Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells every thirty days. However, sometimes, dead skin doesn’t rid entirely, and exfoliation can help. Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin using a chemical, granular substance, or an exfoliation tool. The tricky thing about exfoliation is it can either work wonders for your skin, or it can destroy your skin barrier. While some people believe that exfoliation improves the appearance of your skin, it is not for everyone. If not done correctly, it could do more harm than good. There are two main methods for at-home exfoliation, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation uses a brush or sponge tool, or scrub that physically removes dead skin cells. Whereas chemical exfoliation uses chemicals such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently dissolves dead skin cells. If you choose to exfoliate, here are dermatologist-recommended tips to prevent further damage to your skin:

2. WHAT DOES EXFOLIANT DO
TO YOUR SKIN

3. Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells every thirty
days. However, sometimes, dead skin doesn’t rid entirely, and exfoliation can
help.
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your
skin using a chemical, granular substance, or an exfoliation tool.
The tricky thing about exfoliation is it can either work wonders for your skin, or it
can destroy your skin barrier. While some people believe that exfoliation
improves the appearance of your skin, it is not for everyone. If not done
correctly, it could do more harm than good.

4. There are two main methods for at-home exfoliation, mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical exfoliation uses a brush or sponge tool, or scrub that physically
removes dead skin cells. Whereas chemical exfoliation uses chemicals such as
alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently dissolves dead skin cells.
If you choose to exfoliate, here are dermatologist-recommended tips to prevent
further damage to your skin:
1. Consider the products that you are currently using
Some products such as prescription retinoid creams or products containing
retinol or benzoyl peroxide may cause your skin to be more sensitive and peel.
Exfoliating while using these products may worsen dry skin and may even
cause acne breakouts.

5. 2. Choose an exfoliation method depending on skin type
People with dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin may prefer to have a washcloth
and a mild chemical exfoliator such as alpha hydroxy acid because mechanical
exfoliation may be too irritating for this skin type. While people with oily and thicker
skin, mechanical or more vigorous chemical exfoliation is recommended. Please
keep in mind to avoid strong or mechanical exfoliation if you have a darker skin
tone or notice dark spots on your skin after breakouts, bug bites, or burns. For
some people, especially those with darker skin tones, more aggressive forms of
exfoliation results in dark spots on the skin.

6. 3. Exfoliate gently
Be gentle on your skin. If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the
products gently using a circular motion. Please do it for about 30 seconds and
rinse with lukewarm water. If you use a brush or sponge, use light strokes.
Exfoliation can happen at least twice or thrice a week. Never exfoliate if you have
open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

7. 4. Don’t forget to moisturize
Because the exfoliation process can be drying to the skin, apply moisturizer
immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

8. 5. Find the right schedule for you
How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type and the method you use.
Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less frequently it needs to be
done. Be careful not to over-exfoliate as it can leave your skin red and irritated.
If you are not sure of your skin type and what exfoliation method you should be
using, visit your board-certified dermatologist as they can evaluate your skin and
help you decide if exfoliation is beneficial for you.

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usual dermatology treatments.
It is located in Cebu City's heart - a 1st class, highly urbanized city of the island of
Cebu in the Central Visayas Region, Philippines.
Aside from Dermatology consultations for different diseases of the skin, hair, and
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Let’s start your journey to healthier and beautiful skin. Visit us today!
REFERENCES:
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-
home