Can scrub and exfoliation be used together? Exfoliation should not be excessive

The skin needs to be exfoliated. The accumulation of dead skin cells will not only make the skin dull and rough, but also make the nourishing effects of skin care products become ineffective. Scrubs and exfoliating gels are common exfoliating products. So, can scrubs and exfoliating gels be used together?

Can I use a scrub and exfoliator together?

It is not recommended to use them together. Both scrubs and exfoliators are used to exfoliate and remove dead skin, but the principles are different. Exfoliation is a chemical reaction that breaks down and softens the old cuticle, which then falls off with a wash; scrub is a physical method that uses abrasive particles to rub and remove the old cuticle. However, skin exfoliation should not be excessive to avoid causing skin damage. Using both at the same time may put too much burden on the skin.

Excessive exfoliation can damage your skin

The stratum corneum is one of the structures of the epidermis. Its function is to prevent foreign substances from entering the human body and to prevent the loss of water in the body. Therefore, when we generally refer to exfoliation, we do not mean to remove the stratum corneum, but to help the stratum corneum remove the aging stratum corneum cells on the surface. The metabolic cycle of the stratum corneum is about 2 weeks and its thickness is only 0.1 mm. Therefore, excessive exfoliation can easily lead to skin problems. This "excessive" includes "too much" and "too harsh".

Too frequent and harsh exfoliation will remove the original stratum corneum, making it difficult for the skin to form a new stratum corneum in a short period of time. Without the protection of the stratum corneum, moisture is more easily lost, resulting in problems such as dry skin. In addition, skin that has lost the barrier function of the stratum corneum is prone to problems such as flushing and itching, and may even allow bacteria to take advantage of the situation and cause skin infection.

Excessive exfoliation

You may be over-exfoliating if you experience any of the following: your cheeks are red; they are fragile and prone to allergies; they have a hard time absorbing skincare products; they remain dry no matter how much lotion you apply; you have large pores and a dull complexion.

Notes on exfoliation

1. Many people's exfoliation habit is hearsay. If someone tells them that exfoliation is good, they will do it. If someone tells them how often to exfoliate, they will do it as often as they are told. They don't consider their own skin condition at all. This behavior is very dangerous. Blindly following others may make their skin condition worse. The normal skin renewal cycle is 28 days, so exfoliation is basically required every 28 days. However, with age and environmental influences, the skin renewal cycle will be delayed and shortened, so it is not necessary to strictly follow the 28-day cycle.

2. Do not exfoliate when the skin condition is unstable.

3. For combination skin, it is best to exfoliate in different areas, with special attention paid to the T-zone and U-zone, while dry skin areas are best ignored.

4. If your skin is thin, do not use strong exfoliating products containing scrub particles or salicylic acid ingredients. Gentle exfoliation is the best choice.

5. Exfoliation should be as gentle as possible. Do not use strong exfoliating products just for the sake of smooth skin after exfoliation. Otherwise, it will easily make your skin thinner, weaken your resistance to the outside world, and even make your skin sensitive!

6. Not everyone can exfoliate. If your skin is particularly dry, feels tight, and often peels, exfoliating may aggravate the dryness. Exfoliating is not suitable for sensitive skin either. Instead, the stratum corneum should be protected from damage. Chemical exfoliating products are also prone to cause allergies. In addition, people with skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema, acne, etc., as well as people with wounds on their faces, are best not to exfoliate.

How to Know When to Exfoliate

After using essence and cream, it feels like a long time has passed before the skin care products cannot be absorbed by the skin and still "float" on the surface; the skin looks duller and feels a bit rough and not smooth. If these situations occur, you can consider exfoliation.