Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells quickly and easily for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin. However, if you don’t exfoliate properly, it may not clear away dirt and acne. So how to remove dead skin from acne?
1. Should you exfoliate when you have acne?
Exfoliation is the process of cleaning and removing dead skin cells quickly and easily, suitable for all skin types, especially acne skin. According to biological mechanisms, the skin can naturally eliminate dead cells to make room for new cells. But in people with acne, the process of shedding dead skin cells doesn’t work as well. Dead skin cells last longer than usual, clogging pores and creating breakouts.
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Mild or severe acne, regular exfoliation will help soft, smooth and bright skin. Besides, exfoliation also helps reduce acne by keeping pores from becoming clogged with pus of dead cells and sebum. However, choosing the right exfoliator is essential to get good results and prevent skin irritation and acne breakouts.
2. Exfoliating tips to help clear skin from acne
2.1 Choosing a chemical exfoliation method
Physical exfoliants help to manually remove dead skin cells using abrasive tools such as sponges, pumice stones,… They leave skin feeling soft and smooth, but they’re often not the best exfoliant choice for acne-prone skin. Constant friction will irritate already inflamed skin, which can cause skin abrasions, acne breakouts, and worsening of the condition. Therefore, for acne-prone skin, physical exfoliation should be completely avoided.
Instead, you should choose chemical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants work without abrasives, but they dissolve or loosen the bonds holding dead cells on the surface of the skin with enzymes or acids. Some popular chemical exfoliants to choose from for acne-prone skin:
alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): glycolic, lactic, and tartaric acids. Beta hydroxy acid (BHA): salicylic acid Topical retinoids: differin, retinol, retin-a. Besides, you can use stronger treatments such as salicylic acid peels at skin care facilities, spas. However, you should consult a dermatologist for advice on the best treatment for your skin.
2.2 Exfoliate acne-prone skin two to three times a week
Regular exfoliation helps to make skin whiter, softer and smoother, unclogs pores and reduces acne. It is recommended to exfoliate for oily acne-prone skin about 2-3 times a week. This is just enough frequency to clean the skin without affecting the oil secretion on the skin.
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2.3 How to use acne products
Exfoliation is a very important part of any skin care routine. For acne skin, it is necessary to use acne medication such as isotretinoin or topical retinoids, to improve acne skin. In fact, you should not arbitrarily buy drugs for treatment, but go to a dermatologist before performing exfoliation therapy for advice on appropriate skin care and acne treatment procedures.
To summarize, exfoliation is the process of cleaning and removing dead skin cells quickly and easily, suitable for all skin types, especially acne skin. Exfoliating for acne skin should choose chemical methods with a frequency of 2-3 times / week and use together with acne medications. However, it is best for you to go to a dermatology clinic to be examined and evaluated for your skin condition and for advice on choosing methods and products for acne treatment and exfoliation that are suitable for your skin. .