As our relationship to skincare keeps evolving, we’re learning more and more about buzzy new ingredients, cutting-edge formulations and the coolest technology out there. But with all the information we have out there, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the soup of ingredients on the back of the bottle. If you scroll through Instagram, Reddit or Facebook, you’re likely to come across arguments, points and counterpoints for a lot of these picks—parabens, phthalates, essential oils, mineral oils, synthetic ingredients. Recently, conversations about fragrances in skincare products have been brought to the focus too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is actually considered the leading cause of allergic reactions on the skin, and a lot of people struggle with redness, peeling skin, eczema and dryness thanks to it. Most times they might not even know the culprit. So why do brands use fragrance in their formulations so often? Is there a way to use a skincare product with fragrance in a safe manner that won’t hurt your skin? This is what we know.

Skincare will never be a one-size-fits-all approach. For some consumers, a floral fragrance or a fresh wake-me-up scent might be the reason they pick a product off the shelf. Fragrances appeal to the olfactory centers in the brain to create an emotional connection to the product, making them enjoyable to use—and keep using. The thing is, skincare is more than just its end result. For a lot of people, it is the routine that grounds them at night or wakes them up in the morning. It is the self-care regimen that calms them down or helps them focus. 

Sometimes it’s also a formulation choice. If the original product is rife with raw, earthy ingredients, brands may have to add in a scent to cover it up to make the product palatable. It brings to light the question: if a product is great—with active ingredients that truly work—but smells too terrible to actually use, what would be the point of it?

What Kind Of Fragrances Are In The Products You Use?

A natural fragrance is a composition of raw materials from nature (like a scent made up of actual roses) while a synthetic one is man-made in the lab. The latter is usually longer lasting than the former, but natural fragrances are sometimes more true to the real scent, so most perfumes are a mix of these two. It might seem like natural fragrances are safer and better to formulate with, but that may not always be the case, as they might not always interact with the body in the same way every time. But when it comes to synthetic ingredients, there might not always be a lot of transparency. Brands are allowed to sell products with ‘parfum’ as an ingredient on the back of the bottle, which grandfathers in a lot of ingredients that they might not always have to disclose. 

 

Can You Formulate A Safe Product—With Fragrance?

Yes. The EU has a list of fragrances that are believed to cause allergies and reactions in a majority of consumers. We at Foxtale formulated without these, choosing largely certified allergen-free synthetic fragrances in super tiny quantities—so when you decant the Ceramide SuperCream Moisturizer or the Daily Duet Face Wash, you can enjoy the experience without being worried about any ill-effects. But all skin isn’t the same. Even if a product is considered allergy-free, you may not tolerate it as well as other people, so patch testing is important. Apply a new product to your forearm or behind your ear before you use it all over your face to figure out if anything is sensitizing your skin. If it's a specific fragrance listed on the ingredient list, you’ll know it’s that one. 

If you think that with a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer, you have got the whole skincare squad to achieve that healthy skin, think again! What you are missing in order to get smooth and radiant looking skin, is exfoliation. Exfoliators make up for an excellent addition to your skincare routine and everyone in the skincare industry is head over heels in love with exfoliation. But what’s so great about it? This article breaks down everything you need to know about exfoliation in skincare: Beginners level.

What Is Exfoliation And Why Is It Necessary Regardless Of Your Skin Type?

In simple words, Exfoliation is the process of removal of dead skin cells and other impurities on the skin. And when the top layer of the skin, which looked dull due to the accumulation of all sorts of skin enemies, is removed, it unveils fresh, glowing, baby-soft skin.

It is essential to exfoliate regardless of your skin type because who doesn’t love shedding those dead skin cells sitting on their skin? Apart from this, here are some benefits of exfoliation:

1. Exfoliation helps to slough away the dead skin cells and encourages new cell turnover

2. It boosts circulation and evens out the skin tone

3. It helps to improve the overall skin texture

4. It helps products that you apply later on penetrate deeper into the skin

5. It cleans out and decongests pores

Tips To Pick The Right Exfoliator

The best way to choose the right exfoliant for you is according to your skin type. So, if your skin type is:

1. Normal/Combination

Glycolic acid, which is a type of Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is the best one to start with. It is found naturally in sugar crops, and since it has smaller molecules, it can penetrate better than any other kind of AHA. It is an all-rounder exfoliant that can target every possible skin concern.

Another great exfoliator for normal skin type is the L ascorbic acid, the most stable and purest form of Vitamin C. If you suffer from dark spots and have hyperpigmentation, this one must be your go-to exfoliator. Our C For Yourself Vitamin C Serum is jam-packed with L ascorbic acid and Vitamin E. These ingredients work best together to reduce the appearance of scars and pigmentation and can also prevent sun damage.

2. Dry

Lactic acid, which is another, more gentle form of AHA, is a great pick. This exfoliant can exfoliate as well as moisture the skin at the same time. Since it is derived from milk and has larger molecules, it works gently on the skin.

3. Sensitive

Either mandelic acid, a form of AHA, or PHA, is right for you. These do not penetrate as deeply into the skin but can brighten your skin without being too irritating. They have very large molecules so it’s less harsh and best for sensitive skin, even for rosacea and acne-prone skin.

4. Oily

Salicylic acid, a form of BHA, is best for you. It is oil soluble and can go deep into the pores, helping you control oiliness and frequent breakouts. It can unclog your pores and help you achieve cleaner looking skin.

