Exfoliation

Choose according to what you want to improve

If your skin is particularly lacking in softness or has small surface irregularities, a gentle formula with AHAs may be of interest. If it's blackheads and clogged pores that bother you, look for a product with salicylic acid instead. For easily uncomfortable skin, PHAs offer another possibility, without guaranteeing perfect tolerance. No need to buy all three: start with a specific need and a single product, which you can evaluate without changing your entire routine.

A grain scrub may be suitable for skin that tolerates friction. The Neutrogena gel presented here belongs to this category: the manufacturer intends it for oily skin and its formula contains perfume and menthol. This is an option to smooth the surface, not the equivalent of a BHA treatment against blackheads. If your skin is sensitive, irritated or has inflammatory spots, it is better to avoid rubbing it with this type of product.

Take the right action

For this rinse-off gel, moisten the face, massage without insisting on an area, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid eyes and any irritated skin. The freshness felt does not allow its effectiveness to be measured. Even if the brand suggests frequent use, you can start more rarely: the objective is to find the useful frequency for your skin, not to reach the maximum indicated on the tube.

With a leave-in exfoliating lotion or serum, follow the formula instructions: quantity, areas of application and dry or damp skin. Never leave a product intended to be rinsed off as if it were a serum. Finish with your usual moisturizer if the instructions allow, and keep a simple routine that evening. To better identify a reaction, introduce this treatment alone, without adding several new products at the same time.

Find your rhythm

A weekly application constitutes a starting point for many exfoliating treatments, to be adapted to their instructions for use. Also observe your skin the following days: is it softer, but still comfortable when cleansing and hydrating? If so, this pace may very well be sufficient. Only bring applications together if you see the benefit and the product allows it. Oily skin doesn't necessarily need to be exfoliated every day.

If you already use retinol, a prescription retinoid, or benzoyl peroxide, adding an exfoliant may increase irritation. Avoid overlapping them when starting out and seek advice if you are undergoing treatment. Also postpone exfoliation after a shave that has left redness. Minor breakouts caused by overly irritating treatment first require a break and a gentler routine, rather than an exfoliation to make them disappear.

Protect the skin and judge the result

With AHAs, skin may become more sensitive to UV during use and up to a week after stopping. Application in the evening does not eliminate this effect the next day. So keep sun protection suitable for exposure, with clothing and shade when possible. If you are looking to reduce pigmentation marks, this precaution is particularly important: irritating the skin or letting it get exposed to the sun can hinder the desired result.

The softness to the touch can be noticed quite quickly, while the evolution of marks and skin texture can be judged over several weeks. Compare in a similar light, without increasing the dose each time you do not see a change. Stop if burning, persistent redness or severe peeling appear; If the reaction is severe or does not improve, consult. A very concentrated peel to do at home is not a remedial solution.