We’ve repeatedly said and promoted that you should exfoliate your skin year-round. While it became pretty standard to exfoliate your skin during summer, we didn’t clarify enough why it is even more critical during colder months.
In warmer weather, excess sebum production can clog pores, leading to breakouts, making regular exfoliation a must. But what about winter? With less sweat and drier skin, exfoliation might seem unnecessary, or even counterproductive. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Exfoliating in the colder months is crucial for maintaining hydration and ensuring your skincare products penetrate deeply and work more effectively.
Why colder months are better for exfoliation?
As the dry air and indoor heating strip your skin of moisture, exfoliation becomes an essential step in combating dryness. Here’s how:
First, exfoliating helps shed dead skin cells, allowing your skin to absorb moisture more effectively and giving it a brighter appearance. This step is particularly important in winter when your skin craves extra hydration.
Second, regular exfoliation can help prevent breakouts. The combination of dry air, indoor heating, and heavier moisturising products can clog pores, leading to blemishes. By exfoliating twice a week, you can maintain balanced, healthier skin.
Finally, exfoliation boosts blood circulation, which is often reduced in colder temperatures. Incorporating exfoliation into your routine will promote healthy blood flow and lead to radiant and glowing skin.
Is exfoliating necessary for every skin type?
Although there is a misunderstanding that only certain skin types need exfoliation, every skin type needs it to stay healthy.
The key is to choose the right exfoliant for your skin.
For example, if you have sensitive skin, choose a gentle exfoliator and use it once or twice a week.
Acne-prone and oily skin types will benefit from exfoliation the most. Removing dead skin cells will help prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Be careful not to exfoliate more than four times a week as excessive exfoliation can harm your skin.
Which type of exfoliation is right for you?
There are two types of exfoliation: chemical and physical.
Physical exfoliation uses tools or granular substances to manually remove dead skin cells. This method includes scrubs, dry brushes, washcloths, and loofah sponges.
Chemical exfoliation uses acids and enzymes, like AHAs (lactic, glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid), to gently dissolve dead skin cells by loosening the bonds between them. This method penetrates deeper, promoting skin renewal over time.
For oily skin, physical exfoliation may be more effective, while acne-prone and sensitive skin generally responds better to the gentler action of chemical exfoliants.
Is the Refining Body Scrub from Dead Sea Dream suitable for sensitive skin?
Absolutely! While our Refining Body Scrub falls under the category of physical exfoliation, it’s uniquely formulated to be gentle yet effective. Unlike many scrubs, ours uses fine Dead Sea salts, which are known for being softer on the skin while delivering deeper detoxifying and refining benefits. Dead Sea salts are renowned for their healing properties, helping to soothe inflammation and alleviate symptoms of various skin conditions. For those with sensitive skin, we recommend using the scrub once a week for optimal results without irritation.