How To Exfoliate As A Beginner

Now that you know what exfoliant you should pick according to your skin type, it’s time to use it correctly. As a beginner, you must introduce your skin to an exfoliant very carefully or you might ruin your skin. There are two ways by which you can introduce an acid/exfoliant into your skincare routine

In the form of a Cleanser

A cleanser is a wash-off product and usually, exfoliating cleansers have a very low percentage of acids in them. Hence, making them a perfect start for beginners. The results are slow when using exfoliating cleansers but since the percentage is so low, it can be well tolerated by beginners.

Start by using any exfoliating cleanser of your choice 2-3 times a week at night and then gradually increase the frequency once you are comfortable.

In the form of a Toner

A toner is another way to introduce chemical exfoliation to your skin. A toner can penetrate deeper into the skin and help to even out the texture of your skin. The focus of toner is usually on a single exfoliant, such as either AHA or BHA. So, it’s great to target specific skin concerns.

The best way you can introduce an exfoliating toner in your skincare routine is by using it twice a week at night.

Things To Keep In Mind While Exfoliating Your Skin As A Beginner

Exfoliation is a beautiful mistress, can be the love of your life and your worst enemy. The trick is to choose products based on your skin concerns and not what is trending. Prioritize your skin health over anything else and keep these things in mind while using an exfoliant so it can be the love of your life:

1. Start slowly and at a lower percentage of acids

2. Use exfoliants at night and never forget to apply a good sunscreen with SPF 50+

3. Avoid the eye area as it’s sensitive

4. Don’t layer too many acids trying to solve all skin concerns at once, remember that less is more

5. Always do a patch test

6. Always make sure to use a barrier repair moisturizer afterwards to calm your skin

7. Don’t rush for results, but be patient and consistent

Best Exfoliation Routine  

Now that you have picked an exfoliant for your skin type, here’s how you can add it to your skincare routine.

1. Start with cleansing: Cleansing is the first step in skincare routines across the board. It helps remove dirt, grime, and other impurities from the pores, ensuring a balanced microbiome. Moreover, cleansing ensures better absorption of your chemical exfoliant and guarantees better results. If you have dry skin, opt for Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash. The gentle formula contains Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract that administer long-lasting hydration to the skin. Alternatively, folks with oily or combination skin can try our Acne Control Face Wash with Salicylic Acid.

2. Apply exfoliant: Dab your skin dry and apply the exfoliant of choice. Use a light hand to avoid any stress or strain on the skin.  

3. Moisturize to seal: After the serum sinks into your skin, apply a generous layer of moisturizer. Packed with emollients, this skincare staple locks in the treatment and hydration for best results. It also helps offset inflammation and flare-ups – a must-have after your exfoliation session. People with dry skin can try Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides. Alternatively, folks with oily or combinaton skin can opt for the Oil Free Moisturizer.  

4. SPF to protect: Since exfoliation can cause photosensitivity in some individuals, a slather of sunscreen is non-negotiable. Try Foxtale’s Dewy Sunscreen for dry and Matte Sunscreen for oily skin.

FAQs

1. Why is exfoliation important? 

Exfoliation helps dissolve excess sebum, dead-dried cells, and other impurities to reveal a brighter, smoother surface. It combats skin concerns like whiteheads, blackheads, acne and dullness while promoting healthy cellular regeneration.

2. How often should you exfoliate? 

Experts suggest that exfoliating 2 to 3 times weekly is integral for healthy skin.

3. What are the different types of exfoliation

There are two types of exfoliation- 

Physical exfoliation: It entails the use of scrubs, washcloths and loofahs to breakdown buildup on your skin. Chemical exfoliation: On the other hand, chemical exfoliation includes using active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs to dissolve buildup.

4. I have flaky skin. Will exfoliation help alleviate the problem?

Definitely. Exfoliation helps improve skin texture by dissolving unwanted flakiness on the outside.

5. Is it okay to exfoliate sensitive skin?

Regular exfoliation is non-negotiable for all skin types, including sensitive. To avoid episodes of inflammation and redness, pick gentle formulas like Foxtale’s AHA BHA Serum.

6. Why should I exfoliate at night?

Your skin has a circadian rhythm that prioritizes protection during the day and repair at night. This involves shedding dried-dead cells and regenerating new ones while you’re busy counting sheep. This is where exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs come into play. The active ingredients help dissolve the buildup swiftly for best results.

7. What should you do after exfoliation?

After exfoliation, ensure to apply a potent moisturizer and SPF.

8. Why should we not step out without SPF after exfoliation?

The use of AHAs or BHAs can cause photosensitivity amongst certain individuals. Additionally, the lack of sunscreen can damage the newly generated skin cells from the overnight renewal process.

9. Why is over-exfoliation harmful?

Over-exfoliation removes natural oils from the skin, making it exceptionally dry and tight. It can also give rise to episodes of inflammation, redness, and other flare-ups. To keep these concerns at bay, we recommend exfoliating only 2 to 3 times a week.

10. How should I exfoliate as a beginner?

If you are a beginner, we recommend conducting a patch test on your neck. If your skin responds well, start by using the exfoliant once in your weekly routine.

11. I have oily skin. How can regular exfoliation benefit me?

If you have oily skin, regular exfoliation can help you in the following ways 

1. Regulating sebum production

2. Minimizing the appearance of pores

3. Reducing whiteheads and blackheads

4. Alleviating acne