How many times a week should you exfoliate your facial skin?

This process is crucial for healthy, smooth, and fresh-looking skin. In fact, it allows you to eliminate dead cells that tend to accumulate in the pores and on the surface of the face. Exfoliation therefore allows you to promote the natural process of cell regeneration and remove impurities, bringing numerous benefits ranging from the reduction of blackheads, to the minimization of wrinkles. But these treatments cannot be done every day, but following some precise rules.

What is exfoliation and how does it work?

The skin is constantly renewing itself and the production of new cells gradually replaces the old ones, starting from the deepest layer. This is a physiological process, but it can be slowed down by numerous factors, such as pollution or sun exposure. Exfoliating the skin allows you to speed up this process, renewing it and eliminating dead cells that are on the surface to promote the growth of new ones.

Types of exfoliation

Due to its importance and the numerous studies on the subject, there are several treatments and methods of exfoliation. It can be done by choosing between gommage, scrub or peeling. The scrub is a creamy product that contains micro particles such as sugar, salts and micro mineral crystals. On the other hand, the scrub is gel-based or creamy, it contains oats, rice or other natural substances in powder. Both the gommage and the scrub are applied to dry or slightly damp skin, massaging them gently and finally rinsing with water. The advice is also to practice this treatment with the help of sponges, silicone pads, microfiber cloths or bristle brushes to restore blood microcirculation. The peeling, on the other hand, contains chemicals and is applied with a light massage.

How often to exfoliate the skin of the face

The frequency with which to exfoliate is linked to both the type of product chosen and the type of skin. If it is oily and impure, exfoliation should be carried out at least once a week and consistently to accelerate cell renewal and achieve blemish-free, radiant and even skin. In the case of thin and sensitive skin, on the other hand, it would be advisable to take a break of about ten days between one treatment and another, always choosing delicate products.

In general, chemical peels to be carried out at home based on alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) allow you to remove the surface layer of the skin, accelerating cell turnover. Ideal for combating skin aging and the appearance of dark spots, this treatment should be carried out once a week. In the case of reactive or sensitive skin, however, it would be better to opt for a milder product with a non-abrasive scrub with plant microparticles.

Among the anti-aging exfoliants, it is worth mentioning the pads with glycolic acid  to be used at most once a week. The treatment should be carried out in the evening, applying a cream the next morning, preferably with sunscreen. Acid peelings make the skin more sensitive to the sun's rays.

How to choose your exfoliator based on your skin type

To avoid irritation, it would also be preferable to choose an exfoliating product designed for your skin type. In the case of delicate and sensitive skin, for example, it would be better to focus on a face scrub with a soft cream texture, equipped with small microspheres. On the other hand, those with combination and oily skin can opt for exfoliating gels with consistent microgranules.