Austin Skin’s Exfol is very good at treating complexion problems such as redness, acne, and rosacea, all of which cause a build-up of dead cells on the surface of the skin. Removing those dead cells allows you to treat problems like rosacea more effectively. The key is to use exfoliating products sparingly on sensitive skin.
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Is the winter weather making your skin dry and red? Are you having more problems than usual with acne or rosacea? Irritated skin is a common complaint in Australia at this time of year. If you’re not happy with the way your skin looks and feels, exfoliation is your ally at any time of year. We think you’ll be surprised and delighted to discover how this simple addition to your skincare routine can take your complexion from dreary to dreamy.
First, a little foundation…
Exfoliation Basics
Your skin never sleeps. It is constantly regenerating, creating new cells deep within the skin’s multiple layers while pushing older cells to the surface. Ideally, these older cells shed naturally, revealing the fresh, brighter skin underneath. Often, however, factors can slow this process and skin regeneration gets sluggish. When that happens, dead skin cells pile up on your skin’s surface, creating a dull, uneven texture and clogging pores.
This is where exfoliation steps in. There are two main types of exfoliants:
Physical exfoliants: Think scrubs with tiny grains or buffing mitts. These work by manually removing dead skin cells.
Chemical exfoliants: These use acids (like Alpha Hydroxy Acids [AHAs] and Beta Hydroxy Acids [BHAs]) to gently dissolve the bonds holding dead cells together, allowing them to be easily washed away.
Blame it on Sebum
A variety of factors can irritate the skin and trigger skin flare-ups, including acne and rosacea. Most often, the problem is related to sebum (oil) and bacteria trapped within clogged pores beneath the top layer of your skin. Exfoliation helps keep the pores clear by removing dead skin cells and preventing them from blocking your skin’s natural rejuvenation process.
Proper exfoliation allows sebum to flow freely. This minimises the risk of breakouts and inflammation that can trigger redness and discomfort.
Rosacea and Your Skin Barrier
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by redness, bumps, and visible blood vessels. It may seem counter-intuitive to exfoliate/buff irritated skin, but as stated above, gentle exfoliation can be a powerful tool for managing rosacea symptoms.
Think of your skin barrier as a fortress wall. When dead skin cells accumulate, they weaken this wall, making the skin more susceptible to irritants and inflammation. In this vulnerable state, rosacea symptoms are likely to worsen. Regular, gentle exfoliation helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, making it less prone to flare-ups.
Why We Love Exfol
Did you know exfoliation can make your existing rosacea treatments even more effective? Topical medications often have difficulty penetrating clogged pores and reaching deeper skin layers. By removing that dead skin cell barrier, exfoliation creates a clear pathway for these medications to work their magic.
With so many options on the market, choosing the right exfoliant can feel overwhelming. We recommend Austin Skin’s Exfol. Exfol utilises a unique blend of AHAs and BHAs to tackle dead skin build-up on two fronts. AHAs like lactic acid gently dissolve the glue holding dead cells together, allowing them to be effortlessly washed away. BHAs, specifically salicylic acid, delve deeper, to unclog pores and clear stubborn blemishes.
This dynamic duo not only reveals a smoother, brighter surface, but also paves the way for a more radiant future. By removing the dulling layer of dead cells, Exfol allows your skin's natural renewal process to shine through. You'll experience a reduction in fine lines, improved texture, and a noticeable evening out of skin tone.
Exfol's benefits extend beyond aesthetics. This gentle exfoliation also helps rosacea sufferers by maintaining a healthy skin barrier, minimising the potential for flare-ups. By keeping pores clear, it also helps prevent breakouts, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
So, ditch the dullness and embrace the brilliance within. Austin Skin's Exfol is your key to unlocking a renewed, beautifully radiant complexion. For best results:
- Patch test first: Apply a small amount of the product to your inner elbow and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation.
- Listen to your skin: If you experience any redness, stinging or burning, stop using the product and consult a doctor.
- Start slow: Once you’ve found a product that’s compatible with your skin, start your road to a radiant complexion by exfoliating once a week. Gradually increase frequency as your skin tolerates it.
- Don't forget to moisturise! Exfoliation can sometimes leave your skin feeling a bit dry. Austin Skin’s Redness Relief to moisturise skin prone to redness and rosacea and Hydrate Light for acne prone skin, both are fragrance-free moisturiser’s that are perfect after exfoliating to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Remember, consistency is key! Regular exfoliation, along with a gentle skincare routine, can be the key to achieving a calm, clear, and radiant complexion.
