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Here’s a fun fact you might not know about your skin: It’s constantly shedding dead cells. These dead cells flake off naturally as we go about our lives, but exfoliating regularly can help remove them more efficiently. Ever seen someone with smooth, radiant skin? They’re most certainly exfoliating.
And yet, there’s a common shower mistake related to how we’re getting rid of those dead skin cells that most people aren’t talking about. Read on to learn more about what it is.
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The Benefits of Exfoliation
“Exfoliating in the shower is such an easy way to care for your skin and give it a healthy glow,” says Dr. Alexandra Bowles, DO, FAAD,a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology. She explains that exfoliating helps sweep away dead cells, which smooths skin and allows fresh, healthy skin to replace the dead, flaky skin cells.
“Exfoliating can also boost circulation, support collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone,” she continues. If you experience breakouts on your chest or back, Dr. Bowles says that exfoliating can help keep pores clear, which reduces bumps and leads to less frequent breakouts. She adds that exfoliating also makes your other skincare products work better, since they can be absorbed more effectively.
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The Shower Mistake That Could Be Making Your Skin Worse
That said, to reap these benefits, it’s important to exfoliate properly. Unfortunately, many men and women actually over-exfoliate by exfoliating their skin more often than needed.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, recommends exfoliating once to three times a week, for more skin types.
Dr. Bowles says this too, saying that the only people who should exfoliate every time they shower are people with oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, she recommends only exfoliating once a week to avoid skin irritation or inflammation.
Other Common Exfoliation Mistakes People Make
Besides exfoliating too frequently for their skin type, both dermatologists say that another common mistake people make when exfoliating is scrubbing too hard. “Scrubbing too often or too hard can damage your skin barrier and leave you with redness or breakouts,” Dr. Bowles says.
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When you scrub too hard during exfoliation, Dr. Chacon warns that this can cause the skin to become irritated or inflamed. If your skin is red, dry and itchy, those are sure signs you’re overdoing it. When you over-exfoliate, she explains that it can lead to skin peeling or breaking out.
“It can even make your skin more sensitive in the long run,” she says.
If this is something you’re currently experiencing, Dr. Bowles recommends skipping exfoliating until your skin has fully healed. “More isn’t always better. Overdoing it can leave your skin red, dry or irritated. If that happens, take a break and let your skin recover,” she explains.
Another common exfoliating mistake people make, according to Dr. Bowles, is using too many exfoliating products. This, she says, can overwhelm skin and lead to irritation and inflammation. Word to the wise: Stick with one exfoliating product for your body and one for your face. When you’re done exfoliating in the shower, both dermatologists say it’s important to moisturize skin. “This helps restore hydration and supports your skin’s natural barrier,” Dr. Bowles explains.
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If you want healthy, smooth skin, exfoliating can help, but it’s important not to overdo it; exfoliating too often or too harshly can backfire and damage skin. “Exfoliation is just one part of a healthy skincare routine. It’s important to listen to your skin and adjust as needed,” Dr. Bowles says, adding that it’s important to be patient.
“Results won’t happen overnight, but with consistent, gentle care, your skin will reward you with a beautiful glow,” she continues. “Lastly, always remember that less is often more. Gentle, regular exfoliation combined with good hydration and sun protection will keep your skin balanced and healthy without irritating.”
With these tips in mind, you’re priming your skin to be silky smooth and vibrant—just in time for summer!
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Sources:
- Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
- Dr. Alexandra Bowles, DO, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology
