How To Exfoliate Combination Skin: Best Practices

How To Exfoliate Combination Skin: Best Practices

Regular exfoliation is indispensable for healthy, happy skin. Whether your skin type is oily, dry or something in between a.k.a. combination – exfoliation helps shed dead cells to reveal a smooth, radiant surface. This process is also responsible for removing flakiness, unclogging pores, alleviating dullness, and treating blackheads, whiteheads, and so much more.  

However, the numerous benefits of exfoliation are often outweighed by myths surrounding it. Rest assured – the right formulation and technique kick worries like photosensitivity, a compromised barrier, and uncomfortable dryness to the curb.  

In this blog, we delve into the benefits of exfoliation and how to go about the process for the combination skin type. We then bring you the best-selling exfoliating formula from Foxtale that help elevate your skincare game exponentially. 

Why Is Exfoliation Necessary? 

Your skin renews itself every 25 to 30 days, shedding old cells and regenerating from the basal layer. However, certain factors can slacken the shedding process, leading to unwanted buildup on the dermis. This delay can cause a gamut of skin concerns like clogged pores, acne breakouts, dullness, etc. 

Exfoliation helps accelerate the shedding process, revealing the cleaner, brighter surface sitting underneath. There are different methods of exfoliation which we discuss in the next section. 

How Are The Benefits Of Exfoliation For Combination Skin? 

Before digging deeper on how to exfoliate combination skin, let’s understand the many benefits of the process.

1. Improves skin texture: Exfoliation helps improve skin texture, revealing a smoother, brighter surface sitting underneath.  

2. Unclogs pores: We know that combination skin has characteristics of oily and dry skin. The perpetual shine on these oily areas attracts dirt, grime, and other impurities that clog pores over time – leading to their enlarged appearance. A potent exfoliant removes buildup from the pores, ensuring smooth skin.  

3. Prevents blackheads, whiteheads, and acne: Exfoliation reduces blackheads, whiteheads, and acne by buffing away pore-clogging buildup. If you notice recurring blackheads on your T-zone, apply the formula of choice topically.  

4. Stimulates healthy regeneration of skin cells: By shedding away buildup, exfoliation also promotes healthy regeneration while boosting Collagen production.  

5. Better absorption of serums and treatments: Not specific to skin type, but exfoliation helps exterminate the layer of buildup on the dermis. This ensures better absorption of your serum and further boosts its efficacy. 

6. Enhanced glow: For combination skin peeps, dryness on the cheeks can make your skin look dull. Exfoliation helps clear the flakiness or extreme dryness from the face, granting it a renewed glow instead. 

What Are The Different Types Of Exfoliation? 

You can buff away the dead cells from your dermis, using one or more of the following options 

1. Physical Exfoliation: Physical exfoliation involves using abrasive ingredients to remove dirt, debris, and dead cells from the dermis. These formulas boast grainy or beady substances (like coffee, sugar and jojoba) to ensure healthy regeneration of skin cells. Additionally, the use of loofah or washcloth also falls under physical exfoliation. However, one must observe caution while administering physical exfoliation as it may cause microtears, inflammation and other types of flareups.  

2. Chemical Exfoliation: Chemical exfoliation uses active ingredients like Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)and (/or) Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)to dissolve buildup. But that’s not all. These acids also tighten pores, reduce acne and ensure a long-lasting glow for the skin – without drying it.

Best Products To Exfoliate Combination Skin 

For combination skin, we recommend chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs. These acids are meticulous yet gentle and ensure the best results while upholding overall skin health. Luckily, Foxtale carries two great offerings, a mask and a serum for your consideration.

1. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum 

Ingredients: Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA), Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid 

The mild yet effective formula dissolves buildup, ensuring a clean and clear surface. Chemical exfoliants (re: Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid) cut excess oil, tighten pores, reduce whiteheads, blackheads and acne from the first use. The best part? The topical application of the exfoliating formula doesn’t cause a tingling or burning sensation on the skin. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide help revive the dry areas on combination skin. 

2. Overnight Glow Mask 

Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Vitamin E 

The best face mask for glowing skin starts working in 30 seconds, targeting concerns like whiteheads, blackheads, acne, dead cell buildup and enlarged pores. Glycolic Acid exfoliates the skin’s outermost layer, cueing healthy cell renewal. The best part? Lactic Acid and Vitamin E in the mask improve your skin’s water-holding capacity, making it a must-have for combination skin. 

How To Exfoliate Combination Skin  

Now that you are well-versed in the best products for exfoliation, why not make the most of it? Here are some practices for exfoliation that one must bear in mind

1. Precursor: Use a gentle, pH-balancing cleanser to dislodge buildup from the skin. We recommend Foxtale’s Acne Control Face Wash for the job. The Salicylic Acid face wash cuts excess sebum, reduces acne, and soothes inflammation. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide ensure sustained hydration for the skin – making it a great pick for the combination skin type.  

