How to Properly Exfoliate Acne-Prone Skin
Exfoliation is one of the best ways to ensure healthier skin. But is exfoliating good for acne-prone skin? Well, to improve acne-prone skin, exfoliation is considered to be beneficial and should be included in your skincare routine. In this article, we explore more in-depth how to properly exfoliate acne-prone skin!
Understanding acne-prone skin
Before deciding whether you should exfoliate acne-prone skin, you'll have to understand what acne-prone skin is. First and foremost, acne-prone skin is when the skin experiences regular acne breakouts or clogged pores due to excessive oil production.
With acne-prone skin, it's crucial to ensure the right steps are taken to prevent any form of irritation on the skin. But is exfoliating good for acne-prone skin? Well, turns out exfoliation is great to reduce acne! Read on below to find out more about why exfoliation helps those with acne-prone skin:
Benefits of exfoliation for acne-prone skin
To maintain healthy skin, taking the necessary steps such as exfoliating is important. There are several benefits as to how exfoliation helps those with acne-prone skin. Here are some of them:
Reduce acne breakouts
WWhen you exfoliate acne-prone skin, you can prevent further acne from appearing as it prevents the build-up of any impurities which can lead to the formation of bacteria.
Removes dead skin cells
Our skin sheds dead skin regularly. Exfoliation can help eliminate the dead skin cells to make room for the new skin cells. Thus, reducing the appearance of acne scars as well.
Reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation
Dark spots are common on acne-prone skin. With exfoliation, you can prevent hyperpigmentation caused by the acne after healing.
Unclog pores
Our pores get clogged due to impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells. Exfoliation helps unclog them regularly to prevent blackheads or other types of acne.
Chemical vs physical exfoliants: which is better for acne-prone skin?
If you wish to exfoliate acne-prone skin, you’ll need to know the different types of exfoliants. There are only two types of exfoliants: chemical and physical.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants are the best exfoliators for acne-prone sensitive skin as it’s much gentler than physical exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants contain acids and enzymes such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
The acids such as salicylic acid penetrate deeply into the pores, preventing excessive build-up of excess oil and other impurities that cause acne to form.
Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants are typically scrubs, which contain small rough particles. They contain ingredients that are great for strengthening the skin. However, since physical exfoliants are abrasive, you should first test the product before using them.
Hence, chemical exfoliants are a much better option when you wish to exfoliate acne-prone skin. They typically don’t damage the skin and prevent further potential acne from forming. But there are physical exfoliants that are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin. If you wish to use physical exfoliants, consider looking out for these types of exfoliants.
Alternatively, you can also opt for natural exfoliants. If you’re wondering how to exfoliate acne-prone skin naturally, you can consider making use of oatmeal, honey, sugar, and papaya. You could curate your recipes with these ingredients and use them to exfoliate your skin instead of using skincare products.
How often should you exfoliate?
You shouldn’t exfoliate too often as it could potentially strip your skin’s natural oils. This worsens the acne further. If you’re just starting with exfoliating, we recommend exfoliating once or twice a week. You may increase the frequency once your skin gets used to it. However, it’s still best to not exfoliate too often as it could cause problems to your skin.
Step-by-step guide to exfoliating acne-prone skin
There are several differences between chemical and physical exfoliators that you should know before choosing which exfoliator is best for your skin. Chemical exfoliators use active ingredients such as acid to dissolve and remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin without scrubbing, whereas physical exfoliators use ingredients such as sugar, microbeads, or jojoba beads as well as tools like facial brushes to manually scrub off dead skin cells from the skin.
STEP 1: Choose the most suitable exfoliant
It’s always best to use the right exfoliant that works well for your skin as there are many different types of exfoliants. For instance, chemical exfoliants have numerous acids in the ingredients such as salicylic acid, while a physical exfoliant has several types of scrubs or particles.
STEP 2: Use a cleanser
Before applying the exfoliant, you should always cleanse your face with your preferred cleanser. This step helps to remove any dirt or impurities on the skin.
STEP 3: Apply your exfoliant
Then, apply your exfoliant to your face. Depending on the type of exfoliant, apply them based on the appropriate instructions. For example, chemical exfoliants usually require only a small amount, while physical exfoliants require you to apply a small amount and massage it gently into the skin.
STEP 4: Rinse your face with water
Once you’ve finished applying the exfoliant, rinse it off with water until all of it has been removed from the skin.
STEP 5: Moisturise your face
After you’ve finished rinsing off the exfoliant, pat your face dry with a towel. Once your face is completely dry, you should apply moisturiser on your face to hydrate and moisturise your face. This helps to protect and strengthen your skin barrier too.
Achieving Smooth, Acne-Free Skin with Proper Exfoliation
We hope you’ve gained a thorough understanding of how to properly exfoliate acne-prone skin! As long as you do it correctly, you’ll find your skin to be smooth and free from any irritation or inflammation. If you’re looking for a great physical exfoliator that’s suitable for all skin types, the WonderDewi Cica Gentle Scrub is one of the best exfoliators on the market! Besides that, you can also consider the WonderDewi Cica Cleansing Gel or the WonderDewi Cica Gel Moisturiser as part of your skincare routine. They are suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin too.