Get The Secret Behind Glowing Skin: Exfoliation
Winter Skin Sucks.
If you’re like me, the moment the cold weather hits I lose my summer glow.
Are we just all doomed to deal with dry, dull skin once the temperature drops?
Thankfully not! Fortunately, there’s an easy way to get your glow back. How? One word: Exfoliation.
Incorporating an exfoliator into your skincare regimen can be a complete game changer for making your skin glow!
How Exfoliation Helps Winter Skin
The #1 job of an exfoliator is to remove the buildup of dead skin cells. Fresh, new skin cells means radiant looking skin.
Updating your skincare routine with an exfoliator can help with:
Texture
Clearing blackheads and acne
Diminishing the look of fine lines and texture
Reducing hyperpigmentation and sun damage
And so much more.
Having freshly resurfaced skin allows serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper, making them more effective. Plus, makeup will go on like butter - yes, please!
Not sure of where to begin with exfoliation? No worries!
I’ll give you the inside scoop on the two main methods: Physical and Chemical Exfoliation
Ready? Let’s go!
Old School: Physical Exfoliation
When most people think exfoliation- they think ‘physical’.
What does that mean?
Anything with little bits in it used to scrub away the dead skin is a physical exfoliant.
Remember St. Ives Apricot Scrub? I was addicted to the stuff in my middle school years! To this day, I swear it’s the reason for the large pores on my nose.
The problem is most physical exfoliants are just too harsh for facial skin.
Using harsh scrubs on your face can cause micro tears, irritation, and enlarged pores. This is why even though my skin is sensitive, I definitely prefer chemical exfoliation.
The Modern Solution: Chemical Exfoliation
Be nice to your face. Winter weather takes a toll on your skin without harsh scrubbing.
You can be gentle and still get that glow with Chemical Exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliators contain low percentages of acids to break up the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together, revealing smoother and brighter skin.
Don’t let the term acid scare you! If you start out slow and steady, giving your skin time to adjust, you’ll get that glow you’re looking for. These acids can be found in all types of products - cleansers, toners, serums, and masks.
There are two types of chemical exfoliants: AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHA (beta-hydroxy acids).
There are many, but the two most popular AHAs are glycolic and lactic acids. If your skin type ranges from normal to dry, an AHA exfoliant will be more suitable for you. AHAs are water soluble and give your skin a hydration boost.
BHA refers to Salicylic Acid. If you’re acne-prone and have an oily skin type, you will want to reach for a BHA. BHA is oil soluble- allowing it to work deeper into the pores.
Of course too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
Start in moderation.
Over-exfoliating or using too many acids at once can irritate and strip the skin of it’s precious hydration and moisture. I suggest applying these at night and allowing a couple days to gauge your skin’s response before using on a more frequent basis.
Here are some of my faves:
Already Got Your Glow On?
Next step: Enhance that glow with cream makeup.
After exfoliation, I love to showcase the natural beauty of my clients using cream makeup. Cream makeup will show off your new glowing skin without caking your face!
Not sure where to start?
Read more about cream based makeup and how to apply it here :)
Until Next Time,
XOXO-
Meghan