We’re hopin’ you peeps include exfoliation in your body care regime, and not just when summer comes around with its shorts and dresses. After all, there’s nothing better than having clean and glowing skin that stays as fresh as you do, right? But exfoliation isn’t really a one-size-fits-all sort of thing. All bodies & skin types are unique, so if you really want to treat yourself like the #KWEEN you are, you need to specialize that body-loving routine by catering to your skin’s specific needs.
Exfoliation can do wonders for your skin by getting rid of dead skin cells. But if you’re not exfoliating properly, you’re bound to experience irritation, itchiness, and other unwanted problems. Yes, there is a right and wrong to what you thought was just scrubbing your skin! Wondering what exactly are the don’ts of exfoliating? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered for you gals. Read on as we list out the most common exfoliation mistakes you need to avoid, and get scrubbin’ in style!
1. Prep Problems - You’re Not Preparing Your Skin Before Exfoliating
Psst, let’s talk about a secret prep step to effective exfoliation. Ever experienced redness or itching on your skin even after exfoliating? Well, that’s because you’re not preparing your body before exfoliating. Here’s the buzz - preparing and cleaning your body before exfoliation helps to loosen the skin and make the process effective
You can start that cleansing process for your body by using some fab-smelling shower gels or moisturizing shower creams, paired with a loofah. Just start from the soles of your feet and then move upwards, cleansing your entire body. You can also dampen your body with warm water before scrubbing it. This helps to lubricate your skin, so you won’t have to worry about itching while scrubbing your body. Bye-bye redness, hello rad bods!
2. You’re Using The Wrong Exfoliator (Yes, You Have Options!)
One of the most common mistakes made is choosing the wrong exfoliator. Depending on whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination of these, you’ll need a product that meets your every need. You should also beware of the abrasive products out there. Not only will they be ineffective in cleansing your skin, but can also turn out to be harsh, causing a lot of irritation.
Want to strike the pot of gold at the end of your body-care rainbow? Grab nasties-free products that can give you all the love and care you need, irrespective of whether you have dry, normal, or combination skin!
3. You’re Scrubbing Too Hard
Turns out you can have too much of a good thing, which is why the worst thing you can do to your skin is to go overboard with scrubbing. If you think scrubbing your body hard will give you that glow you’re looking for, you’re wrong. Wondering why? Well, that can lead to inflammation on your skin by breaking the blood vessels. Fed up with irritation on your skin? All you have to do is give your skin a gentle nudge for the exfoliation to be effective!
Scrubbing away at your skin like you’re trying to wash out a stain is a big no-no. Be gentle while using effective products, whether it’s a scrub that makes that pesky tan disappear or one that waves goodbye to dullness.
4. You’re Exfoliating Too Much (Or Not Enough)
Have you been scrubbing your body every day? Let’s just tell you, your body isn’t really happy with you right now! It’s likely you may have also experienced redness and irritation on your skin. Now, you cuties and your (overly) scrubbed bodies may be wondering what the solution really is. Don’t worry, we’ll solve the mystery for you! Irrespective of whether you’ve got normal skin, or sensitive skin that just needs that extra bit of attention, we recommend exfoliating only 1-2 times a week.
5. Forget-Me-Not: You’re Forgetting To Moisturize Afterwards
Many of you may be thinking that after exfoliating your skin, the process is complete. This is one of the most common exfoliation mistakes; if you’ve been doing that, you have missed out on a very important step. Yes, we’re talking about moisturizing. Your skin needs some Tender Loving Care, especially right after you’ve scrubbed it!
One of the reasons why most women have dry skin after exfoliating is because along with dead skin cells, your skin also loses its moisture. This can leave it feeling dry and drab instead of glowing and fab, and we bet this makes you feel pretty drab too. So, make sure that you hydrate your skin by slathering on some body moisturizer after exfoliating.
6. You’re Not Exfoliating All Over
The radiant glow that you get after exfoliating is sure worth flaunting. But we want you to remember that the shedding of skin cells happens on all areas of your skin. Make sure you properly exfoliate every inch of your body, and don’t forget to give an extra scrub-of-love to your elbows and knees.
Now that we have acquainted you with the common exfoliation mistakes you need to avoid, make sure you also get the 101 on all things exfoliation. And remember, the best thing you can do is use safe products for your skin. Happy scrub-a-dubbin’ to you! :)
FAQs
What Is The Safest Way To Exfoliate?
You need to dampen your body with warm water and apply your product after that. Just make sure that you apply it gently in small circular motions. Keep doing it for around 30 seconds and then rinse your body with lukewarm water.
Can Exfoliating Every Day Be Bad?
If you exfoliate your skin every day, it can cause inflammation on your skin by breaking the blood vessels. That’s when you’ll start experiencing redness and irritation on your skin. Definitely avoid exfoliating every day, and stick to exfoliating 1-2 times a week.
Should I Moisturize After Exfoliating?
Yes, moisturizing your skin after exfoliating will help hydrate your skin. Your skin loses moisture when exfoliating, so ensure you leave it replenished with a good moisturizer.
When Should I Start Exfoliating?
There’s no proper time to kickstart exfoliation since it’s generally a good practice to inculcate into your routine. Exfoliating helps to rid your skin of the dead skin cells that form naturally, alongside a host of other benefits. Look up a good body scrub, and start right away!