2. How to apply: Once your face is dry, apply 2 to 3 pumps of the treatment on your face. Don’t rub your skin, as it may cause strain or stress 

3. Frequency: For combination skin folks, we recommend exfoliation only 2 to 3 times a week (nothing more). Steer clear of over-exfoliation that is counterproductive to efforts for good skin. It dislodges natural oils from the skin, making it dry and uncomfortably tight. 

4. Moisturization: Once you're through with the step, apply a generous amount of moisturizer to seal the treatment. For combination skin, we recommend Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisture. The lightweight and non-greasy formula blots excess sebum while ensuring sustained hydration to the skin. 

5. Prevent photosensitivity: Exfoliation may cause photosensitivity in certain individuals. To prevent this problem, we recommend applying two fingers’ worth of sunscreen in your AM regimen. For the combination skin type, you may try our Mattifying or Ultra Matte Sunscreen.

Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

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Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her k...

Read more

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Winter Skincare: Tips, Tricks and Hacks to give you Glowing Skin!

Is having a hydrated and radiant skin in your bucket list? With summers taking a backseat and winter taking the lead, your skin must be feeling much drier than usual. On colder days, your skin tends to be dry and you need to care for it a lot more than usual. Slapping on moisturizers now and then might not be the best way out here. Your best defense in this scenario is to treat your skin mindfully by choosing the best ingredients in your winter skincare. But how do you know what ingredient is right for you? There is a plethora of information on this buzzing topic so it can be confusing. Fret not, 'cause we have got it all in one place. Keep on scrolling to see the list of seven ingredients we created to implement in your winter skincare. 7 Best ingredients for winter 1.Ceramides Ceramides naturally make up about 50 per cent of your skin and they are produced by the skin to hydrate and nourish it. So why would you need to apply it over topically? 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Foxtale’s Hyaluronic acid serum helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and it also creates a plumping effect on the skin. 3.Olive oil Olive oil is not the most talked about, popular ingredient all over the internet yet, but it will become one very soon once people get to know a little secret about it. The hydrogenated form of olive oil is a soft lipid-derived that is known to have nourishing properties to support healthy skin. Research has shown that it is 4 times more effective than Squalene, which keeps your skin hydrated and strengthens the skin barrier. If you are looking to introduce all these three superfood ingredients in your winter skincare, check out Foxtale’s Smoothening moisturizer. The lightweight yet hydrating texture, skin-loving ingredient checklist, and radiant look post-application will make your skin fall in love with it instantly.4 4.Vitamin B3 Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 is often considered only to be an ingredient that treats acne and hyperpigmentation, but in reality, it can do much more than that. It is a super versatile ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier, enhances texture, and retains moisture. Foxtale’s Acne spot corrector gel contains this hero ingredient which helps in clearing out pores to reduce acne overnight and lessens pimple-related redness and inflammation. If you experience dull/dry skin and wish to brighten up your skin, incorporate this ingredient in your winter skincare. 5.Vitamin B5 Can you think of an ingredient that can help you achieve that hydrated, healthy, and smooth skin instantly? If you can’t think of it, here’s your answer: Panthenol, or Vitamin B5 it is! 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Include these magical potions in your winter skincare now! 7.Vitamin C One of the best known anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antioxidant ingredients is here in front of you, Vitamin C! It is a very popular ingredient that minimizes the appearance of fine lines, protects skin from free radicals, boosts collagen production, and helps you achieve beautiful and healthy-looking skin. If you are looking to incorporate this super awesome ingredient in your winter skincare, don’t look any further and try our C For Yourself Vitamin C Serum. It is packed with one of the most potent and purest forms of Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic acid. Whether you are drinking Vitamin C (orange juice) or adding this ingredient to your routine, you are doing the right thing! Easy tips to incorporate in your winter skincare routine Although ingredients play a major role in keeping your skin healthy and in great shape, we believe that lifestyle changes alongside would be as effective. Here are a few simple tips you must include in your routine to get better results. 1.Stay hydrated- It is a common habit to forget to hydrate yourself especially during a cold season like winter. It's a bad habit to forget to drink water, especially in the winter when it's freezing outside. However, during such dry times, our skin is unable to retain moisture, thus it is crucial to stay hydrated. You can always drink fruit-infused drinks if you find it difficult to drink plain water. 2.Put on sunscreen Its a common misconception that during winters you shouldn't put on sunscreen because your skin is less exposed to sun's rays. Even if the sun's warmth is soothing, your skin can nevertheless suffer serious harm from the UV rays. Always remember to use sun protection, even on gloomy winter days. 3.Avoid taking hot showers It can be tempting to turn up the heat, especially in the winter, but hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and make it more prone to drying out, cracking, and peeling. To retain as much moisture as you can, try using lukewarm water. 4.Use moisturizer on damp skin Using moisturizer immediately after you shower helps lock in the moisture as it helps to keep skin moist. 5.Take extra care of your lips Since the skin on the lip is thinner and continuously exposed to the weather, they can become very dry in the winter. Additionally, unlike the rest of our skin, lips do not contain oil glands that keep them hydrated. So, it is necessary to generously use lip balms and oils to get those perfect moisturized lips.

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