Why is Exfoliating Important for Men?

Dead skin cells sitting on top of your skin can make your complexion look dull or clog your pores. With exfoliation you can break down old skin cells, speed up the developments of new skin cells and you can also remove residue and dirt from your skin and pores to achieve a clearer and more youthful, healthy looking skin. But it is also important to understand the right way to exfoliate so you can avoid damaging your skin and actually see the benefits of exfoliating products.

Regular exfoliation leaves the skin softer and also improves circulation giving the face a radiant and bright complexion. There are two types of exfoliants, physical and chemical.

What is Physical and Chemical Exfoliation?

Physical exfoliation includes all scrubbing products and tools like exfoliating brushes or even a loofa. If you decide to go with physical exfoliation, pick your product carefully. Big or heavy particles in the scrub can cause tiny tears in the skin that at the end results in more harm than benefit. Some of these scrubs might work well for your body, but since your face is more delicate, we recommend choosing a different exfoliating product for your face than your regular body scrub to avoid any risks of harming the new skin cells and skin barrier.

Chemical exfoliators mostly use two types of acids, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids). AHAs dissolve in water and break down the dead skin cells without stripping out any hydration from the skin. While BHAs are oil-soluble and remove excess sebum and old skin cells deeper from the pores. Should you choose AHA or BHA? Well, it depends on your skin. Neither is better than the other one, but you will see more benefits if you pick the right one for your skin concerns and skin care goals. AHAs work well with all skin types including sensitive skin as they have low chance of irritation, while BHAs work effectively for acne as it unclogs your pores from deep within.

How Often do Men Need to Exfoliate?

The keyword is regularly, but it will depend on your skin. The recommended frequency is one to three times a week. And as this is definitely a step you can overdo, make sure to listen to your skin and pay attention to the instructions on your product. This  Clean Lab Peeling Gel for examples clears your skin without losing moisture or causing any irritation just by using it 1-2 times a week.

Include exfoliation in your grooming routine to achieve a radiant and more healthy skin and follow up with your hydrating products before going on with your night.