Some exfoliating products are gritty or gunky, so it’s best to avoid getting them in your hair!
To prevent irritation, choose a gentle cleanser that’s free of harsh ingredients like alcohol, perfumes, or dyes. Don’t use hot water, since it can irritate and dry out your skin.
Using your fingertips is the safest way to apply a scrub without irritating your skin. If you use a sponge, brush, or washcloth, keep your strokes very short and light. Don’t rub the exfoliant into your skin! Don’t exfoliate if you have open cuts, wounds, a sunburn, or active cold sores.
You can use a clean, dry towel to gently blot away excess water, but leave your face a little damp to make your moisturizer more effective. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Your skin may be extra sensitive after exfoliating. Choose a gentle moisturizer that’s free of harsh ingredients, like alcohol, dyes, perfumes, or parabens.
Exfoliating too often or too aggressively can be counter-productive, leaving you with damaged, rough, or inflamed skin.
If your skin tends to have a greasy sheen or is prone to breakouts, especially in the “T-zone” around your nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin, then you probably have oily skin. If your skin is dry, flaky, or prone to redness and itching, you may have dry or sensitive skin. Many people have a combination of the 2 types in different areas, in which case you may need to use different products on different parts of your face.
These ingredients can help to improve and prevent breakouts. You can also apply an alpha-hydroxy-acid or lactic acid cleanser, which helps remove dead skin cells. Use a product with retinoic acid to balance out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. [14] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you are allergic to aspirin, you should not use any product containing salicylic acid.
Though not as effective as a professional microdermabrasion treatment, these tools are much less expensive. They’re a great alternative to microdermabrasion if you have uneven skin that’s not super dry or sensitive. It is important to clean your brush once a week since it comes into contact with the dirt, bacteria, and oils on your face whenever you use it. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to clean your brush properly.
Avoid scrubs with plastic microbeads, which are harmful to the environment. [18] X Research source
During a typical spa facial, your aesthetician will cleanse, massage, and moisturize your skin. They may also apply masks or gentle exfoliating treatments. [20] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source If you have any skin concerns, such as unusually dry or sensitive skin, talk to a dermatologist about which spa treatments may be safe and beneficial for you. If you want to get a more intensive exfoliating treatment, such as a chemical peel, consult your dermatologist first. It’s usually best to get those kinds of treatments in a dermatologist’s office.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that is performed in-office by a dermatologist. On average, a microdermabrasion procedure costs around $136 in the U. S. [22] X Research source Depending on your needs and the condition of your skin, you might need treatments anywhere from once a week to once a month. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Don’t do microdermabrasion if you scar easily or have used the medicine isotretinoin within the past 6 months. If you are on any type of acne medication, ask your dermatologist before getting any microdermabrasion treatments.
On average, a chemical peel costs around $644 in the U. S. However, the price can vary a great deal depending on factors like the type of peel you’re getting and the doctor’s experience level. [26] X Research source Chemical peels can be done at light, medium, or deep levels depending on your desired results. Deeper peels take longer to heal. Your skin will probably look red for a little while after a chemical peel. Other less common risks include scarring, changes in skin color, and infection. The carbolic acid in deep chemical peels can also cause heart, kidney, or liver damage, so talk to your doctor before trying this treatment.
