Exfoliation can seem intimidating in skincare, especially when it is easy to over-exfoliate, which can result in a damaged skin barrier. Many people can take that fear and steer clear of exfoliation all together. What they need to know is that exfoliation is extremely beneficial and enhances your skincare routine to a new level. It should just be done thoughtfully and tailored to your skin's specific needs. So, in reality, exfoliating is magical, and one of the easiest ways to improve your skin!
Benefits of Exfoliation
The benefits of adding exfoliation to your skincare routine are endless! It helps minimize pore size, smooth and firm the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Exfoliation brightens and enhances radiance, removes dead surface cells, and corrects uneven skin tone. It supplies antioxidants and essential nutrients for skin vitality, balances and tones the skin, and optimizes its pH for comfort and health.
Exfoliation also helps improve acne by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and regulating sebum production, while boosting collagen production and leaving the skin ultra-soft.
On top of all of these benefits, exfoliation even goes as far as helping absorb other skincare products, as well as allowing makeup to sit better on the skin.
With all of these benefits, it is an essential part to have in a skincare routine.
How To Exfoliate
With the tips and tricks of how to exfoliate there is no simple answer. But, the first step before integrating an exfoliator into your skincare routine is to determine how much your skin can handle. There are many types of exfoliating products with many different strengths of exfoliating chemicals.
Exfoliation is broken down into two categories: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation is mechanical, where something is used to scrub off dead skin cells. It involves scrubs with granules, brushes, sponges, or other abrasive tools. Chemical exfoliation uses acids or enzymes to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be washed away.
After deciding which type of exfoliant is best for you based off your personal skin type, there are a couple "rules" that will need to be followed:
- Only exfoliate 2-3 times a week
- Allow skin to fully dry and absorb before adding more products
- Always use sunscreen, as it can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun
If your skin has any negative reaction to an exfoliant, stop use immediately and consider switching to a different product, or cutting back on the usage of it.
Products For Exfoliation
Kate Ryan has an array of different exfoliation products for you to choose from. Our most popular and newest product, Triple Effect Skin Resurfacing Pads:
- Pre-moistened exfoliating pads with Glycolic, Lactic, and Mandelic acids
- Suitable for most skin types and ages, including teens and pre-teens
- Apply to face, neck, and chest using both sides of the pad; avoid eye area
- Tips for use: Apply extra product from the pad to hands, forearms, and legs
If you aren't feeling disposable pads, Kate Ryan also has a mask. The Clearly Radiant Enzyme Mask:
- Vitamin-rich peel gently exfoliates to reveal healthy, young skin cells.
- Ideal for sun-damaged skin, promoting an even skin tone.
- Contains natural fruit enzymes to exfoliate dry, dull skin cells.
- Nourishes and softens skin with antioxidants and nutrients
- Suitable for anyone seeking smoother, firmer, healthier skin.
- Uses enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells without gritty particles.
Avoiding the eyes, and lips, apply a thin layer to clean dry skin and allow to rest for 3-10 minutes, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. Use once or twice weekly if no sensitivity occurs, especially for acne-prone skin.
For a gentler approach, we offer Exfoliating Cleansing Sponge for Face and Neck:
- Gently exfoliates to improve cell turnover
- Removes makeup and other impurities
- Increases softness and smoothness
- Reveals brighter skin
- Cleans deeply and effectively
Very gentle but effective, this can be used by anyone. Simply get the sponge wet and add your desired cleanser. Massage onto your face and neck, then rinse with water and continue with your normal skincare routine.
TIP: Kate Ryan suggests to not use all three of these products together, pick one as your desired exfoliation method as you do not want to over exfoliate your skin.
Exfoliation can be a game-changer in your skincare routine when done correctly. It helps minimize pores, smooths and firms the skin, brightens complexion, and improves acne. Understanding the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation allows you to choose the best method for your skin type. Use exfoliants 2-3 times a week to avoid over exfoliation and always apply sunscreen. If irritation occurs, adjust your routine. Embrace exfoliation and elevate your skincare routine!
