How to Exfoliate the Right Way — Without Damaging Your Skin
Exfoliation is essential for healthy, glowing skin — but too much, too often, or using the wrong products can leave your skin irritated, dry, or worse. At Platinum Cosmetics in Port Melbourne, we see this all the time: well-meaning clients overdoing it in the name of smoother skin.
So how do you exfoliate correctly? And how can you tell what your skin actually needs?
The Role of Exfoliation in Skin Health
Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but this process can slow down due to age, stress, sun damage, or certain skin conditions. When that happens, you may notice:
Dullness
Uneven tone
Flaky patches
Breakouts
Makeup not sitting right
Gentle exfoliation helps speed up cell turnover, remove surface buildup, and reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath.
Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation
There are two main types of exfoliants:
Physical exfoliants use scrubs, brushes, or beads to manually remove dead skin. These can be harsh if overused or used on sensitive skin.
Chemical exfoliants use active ingredients like glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) to dissolve bonds between dead cells, allowing them to shed more naturally.
At Platinum, we often recommend chemical exfoliants for their even, controlled results — especially when paired with clinical treatments.
Why We Recommend SkinCeuticals Exfoliants
SkinCeuticals has formulated two standout exfoliants we regularly suggest to clients:
A gentle daily cleanser with 8% glycolic acid and soothing botanicals. It helps refine texture while maintaining hydration.
A nighttime treatment with 10% free glycolic acid, designed to visibly brighten and smooth the skin while you sleep.
These formulas are clinically tested for tolerance and results, making them ideal for most skin types — especially when guided by a professional.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
This depends on your skin type and current condition. As a general guide:
Oily or congested skin: 2–3 times per week
Normal to combination skin: 1–2 times per week
Dry or sensitive skin: Once per week or less
Exfoliation should never cause burning, peeling, or excessive dryness. If it does, it’s time to reassess your routine.
Need Help Choosing the Right Products?
Our Port Melbourne team can help you customise a skincare plan with clinical-grade exfoliants that work with your skin, not against it. Whether you need a simple routine tweak or want to prep your skin before in-clinic treatments, we’re here to support your goals.