Probably sounds sexier than it is.....exfoliating. Do you need to exfoliate? How often? With what? What if you're already using a retinol? Yes, depends, personal preference and skin type, and yes.
Exfoliation helps to dislodge the skin that's ready to shed faster. If you use a retinol, that process is already being accelerated, so you do need to slough off regularly. If you suffer from blackheads, exfoliating helps your pores to unclog themselves by removing any surface blockages. What's not to like?
How frequently to exfoliate depends a lot on your skin type, and the method that you choose. If you use the sonicare brush and you use a retinol, once a week is plenty. And skip the retinol that night. (In fact, for most, skipping the retinol the night you exfoliate is frequently a good idea, your skin may be more sensitive than it usually is.) No sonicare? Use a grainy scrub (I like Juara's Rice Facial Scrub and Aveeno's Daily Face Brightening Scrub) three times per week. Alternatively, you can try a wet washcloth with gentle cleanser every morning. This is also a great option for those with compromised skin, or anyone prone to rosacea.
Exfoliation helps to dislodge the skin that's ready to shed faster. If you use a retinol, that process is already being accelerated, so you do need to slough off regularly. If you suffer from blackheads, exfoliating helps your pores to unclog themselves by removing any surface blockages. What's not to like?
How frequently to exfoliate depends a lot on your skin type, and the method that you choose. If you use the sonicare brush and you use a retinol, once a week is plenty. And skip the retinol that night. (In fact, for most, skipping the retinol the night you exfoliate is frequently a good idea, your skin may be more sensitive than it usually is.) No sonicare? Use a grainy scrub (I like Juara's Rice Facial Scrub and Aveeno's Daily Face Brightening Scrub) three times per week. Alternatively, you can try a wet washcloth with gentle cleanser every morning. This is also a great option for those with compromised skin, or anyone prone to rosacea.
