The BEST Exfoliation for Dry Skin
One of the biggest myths I hear is that dry skin doesn’t need exfoliation. FALSE, you just need the RIGHT kind for your skin and its needs! For dry skin, that usually means something gentle and not as aggressive or as much exfoliation, however everyone’s skin is so different!
The best kind of exfoliation for dry skin is going to be chemical! Chemical exfoliation is the process of breaking down the skin cells, which is better than a scrub. Chemical exfoliation has a lower PH that eats at the sugars in the skin cells, then it breaks down the cells and loosens them to break free from the skin. Chemical exfoliation penetrates deeper than any kind of scrub could, which is why it's best to use chemicals for dry skin! It will work on a deeper level to provide better benefits and results. Depending on the chemical it will have more benefits too. For example, lactic acid is an AHA exfoliant aka Alpha Hydroxy Acid. This is the best for dry skin because its purpose is to hold and retain moisture in the skin! It will bring water to the surface of the skin to hydrate and plump your skin. It's not as aggressive and is gentler on your skin. It’s also pregnancy-safe! Lactic for the win for dry skin! So, look for some masks with this and use with caution like once a week or ask your esthetician about lactic peels! I love using lactic in the treatment room to boost a facial. The Oxygen Infusion Wash by skinbetter is one of my absolute favorites! It’s gentle and effective.
The next best exfoliator is glycolic acid which also is in the Alpha Hydroxy Acid group. A lot of times lactic and glycolic are combined together. Sometimes a scrub is needed or wanted but they really don’t work as deep as dry skin needs! It’ll only skim the first layer of skin off and not work below the surface like a chemical one will. They also can be too harsh and irritating to dry skin! Dry skin tends to need a little more TLC! Another great option for a mask is the skinbetter Detoxifying Scrub and Chemical Exfoliant. It has a scrub and chemicals so it's dual. I only rub it in for about 10-30 seconds then let it sit and rinse off! I dont over do the scrubbing but it is such a great mask. You can blend the oxygen infusion wash and the detox mask for an even better combination! Another absolute favorite of mine is going to be my Ultra Hydrating Enzyme mask from Glymed! Y’all haven't met heaven until you’ve used this one! She is so so so calm and nourishing! It's a cream-based mask that aims to hydrate and protect the skin while exfoliating. You could use this for 30 minutes and not over-exfoliate because it's that gentle. It is a papain and bromelain based exfoliation which is VERY gentle! These are enzymes that will exfoliate the skin. This mask also has calendula, lavender, aloe, hyaluronic acid, vitamin e and so many more! You could use this one 2-3 times a week no issue for sure! I'm obsessed. I don't care if you're dry or oily, you may need her some day post treatment or when your skin is going through it. So make sure you’ve always got this in stock!
My hope is that if you’ve learned anything here, it’s that dry skin needs exfoliation gently in its own ways! Without exfoliation, your dead skin won't allow that moisture to penetrate in to do its work! Schedule your consultation today in the clinic or in person to find out which exfoliation method will be best for you!
