Once more, salicylic acid is a superb selection—it’s anti-inflammatory and works by lowering the manufacturing of sebum (oil) that contributes to clogged pores, Dr. Lebowitz provides.9, 10 They each additionally advocate glycolic acid, which has been proven to enhance zits.5, 11
Eczema or rosacea-prone pores and skin
In case you’re coping with both of those persistent inflammatory situations, it’s necessary to see a board-certified dermatologist about how typically—if in any respect—you must exfoliate. “I wouldn’t advocate doing it at residence until you talk about it together with your physician first,” Dr. Castilla says She particularly cautions in opposition to bodily scrubs (which, once more, will be notably abrasive).
Individuals who have eczema are already coping with a broken pores and skin barrier, which explains signs like cracking or peeling, so over-exfoliating can set off flare-ups, per the Nationwide Eczema Affiliation. Equally, rosacea-prone of us have extremely delicate and simply irritated pores and skin, which is why overdoing it may well enhance redness, burning, and/or stinging.
That doesn’t imply exfoliants are completely off-limits, although. Simply be sure to speak to a dermatologist or your major care supplier, you probably have one. These specialists can present extra customized (and protected) steering, Dr. Castilla says.
What’s the very best methodology for exfoliating your face?
Let’s begin with bodily exfoliation merchandise. Most of them are cleansers, so you must use them on damp pores and skin, per Dr. Lebowitz. She additionally recommends making use of them gently and in round motions (as you usually would when washing your face) and rinsing totally if you’re accomplished. Oh, and keep away from dry brushing altogether—Dr. Castilla and Dr. Lebowitz agree that it’s too harsh for the delicate cheeks, brow, and eye space.
Chemical exfoliants, however, are meant for dry pores and skin (after cleaning) and ought to be used at night time, in response to each dermatologists. The pores and skin naturally repairs itself when you sleep, Dr. Castilla explains, so exfoliating earlier than mattress can assist this course of by eradicating the outer layer of useless cells, permitting new ones to come back to the floor extra simply.12 (Plus, no matter which acid you utilize, exfoliating through the day could make your freshly buffed face extra susceptible to solar harm.)13
Whether or not you bodily or chemically exfoliate, you must keep away from utilizing sturdy actives, like further exfoliating acids, zits therapies, retinol, different retinoids, or vitamin C, on the identical time—all of which will be harsh and should enhance sensitivity.14 It’s additionally a good suggestion to keep away from added fragrances, which might equally trigger irritation, in response to the American Academy of Dermatology.