We all know how important it is to develop a good skincare routine that targets our concerns and keeps us looking our best. But that means that we’ll have to use several items and sometimes we’re scared that using certain products too early or too late in life may cause some damage to our skin. We know for example, that it’s never too early to start wearing sunscreen, we can safely start use moisturizers when we’re very young and the jury’s still out there on when it’s time to start using anti-aging products. But what about exfoliants?
What is exfoliation and why should I do it?
I believe exfoliation to be an important part of every skincare routine, doesn’t matter what your skin type is or how old you are. Exfoliation is the removal of the dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface on the skin. And, if allowed to stay there, they will clog pores and cause breakouts, make skin appear dull and lifeless and may even interfere with makeup or self-tanner application so that the result is patchy.
Exfoliation is particularly important for those that have acne as keeping your pores clean and free from the dead cells will treat and reduce, if not completely eliminate, this condition. And the same can be said for those prone to breakouts. Of course it’s important to remember that exfoliating too much will remove too many dead cells, which have the very important task of protecting the raw skin underneath. And if this is exposed, your face will look all red and irritated.
That’s why you should use gentle exfoliants, like AHAs (glycolic acid or lactic acid) or just a washcloth if you have very sensitive skin, two or three times a week depending on how much exfoliating your skin can take. Those with oily skin can safely exfoliate three times a week while those with delicate, sensitive skin should only do it once a week.
So, when should I start exfoliating?
Well, as mentioned above, exfoliating is a good way to prevent breakouts and treat acne, two conditions that often affect teenagers. So, I think, and so does Dr Neal Schultz, a practicing dermatologist in NYC, that early teen years (13-15 years old) are the perfect time to introduce this important step in your routine and help your skin stay in good condition at a critical phase in your life when your body’s changing and hormones are all over the place.
I honestly wish I had known it before cos my teenage years were a time when my skin was breaking out badly, mainly because I kept using comedogenic products and blaming hormones instead. But I wasn’t very skincare savvy back then *sighs* and it was only in my early twenties that I threw away those horrible products and started exfoliating twice a week. And now my skin is finally brighter and clearer. So, if you don’t already, start exfoliating regularly now. Your skin will look and feel so much better!
At what age did you start exfoliating?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I think I started exfoliating when I was in 8th grade. It was one of those apricot scrub thing which went into my ears and scratched my skin. I didn’t exfoliate again until about two years ago. Now, I do it 2-3 times/week.
Dao´s last [type] ..Can a One Dollar Mascara Beat DiorShow
Dao, apricot scrubs can be quite rough, I’m sorry it scratched your skin. No wonder it put you off exfoliating for a while! But it just makes a big difference when one exfoliates regularly, doesn’t it?
I came to exfoliating kind of late. Mostly because I just didn’t treat my skin well when i was a teen. I basically left it alone.
Nowadays though, I exfoliate often and I like it.
Trisha´s last [type] ..Face of the Day- Nerdy McNerd
Trisha, I didn’t treat my skin well as a teen either. It’s a shame no one taught teens how to take proper care of their skin, but at least we know better now.
I love the Origins exfoliator I’ve been using. It’s gentle and makes my skin baby soft! I hated the St. Ives Apricot Scrub. It really ruined my skin. I can’t believe I used it religiously during my teens! Such a huge mistake.
Dee´s last [type] ..TheBalm HOT MAMA!
Dee, that’s too bad the St Ives scrub ruined my skin. I know apricot can be rough but that has so many positive reviews I thought it’s be gentler. Oh, well. I’m glad you found something that works well for you now.
I think I started using exfoliators during the first year of university, so at the age of 18-19!
Stavroula Plag´s last [type] ..Got a blog Add it HERE!
Stavroula, that’s good. I started just after that, but I wish I had begun earlier. Still, 18 is not a bad age to start.
I just started exfoliating near the end of my high school. I too wish I had started earlier. In fact, I wished I had started ALOT of things earlier lol Like using a proper cleanser that’s meant for my face!
Isabel´s last [type] ..FOTD & OOTD – Its a Blue Day
Isabel, me too! I wish I had known how to take care for my skin when I was younger. I would have probably avoided lots of damage and breakouts then. *sighs* But at least we are more savvy now.
Giuro non avrei mai detto addirittura dai 13/15 anni. Credi valga lo stesso anche per gli adolescenti che non abbiano grossi problemi?
Comunque sono assolutamente d’accordo con l’articolo, ben fatto. Ed è anche vero che, appena esfoliata la pelle la sentiamo molto più fresca, “rigenerata”.
Marguerite N.´s last [type] ..Outfit3- I love Carrot pants!
Marguerita, grazie. Secondo me anche gli adolescenti che non hanno problemi di brufoli o acne possono cominciare così presto perchè l’esfoliazione ha anche altri benefici oltre quello di non occludere i pori come far apparire la pelle più radiosa e sana.