Summer is your chance to relax and have fun in the sun, but your skincare, unfortunately, needs to work overtime. No two skincare routines are the same, but some things can’t take PTO—like wearing SPF and exfoliating your skin. And friends don’t let friends skip sunscreen—especially during the summer months. However, prolonged exposure to sunscreen and sweat can take a toll on your pores. This is where exfoliation comes out to shine.
Benefits of exfoliating
Waxing actually provides some exfoliation all on its own. That’s just another reason why skin feels so smooth and soft afterward (the no-hair part helps, too, of course). But aside from that, physical and chemical exfoliation is an essential pre- and post-wax step that helps to remove impurities, dirt, bacteria, and excess oil that clogs pores, cause ingrown hairs, and create uneven, dry, or dull skin.
While it’s A-OK to exfoliate more frequently in the summer compared to the winter, limiting it to two or three times per week is wise. Over-exfoliation can lead to a windburned appearance and cause your skin to become tight, cracked, and scaly. Not the kind of glow you’re going for. Ouch. Remember, your skin naturally undergoes a turnover process, and the goal is to banish the junk from sweat, sunscreen, and oil.
When to exfoliate before (and after) waxing
Say it with us: Exfoliation is our BFF. But timing and execution are essential. Exfoliate too early, and you risk dead skin cells building back up on your skin. Exfoliate too late, and you run the risk of irritation and a potential rash.
Pre-wax exfoliation
A gentle exfoliation session 24-48 hours before your waxing appointment is the perfect sweet spot. It gives your skin the exact amount of time it needs to run through its cell cycles, knocks loose any ingrown hairs to be extracted during your waxing session, and leaves skin clean and clear.
Post-wax exfoliation
After your wax, you’ll want to give your skin 2-3 days to heal and build new, healthy skin on top of the waxed area. If you notice hair beginning to sprout, it’s a good sign to work some exfoliation into your schedule.
Exfoliating in-between waxes
During your bathing routine, add an exfoliation session every two to three times per week. This will help open your pores and remove excess sebum and dead skin cells. Exfoliation helps to prevent acne and ingrown hairs and can help your skincare products penetrate deeper into your skin.
Physical exfoliation vs. chemical exfoliation
There are two main exfoliation types to try, and plenty of variety within each. Physical exfoliation involves manually removing dead skin cells and debris from the skin’s surface.
Physical exfoliants
- Exfoliating glove, washcloth, loofah, sponge, or brush.
- Products containing exfoliating particles such as sugar, salt, or coffee.
When choosing a physical exfoliant, opt for gentle options such as the Fur Silk Scrub for radiant skin resurfacing or LALICIOUS Sugar Scrubs that wrap exfoliation, hydration, and good smells into one package. Even if the label indicates daily use, it’s best to stick to exfoliating two or three times a week to avoid any potential damage or irritation.
Chemical exfoliants at low percentages work to slowly and gently resurface the skin.
Chemical exfoliants
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), like glycolic and lactic acids, dissolve protein bonds between dead skin cells.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAS), like salicylic acid, offer a deeper cleanse. If banishing acne and controlling your oil slick is your goal, these acids mean business for exfoliating and packing a punch for anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Chemical and physical exfoliation each have unique perks. There’s no need to choose sides in the chemical vs. physical debate – you can (and should) use them together! Start your routine with a physical exfoliant, priming the skin by removing that initial layer of dullness. Then apply a chemical exfoliant to refine your skin’s surface.
