Exfoliation for Your Skin Type
If your moisturizer does not work, it might be because of an underlying problem or disease. In this case, treatment of the underlying disease should first be tackled so as to increase moisture retention from the inside. Change your lifestyle, if it needs to be changed so you can improve your skin. Go slowly and gently at first to learn what works best for you.
If you have normal skin, exfoliation should be done around three times a week. Any type of exfoliant like a chemical, enzyme or scrub, or a combination of each is acceptable.
Oily Skin ExfoliationIf you have oily skin, exfoliation should also be done three times a week, at most, although the tendency to exfoliate everyday is tempting since it feels like it controls and reduces excessive oil secretion.
The skin gets overly activated when you exfoliate daily, stimulating more oil to be produced from your sebaceous glands.
The following treatments are best for this skin type: apply a clay mask according to the package insert and let it remain on the face for about 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing; use products that contain salicylic acid according to the product directions; for a cornmeal treatment, mix a tablespoon of highly refined and finely ground cornmeal with a bit of warm water and massage onto the skin for several minutes before rinsing; use exfoliants containing polyurethane and silicone beads which are gentle on the skin and thoroughly remove dead skin cells; in enzyme treatments, only a small amount of enzyme is used but be sure to remove them completely since they can continue to affect your skin.
Sensitive Skin ExfoliationIf you have sensitive skin, it also needs exfoliation but a very gentle one, preferably with natural ingredients like rice powder and old fashioned oatmeal since this kind of skin is unpredictable in its reaction to chemicals. Exfoliation for this kind of skin is done only once a week. Oatmeal softens dry areas and relieves inflamed skin.
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with water. Apply it on the skin and leave it for up to twenty minutes before rinsing.
Oily-Dry Skin ExfoliationIf you have oily dry skin, then you are really in need of exfoliation. This type of skin is lacking in sebum or oil so oil production should be stimulated for the exfoliaton to be effective. Exfoliation should also be done for a maximum of three times a week but with stronger exfoliants used alternately such as glycolic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) or scrubs with polyurethane and silicon beads. Enzymes are also good to treat dry patches.
After exfoliating, rinse and apply toner and moisturizer.
Acne-Type Skin ExfoliationIf your have skin that is prone to acne infestation, you can use as salicylic acid, clay masks or enzyme treatments as exfoliants. Salicylic acid kills bacteria, so will help treat your acne while making your skin radiant. Alternate the use of exfoliants for three times a week. Always clean your face first thoroughly before exfoliating.
Then, after exfoliating, rinse and finish with toner and moisturizer.
Exfoliation increases stimulation on the skin, so it is not advisable to exfoliate more than three times a week. Scrubs also stimulate the skin too much. You would like your skin to be relaxed and calm, not stressed. Take note of how your skin feels and behaves after each exfoliation so as to be able to assess what regimen and exfoliation schedule is best for your skin.
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