Exfoliating 101: a Guide for Beginners

We often hear the key to clear, smooth skin is exfoliating, but do you know what this skincare step is and why it’s so essential? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Follow along below as we guide you through everything you need to know about exfoliation and its benefits to your skin.

Why Should I Exfoliate?
Simply put, exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. This method is often considered one of the most important steps in skincare, as it gets rid of dry, dull and flaky skin that accumulates on the face. When you exfoliate, the skin is better able to absorb the skincare products you apply to it. Exfoliating also helps unclogs your pores, which can ultimately prevent breakouts and irritation.

That’s not all, though. Exfoliating even promotes circulation. This aids with collagen production, so your skin is more supple and younger-looking. Plus, eliminating any dry, flaky skin improves both tone and texture for a brighter, healthier complexion. Your skin ends up much smoother and softer, as well as more radiant. Exfoliating truly leaves the skin looking and feeling like it’s glowing!


How Do I Exfoliate?
Before you begin exfoliating, it’s important to make sure you’re practicing this step correctly. Start by taking a look at your skin type and any skin concerns you may have. These play a role in how regularly you should exfoliate. You can either choose from a chemical or mechanical exfoliant.

With mechanical exfoliation, you will need a tool or face scrub that can physically remove the dead skin for you. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, rely on their powerful ingredients to break down and dissolve the dead skin cells. Either method works, the choice is all up to you and your preference.

We recommend, with chemical exfoliants, that you start by completely washing your face. You can use your regular cleanser here, like probiotics +  moringa oil makeupmelt cleansing balm or cloudcleanse cloud-whipped foam cleanser. From there, take your exfoliant and apply it onto wet skin. Gently massage the product in, but be careful to avoid your eye area. For your exfoliant to reach its maximum efficiency, we suggest leaving it on your skin for roughly a minute. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water, and then lightly pat your skin with a clean towel. When you’re done, you can follow this step up with a toner like milkdew.

But, of course when you’re exfoliating, please read the product’s directions carefully before any application.

How Often Do I Exfoliate?
The amount of times you should exfoliate per week is very dependent on your skin type and tolerance. If you exfoliate too much, you can risk the chance of long-term damage and deterioration to your skin. It can also cause irritation and redness. That’s why we recommend the following usage chart, based on your skin type:

  • Dry skin: 1-2 times/week
  • Normal skin: 2-3 times/week
  • Oily skin: 3-4 times/week
  • Sensitive skin: 1/week

When is the Best Time to Exfoliate?
The morning! Although you can exfoliate at any time during the day, it’s best to exfoliate early in the morning. Your skin actually renews itself overnight, leaving behind a layer of dead skin. So, the morning is ideal, because it gets rid of those leftover dead skin cells to reveal fresh, soft, radiant skin.


What Skincare Product Can I Use to Exfoliate?
If you’re looking for an exfoliator that’s gentle AND effective, there’s no better option than our probiotics + papaya enzyme exfoliating powder. It’s non-abrasive, as it buffs away flaky, dead skin for a clearer, softer appearance. Plus, it’s formulated with clean, skin-loving ingredients like vegan probiotics, jeju volcanic ash, niacinamide and eight different botanical extracts. And, who could forget papaya enzymes? This signature ingredient of our powder exfoliator naturally breaks down dead skin cells, so you can exfoliate without any irritation.

The path to clear, smooth skin doesn’t have to feel out of reach. Now that you know all the basics of exfoliation, you can achieve your dream complexion that’s soft, supple and most importantly … healthy!


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