How To Exfoliate Skin Properly

Why exfoliate at all

Your skin sheds dead cells on its own, but the process slows down with age, sun damage and dry weather. A build-up of dead skin can make your face look dull, feel rough and stop serums and moisturisers from absorbing well. Regular, gentle exfoliation helps with all three.

Physical vs chemical exfoliation

• Physical exfoliation removes dead skin by hand: scrubs, cleansing brushes or, professionally, dermaplaning with a blade. Choose fine, gentle textures and never scrub hard.
• Chemical exfoliation uses acids to loosen dead cells. AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid, suit dry and dull skin. BHAs, such as salicylic acid, get into pores and suit oily skin.

How often is enough

For most people, one to three times a week is plenty. Dry and sensitive skin usually needs once a week or less. Oily skin can often handle a little more. Using a scrub and an acid on the same day, or exfoliating every day, is a common cause of irritation.

Signs you are overdoing it: stinging when you apply products, redness, a shiny or tight look, or new breakouts. If this happens, stop exfoliating for a week or two and focus on a gentle cleanser and moisturiser.

After exfoliating

Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen every day. Do not exfoliate on broken, sunburnt or irritated skin.

Professional exfoliation

If home exfoliation is not giving you results, a professional treatment goes further. At Galeo Beauty, dermaplaning removes dead skin and fine facial hair, and the Pro Dermaplaning Skin Treatment combines it with Dermalogica serums and masques. For deeper resurfacing, the Dermalogica Pro Power Peel is customised to your skin goals after a skin check.