Exfoliation. We love it. We can’t get enough of the results it yields. But can you overdo it? Is there such a thing as overkill on this skincare staple? To answer this we looked to the skincare professionals to get a breakdown. Here is what we found out.

What is exfoliation?

To put it simply, exfoliation is rubbing your face in circular motions with a granular substance in order to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin. The point is to reveal smoother, softer skin underneath. It has some major benefits including a more even skin tone, unclogged pores, and stimulating collagen production. Who doesn’t need that right? 

What happens when you exfoliate too much?

While we absolutely love exfoliation, there is such a thing as overkill. As it turns out, over- exfoliating can actually damage the skin’s natural barrier resulting in breakouts, irritation, and skin inflammation. Signs to look out for are swelling, burning, flaky skin, and increased sensitivity to other skincare products.

When it comes to how often you should be exfoliating, it depends on your particular skin type. For instance those with rosacea should stick to once a week. However, for those with normal skin, a gentle exfoliant can be used three to seven times per week. To avoid damaging skin, it is recommended that you look for finely milled grains as an exfoliant like flax seeds and rice.

6 major benefits when it’s done properly

• It unclogs pores. 

Exfoliating your skin is considered to be a reliable way to unclog your pores, according to Lily Talakoub, MD, of McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center. This process eliminates dead and dry skin cells, as well as other residues on the surface of the skin that can become lodged in pores and lead to whiteheads and blackheads. Celebrity esthetician Sonya Dakar emphasizes that this accumulation of dead skin ‘seals the pores’ and prevents the oil that is produced by sebaceous glands from escaping. 

• It evens skin tone

Dealing with dark spots, rough texture, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars can be very disheartening. Exfoliants can break down dry skin and dead skin cells, which leads to a smoother complexion and a more even skin tone. 

• It boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage

Exfoliating offers a bevy of advantages; circulation being one of them. It promotes the drainage of lymphatic fluid for internal purification and encourages the flow of oxygenated blood to rejuvenate and nourish the skin’s top layer. This process is a form of detoxification, eliminating toxins and other unwelcome particles, leading to a refreshed, glowing complexion.

• It increases cell turnover

Exfoliating not only improves blood circulation, but it also helps to create a more luminous complexion. It works by promoting cell renewal, which replaces the old, dead or dry skin cells.

• It stimulates collagen synthesis

Regular exfoliation ultimately aids in boosting the production of collagen, resulting in enhanced skin texture, firmness, and youthfulness. This process offers anti-aging advantages, which could explain why numerous individuals claim that it reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

• It helps other skincare products penetrate deeper

Everyone wants their moneysworth when it comes to great skincare. Because exfoliating removes the dead skin cells from the surface, this in turn helps skin care products penetrate deeper and yield optimal results.