Why you need to exfoliate

When it comes to #beautygoals, soft, supple, glowing and healthy skin have got to be right up there. Whether you’ve got 10 steps in your weekly body care routine or only a few, exfoliation should be one of them. Don’t believe me? I speak to skin and nutrition expert Fiona Tuck, Skin Doctors expert Krystel Tucker, and Nivea Skincare expert Robyn Hutch to find out the importance and many benefits of regularly exfoliating your skin.
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Immediate benefits
Exfoliation is essentially the removal of dead skin cells. Exfoliating your skin, whether it be on your face or the rest of your body, instantly makes the skin look and feel smoother. Fiona explains, “Exfoliation removes the build-up of old, dead skin cells, giving the skin an instant pick me up.” Robyn tells us when dead, dull skin cells are removed, your complexion is brightened to reveal healthy, younger skin.
Long-term benefits
If you’re not seeing visible or drastic results from your regular skin care regimen, it could be because you’re not exfoliating on the reg. “Regular exfoliation will aid the penetration of active skin care ingredients,” Fiona explains. So, in the same way that primer helps your make-up stay on all day, exfoliation helps your additional skin care products (like serums and moisturisers) perform at their best.
“Over the long term, a good exfoliation routine will give you a more even skin tone,” Krystel says, along with immediately giving your skin a bright, soft appearance. Plus, Robyn explains it also, “Helps to visibly reduce skin discolouration and pigmentation as well as fine lines and wrinkles.” If this wasn’t enough, Fiona adds the cherry on top of this glowing skin cake: “Exfoliation encourages new cell production, hydrating and nourishing the skin and thereby decreasing the signs of premature ageing.” Oh, and it also improves circulation #superhero.
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Failing to exfoliate
Breakouts, bacne, flaking, rapid ageing, blackheads, congestion. Sounds scary? We hear you. “If exfoliation isn’t part of your routine, you may have issues with clogged pores, congestion and pimples,” says Krystel. Cue flashbacks to your awkward teenage years. The reason you might get a resurgence of acne (on your face or body) if you don’t exfoliate is because, as Fiona points out, “dead skin cells accumulate in the follicle”. Aside from causing breakouts, this build-up of dead skin can also lead to dullness, dryness, flaky skin and, you guessed it, premature ageing. Last but not least, failure to exfoliate means you’re making your skin more susceptible to bacterial infections in your pores. Not ideal!
So, how often should you exfoliate?
Robyn gives it to us straight: “As a general rule of thumb, you should exfoliate once or twice a week, all year round.” As for the ideal time of day, Robyn explains, “Your skin is always regenerating itself but has more time to do this overnight, so it’s always best to exfoliate your skin in the morning to slough away any dead skin.”
Robyn recommends upping your exfoliating game in summer and winter. “The skin is exposed to the summer sun, salt water and sunscreen which can lead to the build-up of dead skin cells and result in excess oil and clogged pores.” As for winter, “Gentle exfoliation will help to repair dry, flaky skin as it will improve product action when applying a moisturiser.”
If you’re prone to congestion, suffer from psoriasis or have sun-damaged skin, exfoliation is particularly important. Having said that, if you have sensitive skin (which is likely if you suffer from these conditions) then be sure to choose an exfoliator that is suitable for sensitive skin. Robyn also reminds us there is such a thing as going overboard. “Exfoliating too often can be detrimental to your skin, causing it to dry out even more, or for those with oily skin – become even oilier.
Our picks
So, now that you know the importance of exfoliating the skin on your face and body, it’s time to pick the right one for you! For sensitive skin, try NIVEA Face Care Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub, Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy and Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub.
If your skin is more on the oily side give Alpha-H Balancing Moisturiser and Gentle Exfoliant, Clinique Exfoliating Scrub and Mary Kay Satin Body Buffing Cream a go.
On the flip side, if you suffer from dry skin you might like BioElixia Exfoliating Body Polish, Garnier Body Beautiful Oil Scrub and The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub.
Last but not least, if you've got combination skin then try Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads, Ella Baché Earth Enzyme Body Exfoliant and Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub.
Do you exfoliate regularly? What are your favourite exfoliation products?
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86 Member Comments
I use Paula's Choice BHAs & AHAs chemical exfoliants on my face daily. I have very oily skin that's prone to clogged pores and black heads and this keeps it clear and glowing. Occasionally I'll use a physical exfoliant just because I love that feel of instantly super smooth skin.
For my body I love to scrub up after my shower with Bondi Beach coffee scrub. The combination of coffee, sugar, salt, and coconut oil leaves my body super smooth and lightly moisturized. Or I love Lush Scrubee or Buffy for both exfoliation and moisturization in one - also helps get rid of ingrown hairs due to shaving and epilation - reduce cellulite and stretch marks - and leaves my whole body super moisturized with cocoa and shea butter! I also use Lush Sandstone soap for any very rough patches - it contains real sand just like being back from the beach! I love exfoliating everything!!!!
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Great article, I never thought about exfoliating in the morning - I usually do this at night. Might have to switch up my routine a little
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Exfoliation is always something I vow to do more of, but end up hardly doing. Thanks BH for articles like this that recommend great products.
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I use a facial scrub regularly but I'm afraid I don't exfoliate the body often enough.
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My latest body exfoliant is Trilogy Exfoliating Body Balm, which I like a lot. It contains ground rosehip seeds.
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Definitely helps in removing those dead skin cells
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You can make your own using sugar and moisturiser... Works just as well, without the expense...
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I am lucky if i do it once a month. I just stare at my facial scrub in the shower. I will try make this a regular thing!
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I love exfoliating my face and body. I just love ASAP's body scrub it is awesome
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I use the Clinique '7 day scrub' on my face a couple of times a week, and a body scrub from Dirty Works regularly in my morning shower. I also use the Body Shop's pumice foot scrub........yes, I really like scrubs!!
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I prefer using AHA creams on my face and I make up my own sugar/oil scrubs for the shower
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I keep trying different exfoliating products. At the moment, I'm using Vanessa Megan Prebiotic + C Brightening Exfoliator. It's similar to Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.
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To be honest I exfoliate when I'm too tired to do my full skincare routine at night and I just cleanse, tone and then chuck on a chemical exfoliator overnight.
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I don't exfoliate often enough. There's never enough time in the day!
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I have to admit, I only regularly exfoliate my face and legs.
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I love using exfoliating products, they really help make a difference with my skin on my face and body. Favourite is Dermalogica's Microfoliant
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I exfoliate my back and the back of my thighs twice a week to get rid of acne. Works well!
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I exfoliate once a week. It makes my skin smoother and I feel fresh and clean.
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Exfoliating makes the skin feel so fresh. I do slack off on whole body exfoliation so this article has prompted me to be a bit more diligent!
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I love how it makes my skin feel
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I find the Paula's Choice range works really well for me
Once or twice a week I use the 10% Weekly Resurfacing Treatment AHA - this stuff really does make you wake up with baby smoothe skin,
And the 2% BHA liquid is great too. I was always trying different exfoliators, it wasn't until PC that I found my HG products.
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I am terrible at keeping on top of exfoliation! I have a wonderful Alpha-H scrub, but I never remember to do it unless my skin is rough :(
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Once a week I use the Arbonne RE9 cellular renewal mask which I swear by and then half way during the week I also use the St Ives apricot scrub for the face. The body I use sorbelene and exfoliant gloves!
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I exfoliate fairly regularly. I prefer chemical rather than physical exfoliant so for the face.
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