Photo By puhhha at Shutterstock
There are several steps you can take to keep your skin clear, smooth, and looking younger, even if you’re already seeing a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. Along with cleaning, moisturizing, and minimizing sun exposure, exfoliation is a safe, easy face and body care step that promotes healthier and happier skin with a natural glow.
You can exfoliate your face and body using manual tools, such as an abrasive cloth or sponge, with enzymes, and with chemical-based products. For questions on which of these methods is best for your skin type, consult with a dermatologist.
CLEARS PORES
You have small holes all over your skin to release oil and sweat. The problem is these tiny openings clog with dead skin cells, dirt, makeup, and debris from various environmental factors. When pores fill up, it can cause whiteheads, blackheads, and dreaded outbreaks of acne. Slow cellular turnover can increase the rate of clogs, which occurs from excess stress, an unhealthy diet, and poor skincare.
If this continues to occur, speak with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, to see if there are other solutions to reduce buildup. For specific locations, such as the chin or around the nose, there are different removal methods and products they can recommend.
REDUCES ACNE
When done correctly, removing dead skin cells and keeping your pores clear with exfoliation can reduce acne outbreaks. It’s essential to pay attention to your skin type and only exfoliate accordingly. For example, if you have sensitive skin, don’t scrub too long and limit this step in your skincare routine to once or twice a week. Many products use salicylic acid, which is excellent for clearing acne but can cause irritation for people with sensitivities.
If your skin continues to look red and puffy following a reduction in exfoliating, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. After the acne clears, they can recommend a less abrasive exfoliator for sensitive skin.
EVENS SKIN TONE
Your outer layer of skin can vary in the shade even when your face is clean because of those clogged pores and excess dead skin cells. As people age, their skin produces less oil, leaving it drier, leading to more dead skin cells. These also cause the skin to look dull and lackluster, even after a full night’s sleep and with a healthy diet. Regular exfoliation rejuvenates the skin, making it glow and reducing signs of aging.
Patients with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis experience cell build-up at younger ages and their symptoms can worsen as they age. For help with products specific to these diseases, set up an exam to speak with your dermatologist.
IMPROVES MOISTURE ABSORPTION
When you clear away the dead cells and other dirt and oils clogging pores, your skin’s moisture absorption rate increases. The dead cells act as a barrier, blocking your skin’s ability to breathe, rejuvenate with moisture, and providing the conditions for acne and infections.
Additionally, improving absorption rates also enhances the effectiveness of skincare products. For questions on other ways to increase the efficacy, consult with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.
SOOTHES SKIN
You want your skin to be soft and touchable from your face to your toes. Between weather and aging, this isn’t always easy, but it is possible. Regular exfoliation in your skincare routine can help soften even the most hardened skin. Use manual or chemical methods depending on your skin type, and if you have any concerns, contact your dermatologist.
Another way to keep skin smooth and improve moisture is to increase your water intake. Hydration can help your skin glow and for fewer trips to the bathroom, use a humidifier, avoid products that have alcohol, especially deodorant and soap.
BOOSTS CIRCULATION AND LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
Exfoliating your skin regularly can help detoxify through the increase in circulation and promotes lymph drainage. This ancient technique is a form of Ayurveda medicine that removes dead cells and allows the skin to breathe, absorb moisture, and expel toxins through the body’s pores. For questions about boosting circulation through exfoliation, contact a dermatologist for an appointment.
REDUCES SKIN INFECTIONS
People that neglect skincare can develop serious inflammatory skin conditions that are both embarrassing and painful. More specifically, if you don’t wash certain areas, especially with some vigor, the dead cells that clog pores and cause pimples and other outbreaks just build up on the skin causing scaly, dark patches containing oil, moisture, dirt, sweat, bacteria, and other germs and environmental items. If this buildup gets into a cut or other open sore, it can cause dangerous bacterial infections.
Patients that have very sensitive skin and avoid cleaning all or specific areas of their face or body should schedule an immediate exam with a dermatologist that can help them reduce discomfort and get their skin, happy, healthy, and glowing again with the right care products.
On the other end of the spectrum, over-exfoliating your skin can be just as dangerous as avoiding the task. This can lead to at bare minimum, irritated skin that’s red, puffy, and painful to severe infections and even scarring from too much scrubbing or use of chemical exfoliators. To avoid this situation, don’t exfoliate daily. If you find yourself getting red and puffy, stop entirely and speak with a dermatologist.
Exfoliation is an essential skincare step for people of all ages. By perfecting this part of your routine, it’s possible to reduce acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, as well as improve your skin’s appearance and texture and minimize lines and other signs of aging.
Contact Compassion Dermatology today at 817-380-5911 or schedule an appointment online to keep your skin healthy, moist, and glowing year-round with a dermatologist in Southlake, TX.
