The truth is, it is possible to exfoliate too much. Exfoliation is a marathon, not a sprint. Many people jump out of the gate and immediately use the highly-concentrated, harsh cleansing agents and rough, rigid brushes on their skin. Then they complain when it’s too much for your skin!
In reality, there are gentle exfoliators and custom brushes that can yield even better results, because you can use them everyday!
Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of exfoliation and when too much is too much.
The Benefits of Exfoliation
Exfoliation can increase circulation to the skin. In order to create new skin cells, the deepest layer of the skin, the dermis, needs to be supplied with proper nutrition. Exfoliation may help the skin recover from environmental/UV damage and nutritional deficiencies by accelerating the rate — and increasing the amount — of blood flow to the dermis, where new skin cells are made.
On the one hand, exfoliation is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Exfoliation revitalizes tired and dull-looking skin, removes pore-clogging oil and debris, and softens the look of wrinkles and fine lines. As you age, cellular turnover slows, and your skin can look aged due to the accumulation of dead skin cells.
When Exfoliation is Too Much
On the other hand, exfoliation can be too harsh if you use the wrong type of scrub or brush. Many people who start to exfoliate for the first time reach for the strongest, coarsest brush and the harshest, most concentrated AHAs or retinoids, which can prove too much for virgin skin.
You will notice skin is over-exfoliated when it has the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Painful to the touch
- Excessive peeling (some flaking is normal and to be accepted, but peeling is not)
For newbies, the best ingredients to exfoliate are gentle cleansers or exfoliation treatments with jojoba beads (Plastic Surgical Nursing, 2013).
Select the Best Buff for Your Skin Type and Condition
The best brushes to exfoliate are customized to your skin type or condition. For instance, with the ViaBuff, there are four levels available for a variety of skin types and conditions:
- Level 1: Extra Gentle (Purple)
Ideal for Oily Skin, Acne, Psoriasis - Level 2: Mild (Green)
Ideal for Normal Skin, Eczema - Level 3: Moderate (Pink)
Ideal for Dry Skin, Ingrown Hairs, Keratosis Pilaris, Waxing - Level 4: Clinical (White)
Ideal for Very Dry Skin
You can use the ViaBuff exfoliator in conjunction with any cleanser or mild scrub. Simply wash away to a beautiful face! It does its job well as sidekick to your products. It is gentle enough to be used daily.
In Summary
Yes, you can exfoliate too much — if you are using the wrong type of treatment and a brush that is inappropriate for your skin type and skin concerns. For best results, use a gentle treatment and a ViaBuff!