The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin, which plays a protective and sun-blocking role. It can effectively prevent the invasion of some microorganisms and bacteria. However, with age or the influence of external environment, the stratum corneum does not completely shed after normal metabolism. Over time, the stratum corneum of the skin will gradually accumulate, leading to rough, dull, yellowish skin, and even various skin diseases. Therefore, exfoliation is an important step to make the skin smoother and more hydrated. However, in the process of exfoliation, we are prone to make mistakes, which not only fails to achieve the desired effect, but also affects the whitening and health of the skin.
Mistake 3: All exfoliating products have the same effect
There are many exfoliating products on the market, including scrub type, mask type, essence type, cleanser type, toner type, etc. Each type of product has its own characteristics and different effects. Friends need to distinguish and choose according to their own skin characteristics.
1. Scrub type
It contains fine particles that can remove aging keratin when rubbed against the skin. However, the massage strength should be light, especially not suitable for sensitive skin.
Suitable skin types: combination skin, oily skin.
Usage: Take a thumb-sized amount and apply it evenly on the face, avoiding the eye area. Use both hands to gently massage in small circles from the inside to the outside, and draw circles from the outside to the inside at the sides of the nose. Continue for 5 to 10 minutes, and the massage should be moderate. This type of product should be used once every 2 weeks. Combination skin can be used on oily or rough areas of the skin, but the duration should not be too long.
2. Mask type
It contains ingredients that promote the shedding of keratin and removes keratin through dissolution. When rinsing, it should be washed off with water, such as peeling gel.
Suitable skin types: dry skin, combination skin, oily skin.
Usage: Take an appropriate amount of peeling gel and apply it evenly on the face. After 15 to 20 minutes, gently rub the gel that has turned into granules with your fingers. Rub off all the peeling gel using a from inside to outside, from bottom to top motion, and then rinse with warm water. The use of peeling gel achieves the cleansing effect through peeling. This process has a pulling effect on the skin, which can easily make the skin lose elasticity. It is recommended to use it once a week.
3. Essence type
It contains essence ingredients that dissolve aging keratin unnoticed and replenish cell nutrition. After dissolving the keratin, the nutritional ingredients of the essence penetrate into the skin, so it is called essence type. Long-term use can shrink pores, lighten pigmentation, and achieve exfoliation and refined skin effects.
Suitable skin types: dry skin, combination skin, oily skin.
Usage: After cleansing at night, use it before applying night cream, gently massage with fingertips until fully absorbed.
4. Cleanser type
Exfoliation is to thoroughly clean the waste on the outermost layer of the skin. Therefore, exfoliation can also be achieved through strong cleansing products, but the effect is relatively weak.
Suitable skin types: sensitive skin (in fact, exfoliation is not recommended for sensitive skin because the skin is thinner, so there is less thickening of the stratum corneum).
Usage: Take an appropriate amount in the palm of your hand, add a little water, rub into foam, and gently massage the face with circular motions from the inside to the outside. For the T-zone, change to circular motions from the outside to the inside. Massage for 5 minutes and rinse with water.
5. Toner type
Because cleansers often contain additives and surfactants, these ingredients are not easily rinsed off with water and remain on the skin. Therefore, the so-called secondary cleansing is to use a toner with cleansing ability to remove the residues on the skin.
Suitable skin types: combination skin, oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin (gentle toner can also have the effect of secondary cleansing, so it is more suitable for sensitive skin). It is especially suitable for acne-prone skin with mild inflammation.
Usage: Soak a cotton pad with toner, wipe the skin, avoiding the eye area. Repeat 3 to 5 times.
Exfoliating tools: These tools can achieve exfoliation when used in conjunction with cleansers. The cleansing brush is the most common tool, which is a round brush with a handle. It needs to be used with facial cleanser. The brushing process can remove aging keratin cells and clean the dirt in the pores more thoroughly.
Suitable skin types: any skin type except sensitive skin.
Usage: When cleansing with facial cleanser every night, use the brush handle to gently brush the entire face in a circular motion, focusing on the T-zone. If using the cleansing brush every day, the interval for deep cleansing can be appropriately extended.
