Experts say skipping sunscreen is like pouring water into a basket—ineffective and draining. But if you’re exfoliating without it, the damage could be even worse! Let’s find out why these two must go hand in hand.

what is exfoliation?

exfoliating

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Though the skin naturally exfoliates itself over time, factors like stress and aging may slow it down. Exfoliants are used to speed up skin cell turnover to shed these dead skin cells. While it is not a necessary step in a basic skincare routine, it is a great addition. 

Exfoliation can be done with physical or chemical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants include scrubs and other exfoliating tools while chemical exfoliants include AHAs (like glycolic acid), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and retinoids (like retinol).

We recommend consulting a skincare expert on the best exfoliant to incorporate in your routine. 

exfoliating

The benefits of exfoliation include: 

  • Combating acne
  • Reducing wrinkles and other signs of aging
  • Promoting a uniform and brighter skin tone
  • Improving skin texture 

Never skip sunscreen after exfoliating!

exfoliating

'FDA( Food and Drugs Administration) generally recommends using sunscreen when using products containing AHAs.' ​

Exfoliants particularly AHAs remove the fine protective layer on your skin, leaving it susceptible to (sun) damage. 

Having

 in your routine is very important and it protects your skin from factors like sun damage, premature aging and skin cancer. So, if sunscreen is the chopsticks to your ramen, think of exfoliant as the perfect side dish! 

Here is why you should use sunscreen consistently, if you exfoliate:

pigmentation

This may seem ironic, as exfoliation helps to reduce hyperpigmentation. Hence, exfoliation that is not paired with a consistent use of sunscreen will do the opposite. This is as a result of sun sensitivity after exfoliating, which can worsen dark spots.

Redness and inflammation

If you use medications like retinol, AHAs or BHAs, skipping sunscreen is on the list of things you should not do to your skin and it comes right after picking on your pimple (s). 

SPF50+ should be used always to prevent redness and inflammation, reduce sensitivity and promote faster healing of breakouts.

Sun damage

Sun damage is caused by regular and prolonged exposure to the sun. People who don’t useSPF50+ or re-apply are even at more risk of having sun damage. While retinoids can reverse this damage, not using sunscreen during this treatment will reduce its effectiveness and desired results will not be gotten.

Takeaway

It is clear that sunscreen is essential to your everyday routine and more important if you exfoliate regularly. This duo unlocks radiant skin, making your journey effortless and beautiful. 

Are you team ‘daily sunscreen’ or still trying to commit? Tell us in the comments.