Exfoliation is natural body process. Skin cells get shed every twenty eight days. That is the normal rate of natural exfoliation and it helps keep the skin healthy and it also helps heal wounds. Patients with acne are constantly reminded of the importance of periodic exfoliation. They may even be prescribed scrubs, creams and even abrasive treatments to help shed off dead skin. The results are almost always positive. Acne outbreaks reduce in frequency and patients enjoy clearer skin. But, why does one need to exfoliate and how often should it be done?

Why Exfoliate?

Periodic exfoliation is necessary because it relieves clogged pores and shed dead skin cells. Dermatologists recommend exfoliation to their patients, especially those who have acne.

In acne suffers the natural exfoliation process of the skin is placed on hyper-drive. This results in an irritate skin surface and more clogged pores than normal. These two factors, plus the addition of sebum (oil) can result in an acne outbreak. In cases like these, periodical mechanical or chemical exfoliation is helpful in making sure that the pores are clear and that the dead skin cells shed off.

How Often Should I Exfoliate?

Ideally, you should only exfoliate twice or thrice a week, more than that and it could lead to irritation. A periodic exfoliation helps clear the skin and unclog the pores. That compared with facial cleansing, proper diet and exercise, adequate sleep, rest and relaxation can lead to a clearer face.

What Does Too Much Exfoliation Cause?

Some acne sufferers have had their condition for so long that they desperate for a cure that works. The problem with that is they tend to overdo a treatment when they find that such treatment generates results. It may be good for some acne treatments, but that’s not the case when it comes to exfoliation.

Constant exfoliation – say once of twice a day – can instead lead to irritation. Irritation can come in the form of inflammation. When your skin is inflamed it gets red, painful, swollen and warm to the touch. Those symptoms are not only irritating and distressful, they an also lead to more clogged pores. And as acne sufferers already know, clogged pores result in more acne – the exact thing that they were preventing.

Therefore, when it comes to exfoliating, moderation is important. Keep things to a minimum and do not exfoliate too much nor should you exfoliate too little. Two to three times a week is enough.

Exfoliating Tips

·         Exfoliate Before Going To Sleep

Exfoliating right before bed is advised because it gives the skin time to heal and regenerate. Exfoliating in the morning or before going out can expose the skin to extreme sunlight and dust. This could irritate the skin more and cause further acne outbreak. Exfoliating at night also keeps the skin from being exposed to makeup.

·         Don’t Rub, Pat

The normal reflex when drying the skin is to rub it. That’s a no-no when it comes to acne and exfoliation. Rubbing irritates the skin more than what is necessary. Therefore  you should pat your skin dry with a clean towel or cloth instead of rubbing. Patting takes off excess water without irritating the skin.

·         Find the Right Product

You should find the right exfoliant for your skin type. Some individuals are allergic to chemical exfoliants , that’s why they have to use mechanical ones.

There are a lot of exfoliating products available. Chemical exfoliants are the most common. Examples of chemical exfoliants include Tretinoin and Salicylic Acid. Scrubs are also another form of exfoliants – they are called mechanical exfoliants.

Your dermatologist can help you in picking out the right product.