I frequently get compliments on my skin and how nice it looks. Aside from daily sunscreen use, one of my secrets to good skin is sticking to a regular skincare routine. Exfoliation is one of the most important parts of my routine.
What is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of removing the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Clearing away dead cells reveals newer, fresher skin cells at the top. It helps your skin look more clear and radiant. It also helps prevent clogged pores and can reduce acne.
Exfoliation also can improve the effectiveness of topical skin treatments, because the products can penetrate deeper once the topmost layer of skin is removed. Long-term benefits of exfoliation can include increased collagen production, resulting in younger-looking skin. Exfoliation is not just done on the face, but can be used for the entire body.
My Exfoliation Routine
There are two ways that skin can be exfoliated — mechanical (brushes, scrubs and more) and chemical (acids and other chemicals). I use a bit of both, so let's break down my regular routine.
Exfoliation Daily Routine — Morning
Face
- Mild exfoliating cleanser
- Salicylic Acid applied to acne spots
- Vitamin C Serum applied to face and neck
Body
- Sugar or salt body scrub
Exfoliation Daily Routine — Evening
Face
- Mild exfoliating cleaner
- Salicylic Acid applied to acne spots
- Trentinoin Cream applied to face and neck
Body
- Dry Brushing
Dry Brushing
Effort: easy
Cost: less than $10 for a dry brush
Time: 5 minutes
Frequency: a few times a week
Sugar or Salt Body Scrub
Effort: easy
Cost: less than $20 for a jar (lasts me about 6 weeks, or make your own body scrub)
Time: 5 minutes
Frequency: a few times a week
Shaving is also considered another way to mechanically exfoliate the skin because dead skin cells are removed when the razor passes across the skin.
Facial Exfoliation — Details
Facial Cleansing Scrub
Effort: easy
Cost: varies depending on the brand. I use a gentle scrub that doesn't dry out my skin and costs less than $20 a bottle. (lasts about 3 months)
Time: 2 minutes
Frequency: once or twice a day
Soft Facial Brush
Effort: easy
Cost: less than $10 for a brush
Time: 1 minute
Frequency: occasionally — only to remove visibly dry, flaky skin
Salicylic Acid 2.0%
Effort: easy
Cost: less than $10 for a tube (lasts me 3 months)
Time: 1 minute
Frequency: applied to blemishes up to twice a day
Vitamin C Serum
Effort: easy
Cost: less than $30 for a jar (lasts me 3 months)
Time: 1 minute
Frequency: daily, in the morning
Trentinoin Cream — prescription strength .05%
Effort: easy
Cost: one month's prescription costs me $390, but it lasts me an entire year.
Time: 1 minute
Frequency: daily, in the evening
While the list above may seem like a lot, it really only takes a few minutes a day, and is worth the time spent. If you want to add exfoliation to your skincare routine, start by adding one thing at a time, then checking your results before adding another item to your routine. If you decide you can only do one thing, my first recommendation is to get a prescription for trentinoin (Retin A), or purchase a quality over-the-counter retinol.