Paulette Hamilton 
Scrubbing dead pores and skin off may sound scary and harsh, but the reality is that its miles an essential skincare step in case you’re looking for that faultless glow
For the longest time, exfoliation in an Indian beauty habitual has been about using a random off-the-shelf scrub or growing one at home with fruit granules—each that have been used as preferred exercise irrespective of various pores and skin sorts and worries. World over, this skincare step also has a piece of a terrible name, specifically due to the fear of over-exfoliation drying out your pores and skin. However, when carried out proper, exfoliation may be the key to balancing your pores and skin and keeping a wholesome, clean glow. While physical exfoliators had been popular for a while, the chemical counterparts at the moment are hitting the mainstream highlight. Two Delhi-based totally dermatologists—Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra, director of Skin Alive, and Dr. Kiran Kaur Sethi, founder of IsyaDerm—assist clean the air on all matters exfoliation, and talk why it’s the skincare step each unmarried character need to do. Below, they answer your maximum pressing questions.
How does exfoliation contribute to glowing pores and skin and how regularly need to you do it?
Dr. Chhabra: “The system of exfoliation enables to clean off the top dead layer and screen the new healthy and more youthful pores and skin cells. It is usually recommended to exfoliate two-three times per week for every day and combination skin, however, if you have touchy skin, avoid [doing it] more than as soon as every week. Over-exfoliating can cast off the natural oils from pores and skin, which may additionally result in breakouts on the face. Furthermore, it could make your pores and skin dry and cause skin troubles like zits, redness or flaky patches all over in an extreme case.”
Dr. Sethi: “It’s quite private to be sincere, depending on how your pores and skin feels after it. The greater touchy and dry [your skin] is, the much less you need to exfoliate. The oilier and greater obstructed it’s far—blackheads galore—the extra you could exfoliate. If you’re not normal with doing so two to 3 times a week, at least decide to it as soon as a month.”
What is the distinction between physical and chemical exfoliators?
Dr. Chhabra: “Physical exfoliators are unrefined and feature a grainy texture, commonly due to small scrubbing particles that you can sense if you rub the product for your arms. A chemical exfoliator, however, feels clean and normally has acids in the shape of a liquid, or has them hidden within a cream or serum.”
Dr. Sethi: “Physical exfoliators encompass granules, crystals, and beads so one can use their physical difficult homes to abrade lifeless skin. Chemical exfoliators result in dead pores and skin to fall off on its very own. Physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliators may be used interchangeably, or you may get exfoliators which might be each in a single. I like chemical exfoliators higher than physical ones because they are gentler and supply more glow to the pores and skin.”
Is there whatever to worry with regards to exfoliation?
Dr. Sethi: “It’s smooth to get excited with the aid of exfoliation, but too much of it’ll make your pores and skin stupid and touchy. So virtually concentrate on your very own pores and skin and be mild. You cannot scrub off your pores and skin worries, no matter how much you will be tempted to.”
What must exfoliation appear like for a person with oily pores and skin?
Dr. Chhabra: “People with oily pores and skin need to try a chemical exfoliant that has BHA (beta hydroxy acid). This merchandise may be only at exfoliating the floor of your pores and skin and inside your pores. You can strive a mild physical exfoliant as opposed to a chemical one, in case you’d like.”
Dr. Sethi: “A chemical exfoliator with salicylic acid or mandelic acid is right for a person with oily pores and skin. Gently apply in circular motions on damp pores and skin (without rubbing too difficult), and wash off after one to two minutes so the actives can penetrate into the pores and skin.”
Is it safe to exfoliate when you have sensitive skin?
Dr. Chhabra: “If you have sensitive skin, you must be more cautious to now not use a harsh exfoliant. Avoid something that has excessive glycolic acid content material, and look for mild exfoliants that are particularly exact as suitable for touchy pores and skin. Use a completely mild scrub and be modest together with your utilization.”
Dr. Sethi: “Ideally, no greater than as soon as each two to 4 weeks, and best if surely needed. Sensitive pores and skin can spoil into rashes and infection very easily. Avoid chemical variations and use most effective bodily exfoliants that are intended for touchy pores and skin.”
Can exfoliation worsen dry pores and skin problems?
Dr. Chhabra: “If you have dry skin, you may need something this is smooth and may assist sooth dry patches. Experiment with how often you exfoliate and determine what works high-quality for you and your skin.”
Dr. Sethi: “A bodily exfoliant that includes oil, or a chemical exfoliant with lactic acid or urea is ideal—this one is likewise moisturizing. Gently rub onto pores and skin in round motions and wash off after one or two minutes. Exfoliate no more than once per week.”