Spring Skin Cleaning: Exfoliation Tips To Prep for Warmer Weather

Spring is finally on its way to Chicago, bringing warmer days and a chance to refresh more than just your wardrobe. After months of harsh weather and dry indoor heat, your skin might be begging for a little extra attention. Exfoliation could be just what you need to confidently step into the next season. Get ready to discover Chicago Skin Clinic’s simple yet effective exfoliation tips to ensure your skin looks fresh and feels its best as the temperatures rise!

What Is Exfoliating?

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead cells from the top layer of the skin. This skincare step can be done nearly anywhere on your body. Many people exfoliate their faces and legs to keep their skin glowing and to have a smoother shaving experience. Your back, elbows, knees, and feet, where skin can get especially rough, are also common places to exfoliate.

There are two ways to exfoliate (chemical and physical) and several ways to go about it:

• At-Home Chemical Exfoliants: Ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid) are often found in store-bought cleansers, toners, or masks. They loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, helping them shed more easily. 
• Professional Chemical Peels: For a more powerful treatment, professional chemical peels can help tackle deeper issues, such as stubborn discoloration or fine lines.
• Sponges, Loofahs, & Gloves: These gentle options can be used on the face or body, buffing away dead cells while creating a subtle massaging effect.
• Pumice Stones: Popular for callused heels and tough spots on the feet, pumice stones are rougher than exfoliating gloves, sponges, and loofahs.
• Scrubs: Exfoliating scrubs contain tiny particles (like sugar or coffee grounds) that physically scrub away flaky buildup.

Why Is Exfoliating Necessary?

Your skin is your heaviest and largest organ. Because it tells the story of your life with fine lines and wrinkles and makes up your face, it’s commonly thought of as an aesthetic piece, but it’s more than just your look. It’s the organ that allows you to feel the softness of quality bed sheets, the warmth of sand on a sunny day, and the hot or cold shower after a long day. It also lets you know when something is a threat to you, like the sharp pain of even the smallest splinter, the itchiness of a mosquito bite, or the stinging of a sunburn or hot stove—it even notifies you of internal issues by displaying symptoms like yellowing skin! It works hard every day, protecting your body from germs, the sun, the cold, and even toxic substances.

The skin does all this and more. To do all of this effectively, the epidermis layer constantly renews itself, creating new cells roughly every 4 weeks. The old cells harden and fall off, and the new cells take their place, ready to defend and protect. 

Sometimes, though, not all the skin cells get the memo that they’re supposed to fall off, and they stay, giving the skin a dull, dry look and rough patches. A buildup of this dead skin can clog pores and create acne, breakouts, blackheads, and dry skin. That’s why exfoliation can be crucial to achieve glowing, youthful skin.

How & How Often Should You Exfoliate?

It’s a very popular step in many skincare routines, and many people swear by it, but before you follow your favorite influencer’s advice or pick up the product your favorite celebrity is now selling, first determine if it is actually the right process for you. 

When choosing an exfoliation method and adding it to your routine, think about:

• Your Skin Conditions: If you have skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, you’ll want to be extra cautious. While occasional exfoliating can help alleviate symptoms, some methods could irritate already inflamed skin. 
• Your Skin’s Condition: If your skin is sunburned, healing from a procedure, or otherwise injured, steer clear of exfoliation until it’s fully recovered. Over-exfoliating sensitive or damaged skin can lead to more harm than good.
• Your Skin Type: Oily skin can usually handle more frequent exfoliation—sometimes daily—because there’s more buildup of oil and dead cells, whereas normal or combination skin generally responds well to one or two exfoliation sessions per week. Dry or sensitive skin should be exfoliated sparingly, maybe once a week or every other week, to avoid worsening the symptoms. 
• Your Skin Tone: Harsh scrubs can make darker skin tones more prone to hyperpigmentation, especially if you overexfoliate. A gentle chemical exfoliant, which can help reduce hyperpigmentation while removing dead skin cells, might be the better route for those deeper skin tones.

Everyone’s skin is different, and you should be cautious when removing dead skin. We recommend consulting with a skin professional like Dr. Danny or Dr. Del Campo, the board-certified dermatologists at Chicago Skin Clinic, or doing plenty of research before beginning so you can exfoliate with minimal risk.

When Should You Exfoliate?

You can exfoliate before or after cleansing or washing, depending on your needs at that time. For example, if you’ve had a long day of sweating, wearing sunscreen or makeup, you’ve been outside, or feel just generally “gross,” clean the skin first! This will help wash away any product, oil, dirt, or other debris covering your skin. Then your exfoliator can do a more thorough job of deep-cleaning dead skin cells without having to first remove the “evidence” of the day. 

On the other hand, exfoliating with a physical method and then cleansing can provide a nice smooth surface for effective hair removal or for your cleanser to sink into, maximizing its benefits. 

What Else Should You Know?

• Don’t Overexfoliate: Redness, hyperpigmentation, dryness, or extra breakouts can indicate you’re going too hard on your skin. 
• Don’t Forget The Next Step: Always apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen after exfoliating. If you’ve received a professional chemical peel or other exfoliating method, follow your provider’s aftercare instructions closely.
• Skip Post-Treatment Exfoliation: Give your skin time to recover after face masks, professional facials, or chemical peels before you exfoliate again.
• Read Labels: Your cleanser or serum might already contain exfoliating ingredients. If so, adjust your routine before trying a new exfoliator. Using a scrub, peel, or acid all at once can overwhelm your skin and lead to irritation. Pick one method and stick to it for the best results.

Out With The Old & In With The New

At Chicago Skin Clinic, our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Danny and Dr. Del Campo, can help you ditch the skin that is making you less confident and guide you toward a smooth, radiant complexion that suits your skin type and lifestyle. Whether you need advice on selecting the best exfoliating products at home or you’re interested in more advanced treatments, we’re here to help. We offer a range of services—from medical dermatology to cosmetic enhancements—to address your unique goals. Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with our Chicago office, and let’s build a skincare routine you’ll love.

Posted by Chicago Skin Clinic