Exfoliate the Right Way
Exfoliate the right way!
Exfoliation is one of the fastest ways to reveal fresh, luminous skin. There is just so many products to choose from! Scrubs, peels, powders it can be overwhelming. Whether you prefer an at home pampering or a professional treatments, understanding how to properly exfoliate can help keep your complexion clear, comfortable and photo-ready.
If you exfoliate the right way, a single session can help your makeup apply better, turbo-charge serum absorption and instantly make the skin glow. If it's done carelessly, it can leave you sensitised, flaky and frustrated, the opposite of your skincare goals. This is what Image Skincare Ireland are here to help!
What is exfoliation and what does it do?
Your epidermis renews itself roughly every 28 days, but spent cells don’t always shed on schedule. They cling to the surface, diffuse light and trap excess sebum inside pores. Removing that micro-buildup is the entire point of exfoliation. If you have ever wondered what exfoliating does for dull or breakout-prone skin, think of it as decluttering: pores look smaller, tone appears brighter, and actives such as vitamin C or peptides penetrate more effectively. With regular use you’ll also see fine lines soften and rough patches smooth out.
Chemical vs Physical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and fruit enzymes. They melt the “glue” that holds dead cells in place.
IMAGE Skincare's favourites include AGELESS Total Resurfacing Masque for an at home mini peel and ORMEDIC Balancing Gel Polisher that is powered by pumpkin and papaya enzymes for more sensitive-skin days.
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Physical exfoliants rely on fine particles to get rid of debris through touch. Our dual-action AGELESS Total Microderm Exfoliator fuses rose-quartz micro-crystals with glycolic and lactic acids for a spa-worthy polish, while the ILUMA® Intense Brightening Powder activates with water to create a silky foam ideal for daily maintenance.
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Switching between styles, or layering a gentle enzyme polish after a grain-based scrub helps you rev up radiance while keeping the skin barrier happy.
How to exfoliate the right way.
Ready to master how to exfoliate face like a pro? Start with a pH-balanced cleanser, like our ORMEDIC Balancing Facial Cleanser. Dispense a small amount of your chosen formula and apply with light, circular strokes, avoiding the delicate eye contour. Work from the centre of the face outward and work down the neck. This pattern follows lymphatic flow and minimises pulling the skin. Use cool or lukewarm water to rinse thoroughly so no grains remain. Pat, don't rub your skin when drying. Then follow with a layer a serum such as VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum followed by your chosen moisturiser.
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Patch-test new acids on the jawline, introduce only one exfoliant at a time and alternate nights with retinoids to make sure you do not over-exfoliate.
How often should you exfoliate?
Exactly how often you should exfoliate your face really depends on skin type, season and formula strength. Use this dermatologist-aligned rhythm as your baseline:
Normal or combination: 1–2 times weekly with ILUMA® Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder or a mild AHA masque.
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Oily or acne-prone: Up to 3 times weekly. Try our CLEAR CELL Salicylic Clarifying Pads for convenient and even on-the-go decongesting.
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Dry or sensitive: Once weekly with ORMEDIC Balancing Gel Polisher, followed by VITAL C Hydrating Overnight Masque for extra moisturiser.
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Professional peels: Under an esthetician’s care can help jump-start renewal without daily stress. Exfoliate the right way!
When should you not exfoliate?
Take a break if your skin is compromised: Post-procedure redness, active sunburn, open cuts, eczema flare-ups or severe dehydration all call for a time out. If you push through irritation, it can strip lipids, delay healing and trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which isn't great.
If you’ve recently started a high strength prescription retinoid or resurfacing laser, give your skin a two-week grace period before re-introducing acids or scrubs. In the meantime, focus on barrier-supportive formulas such as our ORMEDIC Balancing Bio-Peptide Crème or BIOME+ Smoothing Cloud Crème until your skin as calmed down.
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Understanding how to exfoliate the right way can transform your skincare routine from basic maintenance into a powerful ritual for renewal. By choosing the right exfoliator chemical, physical, or a combination of both if that's what's right for you can support your skin's natural regeneration, clarity, and glow. Remember to always listen to your skin’s signals and seek professional help if needed.
