The Importance of Exfoliating in the Winter Posted on 11 Jan 13:54 , 0 comments

Exfoliation

As much as we may want to ignore it, we’re faced with the cold truth that winter is here to stay.  If you’re like most people, keeping your skin looking healthy and fresh can be a real struggle in the colder months.  Luckily, there’s exfoliation.  Learning why it’s so important to exfoliate, especially in the winter, and the best ways to go about it can be extremely helpful in choosing the right product to keep your skin glowing year round.

Why Should I Exfoliate?

In the winter months, there is less moisture in the air causing skin cells to die off faster.  Over time the dead skin builds up causing the flaky look and feel commonly found in the winter.  The dead skin clogs pores, causes wrinkles, and increases irritation.  Exfoliation solves these issues by removing the dead skin, allowing moisturizing products to reach the new cells and be more effective.  Many common skin issues can also be improved through exfoliation.  Some of these include:

  • Blemished Skin: Using acne products to dry out our skin can lead to more breakouts from oil being trapped in the layers of dry skin.  Exfoliating eliminates the dry skin and the build-up of oil along with it.
  • Post-Breakout Red/Dark Marks: Increasing exfoliation can help remove the scarred skin cells (the cause of the red/dark marks) and allow new healthy cells to takeover.
  • Clogged Pores: Similar to blemished skin, exfoliating eliminates the dry skin and the oil trapped in the pores.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Exfoliation can help break up the cells in the dark spots on the skin so they lose their color.
  • Dry Skin: As mentioned earlier, exfoliation helps rid your skin of the dead skin cells and allows the moisturizer to reach the healthy cells for smoother skin.
  • Wrinkles: Exfoliating on a regular basis can help speed up the skin’s natural exfoliating process and the aging cells, allowing your skin to look younger.

    • How Should I Exfoliate?

    There are many different kinds of exfoliates available, all with various ingredients.  The two main types are physical or chemical.  A physical exfoliant is applied manually with a scrub, while a chemical exfoliant is a peel or mask that does the work itself.  The type of skin you have often determines which is best for you.  No matter the choice, there are a few important things to remember:

    • Avoid products that contain sharp edges that don’t dissolve.  These can tear the skin, increase aging, and cause more damage than good. Instead, use an exfoliant with spherical ingredients that are gentler on skin.
    • Do not rely only on chemical exfoliation.  While it may be easier, it can burn and irritate the skin.  It’s recommended to use a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation.  Natural peels tend to be less harmful and work well for people with more sensitive skin.
    • Exfoliate on a regular basis.  The recommended time frame is once a week, with 2-3 times in the winter if needed.  However, be careful to not over-exfoliate.  If you notice your skin becoming irritated, cut down on your routine to every other week or even once a month.  
    • Moisturize! It’s extremely important to moisturize after exfoliation so that it can reach the new healthy skin cells right away.

    The All-in-1 Herbal Face Cleansing Lotion not only exfoliates, but also moisturizes skin making it the perfect product to add to your winter routine.  Herbal Face Foods can help get rid of your dry skin so you have healthy skin year round.