image via instagram @makeupshayla 

y’all already know that we’re all about getting the perfect glo around these parts. which is why exfoliating is one of our favorite steps in our skincare routine and needs to be yours too. read on to find out everything you need to know about getting the glo-up you deserve.  

1. how do you exfoliate? 

chemical exfoliants

chemical exfoliants like beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), and fruit enzymes, chemically speed up how fast the outer layers of your skin shed (cell turnover rate) making it easier for your fresh face to shine through your dead skin cells.  

physical exfoliants

physical exfoliants like facial scrubs use grainy materials in order to physically remove dead skin cells from your face. heads up though! when TLC said “No Scrubs” they meant the skincare kind as well! scrubs tend to be too abrasive to use on your face and kan often kreate micro-tears and increase inflammation in your skin. now when we’re talking body kare, scrubs are not only fair game, but also a great way to get baby soft skin. washing your body with an exfoliating glove or an exfoliating towel will work as well. 

2. who should exfoliate? 

exfoliation is a step that every skin klass should incorporate into their skin routine. the key thing to consider is what type of exfoliant will suit your skin class. our glossy gals who are prone to breaking out will find BHAs like salicylic acid the best type to use. BHAs are built to break down oils and dirt deep within your pores making it great for getting rid of congestion and clearing up blemished skin. for our matte mavens trying to get their moisture levels together, AHAs like lactic acid and mandelic acid are your glo-tos. both of these acids help bring moisture back into the skin while removing dead skin cells to refine your skin’s surface. sensitive skin types might be side-eyeing the idea of adding acids to your skin routine, but PHAs like gluconic acid and lactobionic acid are gentle enough to give you the glo you’re tryna achieve. 

3. when should you exfoliate?

since chemical exfoliation tends to make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, it’s best to leave all your exfoliating to your nighttime routine. going in with your favorite exfoliator after you’ve washed up and prepped your skin with some toner will make the rest of your routine more effective as you’d be applying your products to fresh skin. how often you should exfoliate depends on how used to chemical exfoliation your skin is. when you’re just starting out it’s best to exfoliate no more than 1-2 times a week for a couple of weeks in order to allow your skin to adjust. once you think your skin has gotten a hang over the acids, you can increase how often you use them according to what you feel it really needs. just make sure you give yourself enough breaks in between to keep your skin hydrated so that you don’t end up over exfoliating.  

we promise sis, the glo-up you’re tryna get is just one skin step away! adding an exfoliant to your skin routine’s roster is a great way to get your skin together.