Skincare: The safest ways to use exfoliating products

Skincare exfoliators are an essential part of anyone’s beauty routine. Exfoliators slough off dry skin cells to reveal the younger looking skin below.

However, as many people know, it is easy to misuse exfoliating products and end up with red, raw skin, rather than the young and lovely skin promised in the ads. Here are the safest ways to use exfoliating products.

1. Most obviously, follow the directions on the package. Skincare companies, like all companies, want to avoid complaints and lawsuits from unhappy customers. That’s why they have legal experts carefully read over all the instructions to make sure they are clear to a ‘reasonable person.’ Read those instructions carefully, both in the store and while using the product. Be sure you understand each step thoroughly.

2. Read the label. If you know that you have sensitive skin and are sensitive to particular ingredients, don’t buy the product, no matter what it promises. While this is obvious, it is so easy to be tempted by the before-and-after pictures in the ads.
3. Unless the directions say otherwise, always use the exfoliator on wet skin. The additional moisture will make the product gentler on your face.

4. Again, unless the directions state otherwise, use the exfoliator after you’ve cleaned your skin. Remove all your cosmetics and the day’s dirt and oils so you won’t be grinding toxins into your face while you’re removing those dead skin cells.

5. Use the smallest amount of exfoliator possible, especially at first. The more product you use, the more likely it is that it will irritate your skin. Once you know that it is safe for your skin, gradually increase the amount you use.

6. Use the right product. In today’s tough economy, we all want to save a few pennies. But it’s not worth it to use a single exfoliator on both your face and your body. A body exfoliator will be too harsh on your more delicate facial skin and a facial exfoliator may not do an adequate job on the rest of your body.

7. Read product reviews before you buy. If you find an intriguing skincare product but you don’t know whether to believe its claims, try an internet search for the product ‘+ scam’. There are countless consumer review websites. If there is a problem with that particular product, chances are someone will have complained about it online, in no uncertain terms. (However, be aware that some unscrupulous companies will pay writers to create glowing ‘unbiased’ reviews.)

8. When using the exfoliator, use gentle circular motions that move slowly upward from your neck. Then when it is time to rinse it off, use warm water, never hot or cold to avoid damaging your skin. Pat your face or body dry with a towel, never rub it or risk damaging your skin.

Skincare exfoliating products make a big difference in your complexion — if you choose the correct, good-quality product for your needs and use it correctly.

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