Essentially when you work out, you are breaking down muscle tissue.  The idea is to break down the muscle and then rest and nourish the body so that the same muscle can repair itself, building back up stronger. The same goes for the largest organ of the body, the skin. When you use active products, which include chemically exfoliating agents such as Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA) or Retinol as well as physically exfoliating agents like scrubs, you are breaking down the skin, thus spurring it into action to repair and regenerate at a cellular level.

 

The trick to effective skincare, however, lies in maintaining the health of the skin’s natural protectant barrier, also known as the acid mantle. While exfoliation can be an integral part of a skincare routine for the reasons mentioned above, over-exfoliating, either chemically or physically, can lead to skin imbalances and hypersensitivity.  By completely stripping the acid mantle, this protective layer is disturbed or removed, causing irritation and inflammation while also allowing bacteria to easily pass through to the epidermis, leading to breakouts.  It is vital to rest and feed the skin with nourishing and protective products in between exfoliating sessions in order for the skin to repair and regenerate properly.  

 

There are certain cleansers that stimulate the skin through exfoliation and others that keep skin clean and calm. It is often recommended to use two different cleansers, one “active” and one “resting” cleanser, alternating them throughout the week. Toners are usually considered active treatments, and should be included on days when active cleansers are used. It’s a safe bet to cleanse with an active cleanser and toner 2-3 days a week, resting the skin in between. This general rule can and should be tweaked for each skin condition. For example, skin that is thick, oily, sun damaged or mature can handle more active cleansing days and less resting days – in order to improve cell turnover these skin conditions may need more “exercise.” Sensitive, thin or younger skin may require fewer active cleansing days and longer periods of rest in between. If the skin feels particularly dry or sensitive, decrease the active days. Conversely, if skin is feeling thick, oily or sluggish, try increasing the active days.

 

Just as food journals, exercise logs and regular weigh-ins are vital to monitoring and achieving fitness goals, paying close attention to how the skin responds to different “active” and “resting” products, which may vary with a woman’s monthly cycle or throughout the seasons, and adjusting one’s skincare routine accordingly will ensure optimal results!