Exfoliating dry skin can be a precarious endeavor – scrubbing just a little bit too vigorously or using a strong exfoliating cream can further dehydrate the skin and cause outbreaks of inflammation. but foregoing exfoliation can leave the skin dried out and congested with dead skin cells and bacteria. So what can you do exfoliate parched and flaky skin?
Use the ViaBuff Exfoliator Level 3 or 4
The skin care market is currently flooded with tools and creams that claim to exfoliate dry skin, though few can fully live up to their promises. The ViaBuff Level 3 Exfoliating Puff was formulated specifically to handle bouts of dry skin, whereas our ViaBuff Level 4 Exfoliating Puff was formulated to handle severely and chronically dry skin loosening flaking dry skin while leaving the healthy lower layers of skin unperturbed and intact. All of our exfoliating puffs have 60% more surface area than most standard puffs, allowing to reach more skin with less effort and scrubbing. Our puffs also maximize lathering so that you can get the most out of your exfoliating creams.
Avoid Exfoliating With Hot Water
There are few things more relaxing than a nice hot shower, especially during the winter months. However, using piping hot water to exfoliate and wash your face drastically deplete your skin your skin of moisture (Baylor College of Medicine). In order to maintain skin’s natural hydration while exfoliating (and cleansing in general) make sure to use lukewarm or warm water, and immediately follow up with a deeply penetrating moisturizer.
Exfoliate Regularly
It’s quite easy to over-exfoliate your skin, but dermatologists still have not reached a consensus about how frequently we should be exfoliating, even for those who have specific skin types. As a general rule, once or twice a week is enough for most people, whereas those with oily and acne-prone skin may have to exfoliate more frequently. In order to avoid irritation, those with dry and flaky skin should exfoliate once or twice per week, and be attentive to their skin’s responses soon after exfoliating (American Academy of Dermatology).
If you are still unsure of how frequently you should exfoliate, make sure to consult with your dermatologist to ensure that your frequency of exfoliation and products used (i.e. cleansing creams and moisturizers) are working at full potential to remedy your dry skin. Whether you exfoliate every other day or only once a week, it is important to maintain a regular exfoliating regimen to ensure that your skin is staying healthy and squeaky clean.
Use a Salicylic-acid Containing Serum
We at ViaBuff love salicylic acid, one of the best exfoliating ingredients on the market that possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities to boot. Salicylic acid is believed to be the strongest known keratolytic agent in skin care. Its keratolytic properties enable salicylic acid to loosen the bonds between hardened skin cells, allowing these healthy cells beneath to emerge and be properly nourished (Clinics in Dermatology, Archives of Dermatological Research) Salicylic acid is also great for those dealing with combination dry and acne-prone skin. One study from the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that salicylic acid removed dirt and debris from the skin while also reducing acne-induced swelling.
Moisturize Immediately After Exfoliating
Those with healthy and ailment-free skin can afford to skip moisturizing the skin once in a while. For those of us suffering dry and flaky skin however, daily moisturizing is an absolute must. Dry skin sufferers should look for moisturizers that contain humectants, which help the skin to seal in its natural moisture. For example, one study found that glycerin was able to penetrate deep into the stratum corneum and lock in existing moisture (British Journal of Dermatology). Similarly, a study from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that glycerin encouraged cell maturation and turnover, thus fortifying one’s skin barrier.
Jojoba oil is also a great choice for thus suffering from dry skin, as many of the fats found in jojoba oil mimic those found in the outermost layers of the skin. Therefore, jojoba oil is able to fool the skin into thinking that it is producing sufficient amounts of hydration and thereby leading the skin to reach more normal levels of oil production (Dr. Joshua Zeicher for How Stuff Works.com). Research from the Journal of Dermatological Science found that jojoba oil was also able to hydrate the skin by penetrating into the topmost layers of the stratum corneum. Evidence suggests that jojoba oil also may play a role as a penetration enhancer, indicating that jojoba oil may increase the absorption of other hydrating or beneficial ingredients into the skin (Journal of Cosmetic Science).
Bottom Line
Treating dry skin does not have to be such a painstaking endeavor. You should start your dry skin exfoliation routine with either the ViaBuff Level 3 or 4 Exfoliating Puff, depending on how dehydrated your skin is. Make sure to use lukewarm water, as hot water can drain the skin of its natural moisture. Use a salicylic acid-containing cream which can penetrate deep into the skin to exfoliate while your ViaBuff Exfoliating Puff works to debris in the outermost layers. Follow up with a deep-penetrating and soothing moisturizer than can both return lost moisture and seal in existing moisture.