Beauty

[suzyQ3]

I don't use any manual exfoliation; I do use Paula's Choice BHA 2%.

Does anyone remember Brasivol scrub? It came in fine, medium, and coarse scrub. When I was an adolescent, I worked my way up to coarse. I thought it would be the cure for any mild acne. Good grief.

[suzyQ3]

---

@wagirl wrote:

I have been using my Mia for about 4 years now and I LOVE it. I use it 1x a day at night. I also exfoliate 2x a week and no more. My skin is 63 years old and in very good shape altho it is very dry. I think alot of people scrub too hard with the clarisonic and don't let the machine glide over the skin;also I am wondering if the right type of brush heads are used. The Clarisonic IS NOT an exfoliator; it cleanses.  I have used baking soda in with my cleansers to exfoliate; it doesn't harm the enviroment by using the little beads in it and it is CHEAP. But...I don't use an exfoliating product WITH my Mia, ever!!

---

@wagirl, although baking soda is a favorite with DIYs, here are some excellent sources that explain the danger of using it to exfoliate:

http://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/why-should-not-use-baking-soda-exfoliate-skin/

https://www.futurederm.com/why-you-absolutely-should-not-use-baking-soda-as-an-exfoliator/

http://www.beautyskeptic.com/2015/01/16/do-not-use-baking-soda-on-your-face/

[Porcelain]

Yes, you can absolutely overexfoliate your skin. Best to choose only one main method and use it as needed, whether that is once a week or less, or a little more often.

Overexfolating doesn't necessarily make your skin red or scabby right away. So people think they aren't causing damage. But getting very pink and/or finding your skin very tight and shiny afterward is due to swelling. That is a sign of damage. People like it because the skin feels smoother and softer and wrinkles disappear--due to temporary swelling.

Skin cells that haven't yet completely keratinized aren't meant to be on the outer layer of your face. The process that creates keratinized cells also creates moisturizing ceramides and oils. The younger cells underneath don't have that yet. So scraping off all the older cells wrecks your natural moisturizing factor. That means you lose the protective layer that keeps water in your skin and fends off bacteria.

To me, beta hydroxy acid, aka salicylic acid is a different story. If you get clogged pores (actually hair follicles), it is beneficial to use every day. But you would need to exfoliate in other ways less often.

ETA a few articles:

https://www.glamour.com/story/whats-the-deal-with-exfoliatin

https://www.newbeauty.com/blog/dailybeauty/8685-are-you-over-exfoliating/

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/over-exfoliated-skin

https://clinicallyclear.com/over-exfoliation/

http://blog.doctorschwabca.com/are-we-over-exfoliating-our-skin-why-the-redness-wont-go-away/

[SahmIam]

I have always wondered about "scratching" the skin with grains. I know when using brushes (including Clarisonic, Todd something and those similar) my skin would hurt and be red after using the most gentle brush for the least amount of time. 

I use Dr. Gross pads 6 days a week. I use Vit C, ferulic acid and retinal and a heavy peel once a week. I haven't touched a scrub in a LONG time and my skin looks really, really good. Even better than when I was using scrubs, in my opinion.

We have to find what works for each of us. For me, scrubs and brushes were not the answer. For others, it works perfectly. I do wonder, however, about the long term damage (if there is any).

[Harpa]

Your skin exfoliates naturally. But this natural process can be disrupted...from poor diet, poor habits, aging, environment....

You can tell by how your skin looks and how it functions.

You have to use common sense as to how much exfoliation is required for you, individually, and if you need to nudge your natural mechanism along.

I just don't believe there is one pat answer. I might listen to what others say, but least of all from someone who's trying to sell me something.

[Desertdi]

---

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:

---

@Desertdi wrote:

Helena Rubenstein had a product called "Beauty Grains"...........that I remember as far back as the 1950's.   I've been exfoliating all my life.

---

@Desertdi  What a blast from the past!  I remember those being in our bathroom, but I don't know if they were my mom's or my sister's.  I'm picturing a tall white/cream colored cardboard can with a twisty top to pour the grains out.

---

@JeanLouiseFinch    Yup.......that was the one we used, too!    I had oily skin and clogged pores when I was in grade school.   Still do.   di

[jeanlake]

Twice a week I take a dab of toothpaste, get in the shower and gently rub over my T-zone. Has helped with blackheads and I replaced with scrubbing beads. Just a tip. Hope I'm doing this right, but I like the results. 

[sueinsf]

I typically exfoliate with a scrub twice a week, sometimes I also use a pad like Dr Gross.  I never had a problem using the Clairsonic (although I rarely use it now since I've been using Beekman wipes)  but agree with the poster who said it's a cleanser and not an exfoliator and I also think some people may use the wrong brush head and press too hard. 

[SeaMaiden]

I use a buff puff to clean my skin.  It is very soft and feels gentle.

[wagirl]

Suzy——thanks for the info but I have been using baking soda for years and have not suffered any ill effects, whatever they may be or not. Frankly, am weary of the supposed dangers of everything, so not reading it.