Proper exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells clogging the skin and uncovers fresh new cells below. This opens the way for moisturizing products to penetrate more deeply into the skin, which makes them more effective. In short, a regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.
1. It makes your skin smoother
Exfoliating makes your face smooth and silky to the touch. It improves your skin’s texture and makes it feel softer because it involves eliminating the old skin cells on top, says Dr. Elma Baron, a dermatologist at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. “It’s smoother because you’re removing the more dead layer on the surface and bringing out the new cells,” she explains.
2. It helps counteract signs of aging
Exfoliating can help combat signs of aging and give you a more youthful look because the older skin cells you’re getting rid of tend to exaggerate the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Though our skin naturally sheds those cells, its ability to do it slows down as we age. Exfoliating can help the process along and hide some of the evidence that we are getting older. Yay!
3. It can stop breakouts
Using a scrub to exfoliate your face cleans and unclogs your pores, which in turn can prevent you from getting pimples. That’s because clogged pores trap oil under your skin’s surface, which leads to acne breakouts. That said, exfoliating can have the reverse effect, according to Baron, so it’s important to be careful. “On the flip side, the irritation and the subsequent inflammation that can come about through exfoliation can aggravate acne, so it may backfire,” she warns. “I’ve seen it go bad.”
4. It’s good for skin tone
Because exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells as well as extra dirt and makeup, it makes your skin tone brighter and evens it out. Your face will get a nice little glow. “The newer skin cells [that emerge when you exfoliate] are fresher looking,” Baron says.
5. It helps your skin care products work better
Since exfoliating your face eliminates the dead skin on top, it lets your cleanser, moisturizer and other products penetrate more deeply and work better. If you always opt to skip out on exfoliating, they might not do the job as well because they can’t get past that outer layer. “Your skin can receive moisture better when you remove dead skin cells, so it will look dewy,” says beauty and style expert Elycia Rubin, who reviews beauty products on her blog What I’m Loving.
One caveat to all this, though: Don’t overdo it. How often depends on your skin type. Those with oily skin can probably get away with exfoliating more, while those with dry or sensitive skin should do it more sparingly. Baron advises checking with a dermatologist to see what kind of regimen is best for you. Your face will thank you!