Over time, skin develops a layer of dead cells, which can clog pores and make skin look flaky. Fortunately, you can remove these extra cells by adding exfoliation to your normal skin care routine. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for exfoliation to keep skin healthy. 

Do:

Be gentle. 

Although you might be tempted to scrub aggressively to remove any sign of dead skin, it is possible to over-exfoliate your face, which can cause redness and sensitivity. To prevent skin care problems, only use exfoliants with fine abrasives or a wet washcloth. 

Get a professional facial.

Because it isn’t always easy to know which products to use on your face, see a dermatologist regularly for a professional facial. During facials, your doctor will carefully cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin, leaving your face healthy and radiant. 

Don’t: 

Exfoliate too frequently.

Exfoliating too often could strip away the skin’s barrier that prevents allergens from entering the dermis and make your face sensitive. Only exfoliate twice a week, and speak to a dermatologist if you think you need more frequent skin care. 

Forget areas.

When you exfoliate, make sure to scrub lips, neck, and the edges of the face. In addition to making your face and neck smoother, which also allows for more even makeup application, you whisk away dead skin buildup that could cause breakouts.

Learn how to make your skin brighter, smoother, and healthier today by meeting with David K Hiranaka, M.D., D.M.D., in Kailua-Kona, HI. As a Harvard-trained specialist who focuses on both cosmetics and oral surgery, Dr. Hiranaka can help you create a personalized skin care plan. His practice offers aesthetic services like microdermabrasion, facials, and laser treatments to rejuvenate skin and boost confidence. Learn more about his services online, or call (808) 326-2040 to schedule a consultation.