Tips for Exfoliating Skin

Question

I've been using  apricot scrub for years to exfoliate  on my face and body, but I was recently told that this is the absolute worst product ever for exfoliating your skin, especially the skin on your face.  What's better?

Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

Regular exfoliation is one step to more luminous and smooth skin. It is particularly effective in conjunction with medical peels and microdermabrasion.
There is no one method for every individual, and like all effective skin care options, it is a matter of trial and error to find your best option. Your dermatologist can guide you with the decision. I have found both mechanical (rough face cloth or fine scrub) and chemical (AHA, salicylic acid) are effective.
I am not a fan of salt on the face. Sugar is popular for body scrubs. I usually recommend fine particulate scrubs on the face, or gentle enzyme peels.
It is important to inform your skin care provider about allergies and the use of retinoids like Retin-A.  Always remember that exfoliation is important just before using an "active" like antioxidant or moisturizer to enhance penetration.
Use regular sun protection to prevent future damage while you are correcting the old damage from sun exposure.

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

My alpha beta peels penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down the 'glue' that keeps dead skin cells stuck to the skin's surface to lift away dead skin, along with excess oil and impurities, while improving uneven tone and texture.'It's a Beta Hydroxy Acid that exfoliates, reducing the number of pore blockages while building elastin and collagen. It helps with breakouts and large pores rather than acne itself and [is] often found in products such as peels, serums, masks and treatments that target acne.'
Typically you should cleanse and then exfoliate before your serum and moisturiser. And it's important to remember skin is delicate, so you don't necessarily need to exfoliate every day, especially if you have sensitive skin or rosacea, as you may find it irritating.
It is actually possible to over-exfoliate, which can potentially worsen breakouts and other skin concerns. Generally speaking, once or twice a week should do the trick.
To use the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel, massage Step One 'exfoliate and peel' onto clean, dry skin until the pad is dry. Then wait two minutes (a slight tingling is normal) and then repeat with Step Two 'anti-aging neutralizer'.
To further enhance results, follow with a serum and moisturiser of your choice - as freshly exfoliated skin absorbs creams and treatments better, helping your skincare products work that bit harder.

Chien C. Kat, MD · Answer

Exfoliation is one of the most important stages to any skin care regime. There are different ways to exfoliate your skin and increase cell turnover. Scrubs, chemical peels, acids, Retinol creams ectEach method is down to individual preference. For body exfoliation scrubs and more aggressive forms are adequate and work well. For facial exfoliation we recommend nothing to harsh and any scrubs to be formed using rounded particles so as not to scratch the surface of the skin. The Environ range of products are effective and contain products with salicylic and Glycolic acid to achieve good results. Kind regards

Jordana S. Gilman, MD · Answer

You don't need a lot of special products to exfoliate your skin.  A good, old-fashioned washcloth works, when soaked in warm water and used gently.

If you want to use an exfoliating cream or scrub, be sure to test it on your hand first.

Make sure it has very fine grains or particles.  Many commercially available scrubs contain abrasive particles that can scratch and irritate the skin.  Be gentle and don't use them more than once or twice a week, as you can cause more harm than good.

Acid-based products dissolve the bonds between skin cells on the surface of the skin as opposed to physically rubbing off the surface of the skin.

These are a very good choice, particularly for sensitive skins.  These come in cleansers, creams, and scrubs.   Again, start light and don't use these more than once or twice a week until you see how your skin responds.  And watch the strength of the acid -- the stronger the acid, the deeper the effect.

For most people, exfoliating every day is not a good idea.

That can be too harsh for the skin and can cause skin irritation, crusting, and other problems.  Once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most people for at-home exfoliation. If you are going to your doctor for chemical peels, once every 2 to 4 weeks is probably enough, but the frequency really depends on the strength of the peel.

Tips for Exfoliating Skin

Answers (4)

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