Exfoliating your skin is an essential step in any skincare routine, and one of the most beneficial procedures you can perform on your face is exfoliation. Exfoliating may be one of the most effective treatments you can give your skin, but did you know that it’s possible to exfoliate while washing it?
Washing your face with an exfoliating cleanser is a fantastic way to remove dead or dry skin while also cleaning it. So, let’s get down to business and talk about exfoliating cleansers so you can decide whether they’re right for you.
What is an exfoliating cleanser?
An exfoliating cleanser is a facial cleanser that includes an exfoliator in the formula. This is generally in the form of granules or powder, and it may help you to remove dry and dead skin while you wash your face, making it a fantastic option for individuals on the go who want to get the most out of their skincare regimen.
Types of Exfoliating Cleansers
There are a variety of cleaning solutions available, each tailored to the needs of a specific skin type. Active ingredients are included to preserve skin health and comfort for dehydrated and sensitive skin. Humectants, emollients, and occlusives are the three types of active ingredients in cleansers for oily or acne-prone skin. Salicylic, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide are standard components in cleaners for greasy or acne-prone skin.
For every skin type, it’s crucial to select a cleanser that leaves the surface balanced to maintain pH levels and avoid causing irritation or dryness.
Cleansers, which are considered to have skin-nourishing benefits, are shown below.
Benzoyl peroxide exfoliating cleanser
Benzoyl peroxide is a well-known acne treatment that has been shown to be effective in treating mild–severe forms of acne. It’s an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce redness and itching due to acne blemishes.
Its mild keratolytic activity may help to loosen the connections between skin cells and promote exfoliation, as well as its astringent action, which effectively removes extra oils and residue from the skin’s surface.
Glycolic acid exfoliating cleanser
Glycolic acid is a low-molecular-weight alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that has been found to have outstanding efficacy. This acid is utilized at low concentrations in cleansers for mild exfoliation without causing irritation. Its tiny molecular size makes it the most efficient AHA in its class.
It causes the same chemical alteration as benzoyl peroxide. It erodes the connections between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily washed away. It’s also a potent humectant that works on the surface to attract and absorb moisture deep into the skin, hydrating and plumping it. The skin is clarified, rejuvenated, and balanced due to this action.
Salicylic acid exfoliating cleanser
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects commonly used in acne treatments. It also dissolves and maintains the pores’ oil and debris buildup by breaking the link between dead skin cells and forcing them to shed.
BHAs are oil-dispersible, enabling them to penetrate deep into pores and break up and remove clogs of debris.
How Does It Benefit You?
Exfoliation allows your younger, healthier skin to breathe because it removes the dead skin cells on top of it. As a result, many other skincare goods, such as serums, moisturizers, lotions, and treatments that contain active components, can be absorbed by your skin.
Exfoliation can also improve your skin tone by removing blemishes and blurring wrinkle lines or fine lines. Your color will brighten, as will the appearance of your skin’s surface. Your skin will also appear softer to the touch as a result of exfoliation. In general, exfoliation makes your appearance seem younger and healthier.
Always consider what your skin needs. Foaming cleansers are generally a little kinder than physical cleansers, for example, and can still improve radiance and suppleness in the skin.
In summary:
- Cleaners are great for cleaning the top layer of your skin, primarily of dirt, grime, and sebum.
- Exfoliating lotions and scrubs are used to clean away dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, as well as other stubborn debris that burrows into your pores.
How to Use an Exfoliating Cleanser
Some exfoliating cleansers are gentle enough to be used daily, but this may be too harsh for some individuals. Your skin type, cleanser formulation, and personal reaction should all influence how often you use this product.
Overuse can harm the skin’s barrier, resulting in various unpleasant side effects such as redness, irritation, and dryness. When oils are removed from the surface, the skin may overproduce oil and become slick and acne-prone.
A cleanser with gentle exfoliating particles can be used at night to keep your skin looking young and soft. Because skin repairs itself during the night, this is when an exfoliating cleanser will provide the best results. This will remove any environmental pollutants or grime built up throughout the day.
Because blackheads are filled with gunk and discoloration, they cause irritation. As a result, the opened pores will be more receptive to skin care products after them, allowing for deeper penetration and effectiveness. Most exfoliating cleansers are meant to be massaged into damp skin and washed off with cool water. Apply a hydrating serum, such as one that contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin, after washing.
Why Should You Use An Exfoliating Cleanser?
You shouldn’t just pick any exfoliating cleanser. Chemical exfoliating cleansers have the advantage here. Here’s why:
- They’re gentler on the skin: Natural particles like apricot kernel nubs, on the other hand, have rough, jagged edges that may scratch and damage the skin.
- They provide even exfoliation: One is softer (or redder!) than the other, yet you scrub a little longer on your right cheek than your left. On the other hand, acids provide consistent exfoliation all over.
- They’re multitaskers: Exfoliating acid cleansers save you both money and time in the morning. They hydrate and calm your skin while removing dead skin cells at the same time.
Exfoliating acid cleansers, in a nutshell, make your skin feel smoother and brighter while eliminating irritation.
How Often Should You Use An Exfoliating Cleanser?
Acid treatments might be frightening. Doesn’t this stuff burn the skin off?!
Fret not. Exfoliating cleansers use mild acid concentrations: high enough to remove the unsightly skin cells that roughen up your skin and steal its radiance, but low enough to avoid any adverse effects, such as redness or irritation.
Even sensitive skin may use them because they’re so mild. In truth, they’re usually the only type of chemical exfoliation sensitive skin can tolerate.
The key is to use them in moderation. So, how often is too much?
Knock yourself out if you have resistant oily skin. Exfoliating cleansers can be used every day without causing any problems.
Do you have a dry or sensitive skin type? Try going two or three times a week. That’s enough to brighten your complexion, smooth out blemishes, and soften texture without drying it out.
In Conclusion
Exfoliating two-in-one exfoliating cleansers is a convenient and efficient method of removing dirt, oil, and grime while also exfoliating dead skin cells and debris trapped within pores.
When the correct product has ingredients and concentrations of active components suited to individual requirements, this type of cleanser may benefit everyone.
First, use an exfoliating cleanser once a week to avoid irritating your skin. If you don’t notice any signs of discomfort, you may gradually increase until you reach daily usage. This frequency is more likely to be too harsh for dry or sensitive skin; once per week is probably the best option.
SOURCES
- Kuehl BL, Fyfe KS, Shear NH. Cutaneous cleansers. Skin Therapy Lett. 2003 Mar;8(3):1-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12858234/
- Law RM, Ngo MA, Maibach HI. Twenty Clinically Pertinent Factors/Observations for Percutaneous Absorption in Humans. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2020 Feb;21(1):85-95. doi:10.1007/s40257-019-00480-4
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K.P., Moore, D.J., Subrahmanyan, K., Misra, .M. and Meyer, F. (2004), Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild Cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17: 16-25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
