliation is very important in terms of encouraging skin cell regeneration. Exfoliating my skin and feels all of my pores become clean makes me feel so refreshed and satisfied. Whenever I have an important date or meeting to attend, I always exfoliate my face the day before.
I see exfoliation as a quick path to get a glowing and radiant skin. Thus, I’ve tried out different ways to exfoliate my skin, just trying to find what works best for my dry skin.
How often should you exfoliate your face when you have dry skin?
- Physical exfoliator – once a week
- Chemical exfoliator – twice a week
Once a week is good for dry skin when you use a physical exfoliator. Let’s talk about physical exfoliator first. They are easy to recognize, often come with tiny particles like sugar, salt or fruit seeds. The tiny particles will remove your dead skin cells on top of your skin. You’ll find your skin textures renewed immediately after using it.
Examples of physical exfoliation are retexturizing mask and face scrub. I personally do not exfoliate with face scrub anymore because my skin is very dry and sensitize after using it. It often feels rough and turns my skin red every time.
I’d use a retexturizing mask instead. I found that masks contain fewer beads/particles compared to face scrub. Plus, it gives the same effect like a face scrub.
Next, what about chemical exfoliator (AHA and BHA)?
Chemical exfoliators are those skin care products contain AHA and BHA. These ingredients help to speed up your skin cell turnover. They can be found in toner, serum or even face cleanser.
Basically, AHA and BHA penetrate into your skin and clear your skin up. These are two different ingredients that work differently for your skin yet it is safe to use both of them together.
If you want to learn more about AHA and BHA, Paula Choice published an article that explained really well.
AHA and BHA work better on dry skin because they are moisturizing and more gentle compared to scrub. Start with a lower percentage of AHA and BHA product first if you never tried that before. Make sure you give your skin a transition period before you change to a higher percentage of the product.
Do not over-exfoliate your face
I know it’s tempting that you want to exfoliate as many times as possible to get rid of your dry flaky skin. However, dry peeling skin is just a sign that your body wants you to know it’s dehydrated. It needs more vitamins and water.
Exfoliator is just to help fasten the process of your skin cells turnover. It’s not the cure for your dry peeling skin. Furthermore, over-exfoliation will dry out your skin even more and feels irritated. In short, over-exfoliation will only cause more harm than good for your dry skin.
When should you exfoliate your skin for dry skin?
I personally think it’s best to do it at night especially if you are using a physical exfoliator. Dry skin is generally thinner compared to oily and combination skin types. As you already know, our skin has to protect and defend us from daily aggressor when you are out and about.
When you are using a physical exfoliator, you basically remove the outer layer of dead skin cell from your skin. Your skin feels more sensitize than usual. Hence, it’s probably not the best state in defending your skin. I highly suggest you exfoliate your skin at night and let your skin take its time to rest and regenerate.
Do not exfoliate your skin whenever you encounter skin problems like acne, redness, and sensitivity.
Sometimes, your skin is reactive to external aggressors such as environment, products or hormonal change.
Exfoliation might aggravate your skin and cause skin breakout. Stop the exfoliation for a week or two until your skin is back to normal again.
Don’t forget to exfoliate other parts of your body
Other parts of your body need exfoliation every week as well. It smoothes and refines your skin texture. Do this once a week during your shower is sufficient. Pick a body scrub that is suitable for skin.
Look out for the size of the beads, pick something that’s not too rough.
Don’t forget to scrub your elbows and knees as these are the parts people tend to forget. Additionally, always remember to apply some lotion every time you give your body a good scrub. Body lotion provides hydration and keep your skin supple and smooth.
Other ways that boost your skin condition
Eat More Fruits And Vegetables
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are great for those who suffered from dry and flaky skin. They are packed with vitamins and also high water content which keeps you healthy and hydrated.
For instance, kale is excellent to boost your skin’s radiance by increasing cell turnover. Other than that, blackberries are good for antioxidants and boost collagen level for your skin.
Exercise
Exercise regularly bring countless health benefits to your body. For example, it increases the heart rates and helps with blood flows. Not only that, your skin cells turnover at a faster pace and looking more plump and young. Your body also releases endorphin when you exercise which boost your mood and reduce stress.
Try to find time for exercise even though you live a busy lifestyle.
You can always start with light exercise and work your way up. You’ll soon feel the direct positive impact on your body like glowing skin or strengthen your muscles.
Another great way to stimulate skin cell turnover is to massage your face. It basically applies the same idea; massaging your face helps with blood circulation, your skin repair and regenerate faster. Moreover, your skin care products will absorb to your skin and helps you relax when you massage your face.
Sleep
American internet media company – Buzzfeed posted two videos about how sleep could affect their lives in terms of beauty. You’ll notice the differences on their face the next day with different hours of sleep in the video. That really reminds me I should be aware of my sleep hours if I want better skin.
As I mentioned before, blood flow is the key element of healthy skin. Deep sleep helps repair and revitalize your skin cells. Try to stick to a sleep schedule which is going to bed and wake up about the same time every day.
As an adult, you should get at least 7-8 hours sleep a day no matter how busy you are. After all, your health is the most important thing and if you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
Drink Adequate Amount Of Water
Our bodies contain more than 60% of water on average. That being said, provide enough water for your body is vital to your health. The best part is water is probably the cheapest way to improve your overall health and beauty!
You can look up online to see how much water you should drink based on your weight or drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
I work 8 hours a day in an air-conditioned office so I always have to remind myself to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. I notice a big difference in my skin. My pigmentation and dark circles are less visible; my skin looks more plump and youthful.
Leave me a comment if you have any question or information to share.
