Does exfoliating dry skin help smooth skin?

Exfoliating dry skin properly will help the skin to remove the flaky stratum corneum. However, if you abuse it too much, it will make your skin drier, even damaging your skin.

‏1. Why should you exfoliate ?

Dry skin is characterized by roughness, cracking, and flaking. Exfoliation is the removal of the outer stratum corneum of the skin, including dead skin cells. Exfoliating properly will bring many benefits to the skin such as:‏ 

• Exfoliate dead skin and unclog pores . If you skip the exfoliating step, dirt, excess oil can accumulate to clog pores, leading to acne. Especially for dry skin, exfoliation helps to remove the flaky dry horny layer, helping the skin absorb nutrients from serums and creams better.
• Dry skin is easy to lead to aging problems such as wrinkles or pigmentation. If the skin is fortified with the outer protective layer, the skin will be stronger due to proper exfoliation.‏
• ‏Removes flakes to help smooth skin surface, making skin brighter and more even.

‏Exfoliation is the step that removes the outer stratum corneum of the skin, including dead skin cells.‏

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2. How should dry skin be exfoliated?

There are two methods of exfoliation: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. However, for dry skin, you should opt for chemical exfoliants. The physical exfoliation process that has a strong impact on the skin will make the skin drier, even skin damage.‏

Accordingly, the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) ingredient is recommended for damaged skin, normal skin and dry skin, helping to remove dead cells on the surface of the skin, while ensuring moisture retention for the skin. dried.

The most common types of AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid. Products containing glycolic acid and lactic acid are most effective usually in concentrations between 5% and 10%. Specifically as follows:

‏2.1 Glycolic acid‏

Glycolic acid will help remove dead cells from the surface of the skin and stimulate the production of healthy skin cells. Thanks to its small molecular size, glycolic acid can easily penetrate through the top layers of skin and help skin look healthier.

People with dry skin after using glycolic acid will feel the ability to hydrate the skin. The skin does not dry out but retains its natural moisture after exfoliating.

Note that when using glycolic acid, you need to adjust and balance the pH of your skin. Choose a product with a low concentration of 8% to 15%, depending on where you want to exfoliate.

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‏2.2 Lactic acid‏

Lactic acid has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, so it reduces its ability to penetrate the top layers of the skin. Lactic acid at 2% concentration has the ability to hydrate. At 5% or more, lactic acid acts as an exfoliant. In exfoliating products, lactic acid usually has a concentration of 5% to 10%.

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‏3. Note how to properly exfoliate dry skin

• ‏To ensure dry skin is not rough or irritated after exfoliation, you need to note a few things as follows:‏‏ Do not exfoliate dry skin more than 2 times per week.
• Always apply moisturizer after exfoliation to balance skin moisture.
• ‏Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher during the day, because after exfoliation, the skin will become more sensitive to the sun.

‏Also, people with psoriasis , acne or other serious skin problems should consult a dermatologist before exfoliating so as not to harm the skin .