7 Signs You Need to Exfoliate Your Face

Exfoliation should be included in your weekly skincare routine if you want your skin to stay healthy and glowing, and your serums and creams to work their best.

Some people neglect exfoliating, deeming it an unnessecary step, but it's a fundamental part of skincare — and a step every skin type can benefit from.

How do you know if you're not exfoliating enough? Here are some signs that your skin is missing exfoliation — and the best products for the job.

#1: Your Skin Looks Dull

If your skin isn’t looking its typical glowing self, that's a sign your skin's in need of some gentle buffing. Exfoliation sloughs away dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, revealing bright, glowing skin underneath.

Dullness is a common skin complaint that’s easily fixable with the right products. But before you slather on that skin brightening vitamin C serum, remember that the first step should always be exfoliation.

#2: Your Pores are Clogged

Got oily skin or acne prone skin? The reason you could be experiencing breakouts is because of clogged pores. Clogged pores occur when there’s a buildup of dirt, dead cells, and excess oil. These can all be eliminated with gentle exfoliation.

Exfoliating your skin lifts these pore clogging culprits, keeping pores small and prevents blackheads and pimples from forming.

Skin needs regular exfoliation to stay clear, especially if you're already blemish prone.

#3: Your Skincare Products aren’t Working

Your cleansers, retinoid serums, and topical treatments can’t penetrate dirty skin as well as they can clean skin. In order for products to absorb properly, you should be exfoliating your skin regularly to promote cell turnover and keep dead skin from accumulating.

If you’ve been using your favorite treatments and you’ve noticed they're no longer working as effectively as they used to, consider upping your exfoliation sessions. Doing this will create a clean canvas for your products to sink into — maximizing their effects.

#4: Your Skin Feels Rough

Rough or dry skin might secretly be craving exfoliation. When you're not exfoliating enough, dead cells build up on the surface of your skin, leaving skin feeling rough and dry.

You can instantly improve your skin texture by incorporating exfoliation into your routine. This will buff away dead skin and dryness, promoting a smooth and soft complexion.

#5: Your Makeup Looks Meh

The best makeup is well prepped skin. Is your foundation looking dry and patchy? The solution is easy: start exfoliating!

Makeup glides on better when you're starting with a clean, moisturized and freshly buffed base. You shouldn’t exfoliate every time you apply makeup (if it's daily that is) as over exfoliation can cause its own set of issues such as redness, sensitivity, and irritation.

Aim to exfoliate twice a week to keep your makeup looking smooth, fresh, and dewy.

#6: You Have Hyperpigmentation

Dealing with dark spots, discoloration or other pigmentation issues? One of the best ways to treat hyperpigmentation is by gently exfoliating your skin once or twice a week. If your skin can handle it, you can boost that to three or four times a week.

Exfoliation buffs away pigmented cells and spurs cellular turnover, encouraging new, evenly pigmented cells to surface. Just remember to stay consistent otherwise you won't see much of an improvement.

#7: Your Fine Lines Look More Pronounced

Is it just you or are those forehead creases getting deeper? Exfoliation won’t get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, but it can help to minimize their appearance. That's because exfoliation resurfaces the skin, improving texture and smoothing out creases.

HOW TO EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

There are two types of exfoliation — physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. The former relies on scrubs and washcloths to manually buff away dead skin, while the latter uses alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to unglue the bonds between dead cells.

Dermatologists favor chemical exfoliation, as it is best for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Physical exfoliation is better for the body since skin there is thicker, less delicate, and less prone to irritation.

If you have normal, dry, sensitive, or mature skin, opt for AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid. Those with oily or acne prone skin are better off with BHAs — or salicylic acid — which cuts through oil, fights acne causing bacteria, and keeps pores clear.

Aim to exfoliate 3-4 times a week unless you have dry or sensitive skin. In this case, avoid exfoliating more than twice a week.

Always complete your routine with a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate skin, and an oil free sunscreen with SPF 30 to protect skin.

Speak to a board certified dermatologist if you having any questions or concerns.

BEST EXFOLIATORS TO SHOP NOW

Glow Mask + Serum

An exfoliating duo featuring glycolic acid and bakuchiol to buff, brighten, and diminish discoloration. Use these products interchangeably in your skincare routine to improve skin tone without irritating your skin.

For best results, include 2-3 times a week.

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Tighten Mask + Serum

This anti aging duo relies on the powers of red microalgae, lactic acid, and glycolic acid to resurface skin, boost collagen, and restore skin's youthful radiance. Use these products interchangeably in your skincare routine to improve skin texture without irritating your skin.

For best results, include 2-3 times a week.

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Exfoliating your face on a regular basis can do many wonderful things for your skin. Whether you're dealing with dullness, discoloration, clogged pores, or simply looking to keep skin healthy, everyone can benefit from exfoliation.

It’s important to remember that while exfoliating your skin is important, you should avoid over doing it. Exfoliating too much or using harsh products can lead to irritation. It can also compromise your skin barrier, which can lead to dryness and flaking.

When it comes to exfoliation, it's all about balance.