Should you exfoliate during the summer months? Yes, you absolutely should.
As your skin is more exposed to the sun and higher temperatures in summer, your skin can be more prone to breakouts or clogged pores. Exfoliating regularly can help get rid of dead skin cells, sweat and dirt that could potentially clog your pores.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and importance of exfoliating in the hot, summer months, plus tips on how to properly exfoliate your skin.
BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATING
An increase in temperatures and humidity levels can leave your skin feeling oilier than usual, which is why exfoliating your skin in summer is vital.
Exfoliating gets rid of dirt, makeup, sunscreen, sweat and excess sebum that could end up clogging your pores, resulting in acne. It also helps to promote skin cell turnover, which helps improve your skin texture and tone. Since it gets rid of dead skin cell buildup, exfoliating regularly also allows your other skincare products to penetrate better into the skin.
HOW TO PROPERLY EXFOLIATE
1) Choose the right products
When choosing the right exfoliating product, it’s important to pick a product that suits your skin type and address your specific skin concern. Gatineau, our Haul of Fame of the month, provides a Limited Edition Radiance Enhancing Enzymatic Gommage that’s perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
This enzymatic exfoliator is a summertime staple that gently exfoliates the skin, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion.. Formulated with a hybrid of acids, including glycolic, lactic and malic acid, this exfoliator features a smooth and luxurious balm texture that transforms into a soft oil when gently massaged on the skin to dissolve the outermost layer of the skin.
2) Exfoliate in the morning
It’s best to exfoliate your skin in the morning as doing so can slough away all dead skin cells, excess oils and impurities that accumulate on your skin overnight. Exfoliating in the morning also gives you a smoother base, which helps your makeup apply more smoothly.
3) Exfoliate regularly
If you have normal, dry or sensitive skin, it’s important to exfoliate at least once a week. For those with oily or acne-prone complexions, it’s best to exfoliate at least twice a week to remove grime and excess sebum that could easily clog your pores.
Make sure to not overdo it as over-exfoliating can wreak havoc on your skin and you can end up damaging your skin barrier if you exfoliate too often.
4) Hydrate and moisturise afterwards
Your skin needs extra moisture post-exfoliating so be sure to keep your skin hydrated. Go for a hydrating or soothing serum to boost your skin’s moisture and replenish your skin from any moisture loss during exfoliating, followed by a moisturiser to lock in moisture.
5) Don’t forget to apply sunscreen
Exfoliating, especially with chemical exfoliants, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and more vulnerable to sunburn. It’s crucial to protect your skin from UV rays, which can cause premature skin ageing, so we recommend applying sunscreen every single day to shield your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
Written by: Romy Rose Reyes
