How do you exfoliate your face and body after the summer?

We all want to enjoy healthy, radiant and young skin. However, there is one step of the beauty routine that we haven’t completed yet: facial and body exfoliation. Gone are the days when you heard about the importance of removing dead skin cells to promote cell turnover, among other properties, exfoliating the skin makes a difference as long as you do it right.

As we age, cell turnover slows and dead cells can lead to acne, a dull, lifeless complexion and uneven texture. The good news is that with a good exfoliation routine, both for your face and body, we can safely and effectively remove all those impurities and restore your healthy, natural glow.

What are the benefits of exfoliating the skin?

“Exfoliation helps brighten the complexion, improve skin texture and help prevent clogged pores, acne blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads. In addition, it helps stimulate collagen synthesis to improve the integrity of the skin and make it look smooth and look young,” says pharmacist Belén Acero, head of Farmacia Avenida América and specialist in dermocosmetics and nutrition.

Precautions When Exfoliating the Skin

“Special care must be taken with the products used, as well as the active ingredients in their formulation, to perform the exfoliation, as not all of them are suitable for different skin types. Exfoliating too aggressively can cause damage to the skin’s surface. In this way, we compromise the skin’s protective barrier, allowing bacteria to get in and, as a result, irritation, redness, inflammation and even scarring. How often you should exfoliate your skin and how many exfoliating products you can use at once depends on your skin type and the other active ingredients you include in your routine. For novices, it is ideal to use a milder product once or twice a week. Finally, chemical exfoliants should only work for the time recommended on the package, while physical exfoliants should not be used for more than a few minutes,” says pharmacist Belén Acero.

Tips to exfoliate the face

“First of all, make sure you know your skin type to choose the right product. This is crucial in order not to damage the face. If you have sensitive skin, it is ideal to opt for gentle exfoliants with a low percentage of AHA or BHA. For dry skin, the best option is the chemical exfoliant to prevent friction on the skin. In the case of acne-prone skin, we never recommend exfoliating with a physical exfoliant, as it may exacerbate the pathology. Once the product has been chosen, it must be applied correctly. When betting on a chemical exfoliant, always follow the instructions on the package. As a general rule, use a small amount of product and apply to clean skin using small, gentle circular motions. According to the manufacturer, allow it to act for the required time and remove with warm water. If, on the other hand, you’ve opted for a physical exfoliant, I recommend applying it in the shower, as the heat and humidity of the water open the pores, aiding the process of exfoliation and removal of dead cells. Distribute the product all over the face and work it in circular, soft and ascending movements. After exfoliating your face, rinse the product thoroughly and then pat the skin dry with a clean towel. Finally, apply a moisturizer to restore hydration and comfort to the complexion,” explains pharmacist Belén Acero, owner of Farmacia Avenida América and specialist in dermocosmetics and nutrition.

Tips for a body scrub

“Once your face has been exfoliated, work your way down your body accordingly, applying the same technique. It’s important to keep in mind that the skin on our face and neck is much more delicate and fragile than the rest of the body This is why most people need two different scrubs.Pay special attention to the heels, elbows, and knees, as they generally have a greater build-up of dead cells than other parts of the body.In addition, the elbows, knees, and feet have a greater build-up of dead cells. thicker skin, which allows them to withstand a thicker peeling”, concludes pharmacist Belén Acero.