Oily: you may have enlarged pores, a dull, shiny or thick complexion, visible blackheads, pimples or other skin imperfections. Dry: your pores may be almost invisible, you might have a dull, rough complexion. You may have red patches on your skin, which might be less elastic, and have more visible lines. Normal: you may have no or few visible imperfections, no severe sensitivity, a radiant and bright complexion, and barely visible pores. Combination: you may have oily skin in some areas, and dry or normal skin in other areas. Combination skin may have overly dilated pores, shiny skin and blackheads in the T-zone, or along the center of the face and forehead. [2] X Research source
You easily break out in rashes. Your skin often gets blotchy and itchy after using skincare products or in response to the weather. Your skin sometimes stings after washing, or being outside. [3] X Research source
Speak to a medic if you skin is not responding to over-the-counter treatments. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Physical products are grainy, with abrasive ingredients designed to physically remove dead skin cells. Physical exfoliants are generally scrubs, or microdermabrasion pads. Chemical exfoliants use enzymes or acids to remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants can be creams, gels and scrubs. They often contain either alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
You can tell if an exfoliant is a chemical or physical exfoliant based on whether you can feel the small scrubbing particles. If you can feel these small grains on your skin, the product is a physical exfoliant, and you don’t need to do a sensitivity test. If the exfoliant feels smooth, it’s a chemical exfoliant.
You may like to follow exfoliation with a moisturizer to tackle any dryness you experience. [6] X Expert Source Joanna KulaSkincare Specialist Expert Interview. 9 July 2019. If you have a darker complexion be extra careful, because an exfoliant may provoke post-inflammatory pigmentation, which can be hard to reverse. [7] X Research source
If you have oily skin, you may be able to exfoliate once a day. If your skin becomes sore or irritated, exfoliate less often. [8] X Research source Remember to only use one exfoliant in your skincare routine. Never use 2 exfoliants back-to-back. Using too many products at once can irritate your skin and alter its pH level, especially if you have oily skin. [9] X Expert Source Joanna KulaSkincare Specialist Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.
If you have dry skin, it’s best to exfoliate less frequently. Start by only exfoliating once a week and then see how your skin responds. [10] X Research source Experiment with how often you exfoliate and see what works best for you and your skin. [11] X Research source
Try a BHA product that is designed for everyday use, such as glycolic acid. This should mean that it is gentle enough not to irritate or inflame your skin, but you will still benefit from the deeper exfoliation without the physical aggravation. If you are struggling to cope with oily and acne-prone skin, talk to your doctor about prescription retinoids.
People with normal skin can generally exfoliate twice a week. Always monitor your skin and note how it responds to the product you use.
Remember to only use one exfoliant at a time. Never use both products at once.
Avoid all strong peels and scrubs, but consider something softer like an enzymatic peel. Products with bromelain, papain or ficain can be good for sensitive skin. [13] X Research source Don’t exfoliate more than once a week, and stop if you experience pain or irritation. Use a moisturiser after exfoliating, to ease dryness. [14] X Expert Source Joanna KulaSkincare Specialist Expert Interview. 9 July 2019.
