Exfoliation: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Exfoliate your Skin Effectively!

You’ve heard every beauty guru telling you to exfoliate, but somehow no one really gets into the nitty gritty of it all…so here’s a comprehensive deep dive into the skincare world’s most favourite activity ever, exfoliation. Expect healthier, smoother and brighter-looking skin at the end ;). First, let’s get to know the two types of exfoliation:

1. Physical
   1. A manual method of sloughing off dead skin cells with abrasive tools/particles, like scrubs with beads/grits, brushes and loofahs!
2. Chemical
   1. Skin-caring ingredients like BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acids) and AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) that dissolve dead skin cells, such as salicylic and lactic acid!

Both methods are amazing for a midweek radiance-revealing pick me up! However, over-exfoliation occurs more often with physical action as it is rather difficult to gauge our scrubbing pressure, alongside particle sizes and textures. We recommend thoughtfully formulated chemical exfoliants that slough off the gentlest amount that they’re designed to! Secondly, understanding that skin types determine your exfoliation frequency:

• 2-3 times a week for normal skin types
• 3-4 times a week for oilier skin types
• 1-2 times a week for dry / sensitive skin types

Thirdly, ensure proper post-exfoliation care:

1. SPF, SPF AND SPF! Freshly renewed skin is more sensitive to harsh UV rays, make sure to shield up and sunscreen on after exfoliating! (You’re supposed to be using SPF daily anyways…)
2. A good moisturizer will deeply replenish lost hydration and prevent post-exfoliation dryness.
3. LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN! If irritation occurs, immediately dial back exfoliation frequency. Irritation can come in forms of redness, excessive dryness and/or oiliness!

Here at NEWDTRAL, BHA-BY BUFFED is our signature, thoughtfully-formulated chemical exfoliant toner, gentle for all skin types! Know more about it here.