Should I exfoliate if I have acne?
Are you exfoliating your face as part of your skincare routine? If not, you might want to consider it. But wait, we hear you. If your skin is acne-prone, you’ve probably stayed away from exfoliating scrubs as you don’t want to make things worse, right? Well, if you treat your skin gently and do it the right way, exfoliating can be an important part of your acne-fighting skincare routine.
Here’s the lowdown on why and how to exfoliate properly in order to help improve the condition of your skin.
Exfoliating removes dead surface skin cells
When old skin cells start to build up on the surface of your skin it can become dull, rough and dry. These cells can also result in excess oil and clogged pores that lead to blemishes and acne. By gently removing these dead skin cells away, you are allowing healthier cells to come to the surface and shine.
It also uncovers fresh new skin cells
Once the dead skin cells are gone, you are helping the outer layers of the skin by uncovering fresh new cells. This cell turnover also allows acne-fighting products to penetrate deeper, so that they work better – put simply, you are setting yourself up to gain maximum benefit from your daily Benzac skincare routine.
It leaves your skin feeling clean and soft to touch
When you use an exfoliating facial scrub such as Benzac’s Blackheads Facial Scrub, it deeply cleanses the skin and unblocks your pores with zero clogging, leaving your face feeling smooth and soft to touch. Plus, the Benzac formula contains no nasty microbeads – just Shea butter and a natural rice extract to gently exfoliate your skin – better for the environment, and your health.
How to exfoliate acne-prone skin
1. Using your Benzac Blackhead Facial Scrub, move in small, gentle, circular strokes around your face.
2. Be gentle. Use a light touch. Think of it more like pressing flower petals, rather than rubbing a stain out of your shirt.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water. (Hot water can irritate your freshly exfoliated skin.)
4. Pat your face dry and apply Benzac Daily Facial Moisturiser.
Don’t forget to moisturise
It is particularly important to use a Moisturiser after exfoliating. We recommend using the Daily Facial Moisturiser, which provides a lightweight, non-greasy hydration.
Before bed is better
While it’s entirely up to you and what fits best with your routine, we would recommend a night time exfoliation, since scrubbing can make you more susceptible to sun damage. Not only will you be safely away from direct and indirect sunlight, exfoliating at night also prepares your skin for rest and gives it time to absorb your other acne treatments.
Those with duller skin or oily complexions may prefer the morning to provide your skin with a fresh glow for the day.
Don’t overdo it!
Exfoliate no more than twice a week. If your skin becomes red or starts to peel and flake, then it is time to back off. If you overdo your scrubbing, you may find that you are removing more than just blackheads. Healthy skin cells can be scrubbed off too, which can lead to irritation and redness – and further breakouts which you definitely don’t want.
You may also find that you can exfoliate more often during warm, humid months and less often in the winter when our skin is generally drier and more easily irritated.
Remember, everyone’s skin type is different. Since exfoliation works to remove dead skin cells, it’s important to pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust your routine accordingly. As always, we recommend that you consult your healthcare professional if you need further advice.
