Exfoliants: Skin Glow

Exfoliation is key to maintaining radiant and healthy skin. During menopause, it is especially important due to hormonal changes that can make the skin drier and duller. Here we explain everything you need to know to choose and use exfoliants effectively.

Why Exfoliate?

During menopause, the skin can become drier and lose its natural glow. Exfoliation helps:

• Remove Dead Cells: Leaves your skin smooth and radiant.
• Prevent Breakouts: Unclogs pores, reducing the possibility of acne.
• Improve Absorption: Allows active ingredients to penetrate better.
• Even Out Tone: Helps fade spots and discolorations.

Types of Exfoliants

Physical Exfoliants

These exfoliants contain small particles that physically remove dead cells when massaging the skin. They were popular in the past but are now less common due to their abrasive nature.

Physical exfoliation is uneven, as pressure can vary across the face. Additionally, if you have any pimples, this type of exfoliation can spread bacteria and cause breakouts.

If you still have these exfoliants at home, you might consider discarding them.

Chemical Exfoliants

These use gentle acids to dissolve dead cells without scrubbing. They are perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

They clean pores without harming the skin and improve texture thanks to consistent exfoliation. They are less likely to cause irritation than physical exfoliants but should not be used daily to avoid redness (remember, they are acids). Results may take a few weeks but are remarkable.

If you choose them, always use sunscreen, as they can slightly sensitize the skin.

For example:

• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Such as glycolic and lactic acids, excellent for dry and aging skin.
• Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Such as salicylic acid, ideal for oily and acne-prone skin.

Enzymatic Exfoliants

These work like chemical exfoliants by dissolving dead cells gently and evenly, but instead of acids, they use natural enzymes (usually from papaya or pineapple). They are perfect for sensitive and mature skin.

Enzymatic exfoliants are very gentle, ideal for sensitive skin as they exfoliate naturally and are usually non-irritating. On the downside, the results are more subtle and gradual compared to other exfoliants.

If you have thick skin or clogged pores, these exfoliants may be less effective, and you might not notice much improvement.

How Often to Exfoliate?

The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and the exfoliant you use, but the general recommendation is:

• Sensitive Skin: Once a week.
• Normal to Dry Skin: Twice a week.
• Oily Skin: Three times a week.

Tips for Effective Exfoliation

1. Clean Your Face: Ensure your skin is clean before exfoliating. Ideally, perform a double cleanse.
2. Apply Gently: Depending on the format (cream, serum, or toner), distribute it with your hands and massage gently in circular motions.
3. Don't Overdo It: Leave the product on for the recommended time only.
4. Hydrate After: Apply a moisturizer to keep the skin nourished.
5. Sun Protection: Essential after exfoliating (or the next day), as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.

Which Ones Do I Like?

Physical Exfoliants

• I'm not recommending any...

Chemical Exfoliants

• The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution: 7% glycolic acid (the alpha hydroxy acid par excellence) with amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, rose water, and Tasmanian berries. Achieves gentle exfoliation of the skin, restoring its radiance.
• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: This lightweight liquid exfoliant gently exfoliates dead skin cells on the surface and inside the pores, leaving a smooth and radiant appearance. It includes 2% salicylic acid (BHA).
• GH 20 AHA Peeling Químico 20 Discos: For the more advanced. Chemical peel with 20% alpha hydroxy acids, formulated with lactic acid, glycolic acid, and citric acid, which increase the epidermal renewal of the stratum corneum.

Enzymatic Exfoliants

• GH Peeling Enzimático con Arcilla Mediterránea 40 g: Enzymatic peeling mask in powder form, formulated with Mediterranean clay and 2 fruit-derived enzymes (papaya and pineapple) that activate upon contact with water, exfoliating the dead skin cell scales on the skin's surface.
• Ziaja Sensitive Enzymatic Exfoliant: Special for sensitive skin. Exfoliates dead skin cells and facilitates the penetration of active ingredients. With allantoin, glycerin, provitamin B5 (d-panthenol).

Exfoliation is essential to maintaining radiant and healthy skin, especially during menopause. Choosing the right type of exfoliant and using it correctly can make a big difference in your skin's appearance and health.

Which one do you prefer? Do you have any recommendations for us?