does your skin need exfoliating?

Exfoliation has become a familiar part of many skincare routines, with products promising smoother, brighter looking skin. But our skin already has its own natural process for shedding old skin cells, so exfoliation doesn't need to be aggressive, and more isn't necessarily better.

What Does Exfoliation Actually Do?

The outermost layer of our skin is made up largely of dead skin cells that are gradually shed and replaced as part of the skin's natural renewal process.

Exfoliation helps to remove some of the cells remaining at the surface. This can leave the skin temporarily feeling smoother and looking brighter, but there is no need to scrub or polish the skin to keep it healthy.

Physical Or Chemical Exfoliation?

There are two main ways to exfoliate the skin.

Physical exfoliation uses gentle friction to remove surface cells. This might be from a soft cloth or a product containing fine exfoliating particles.

Chemical exfoliants use ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs or PHAs to loosen the bonds between cells at the surface of the skin so that they can be shed more easily.

Whichever method you choose, gentleness is important.

Can You Exfoliate Too Much?

Yes. Exfoliating too frequently or too vigorously can leave skin feeling dry, tight, sore or sensitive.

The outer layer of our skin plays an important role in protecting us and reducing moisture loss. Continually removing too much of it can disrupt the skin barrier rather than improve it.

If your skin stings, becomes unusually sensitive or feels persistently tight after exfoliating, it may be a sign that you are doing too much.

What About Dry Or Mature Skin?

Skin often becomes drier as we age, so mature skin may benefit from an especially gentle approach.

Dry or sensitive skin doesn't necessarily need stronger or more frequent exfoliation. In fact, if your skin is already irritated or very dry, it may be better to allow it to recover before exfoliating at all.

The aim should be comfortable, healthy-looking skin rather than trying to make it feel perfectly smooth.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

There isn't one rule that suits everyone.

How often you exfoliate will depend on your skin and the product you are using. Start gently and infrequently, follow the instructions for the particular product and pay attention to how your skin responds.

If your skin feels sore, flaky, tight or irritated, stop exfoliating and give it time to recover.

What Should You Use Afterwards?

After exfoliating, keep the rest of your skincare simple. Avoid immediately layering lots of potentially irritating products onto freshly exfoliated skin.

Use skincare that leaves your skin feeling soft and comfortable, and remember that sun protection is particularly important when using certain chemical exfoliants.

A Gentler Approach

Healthy skin doesn't need to feel scrubbed or polished.

Exfoliation can have a place in a skincare routine, but gentle, occasional care may be all your skin needs. Looking after your skin barrier is just as important as removing what's on its surface.