The Role of Exfoliation
Exfoliation is one of the most misunderstood — yet transformative — aspects of skincare. When done correctly, it reveals brighter, smoother, and more balanced skin. When overdone, it can weaken your skin barrier, leading to irritation, dehydration, and breakouts. The goal is to encourage natural cell turnover without compromising the protective layer that keeps skin healthy.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
Think of exfoliation as a treatment, not a daily habit. We recommend providing personalized recommendations based on your skin's current needs. However here is a quick rule:
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Normal to dry skin: 1–2 times per week
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Oily or acne-prone skin: 2–3 times per week
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Sensitive or barrier-compromised skin: once every 7–10 days
Always listen to your skin. If you notice tightness, redness, or flaking, scale back and focus on restoring hydration and lipid balance before exfoliating again.
Barrier-Friendly Exfoliation Options
At Neves Skin Studio, our exfoliation philosophy is simple: healthy barrier first, exfoliation second. These three products deliver beautiful results while maintaining skin integrity.
1. Epicutis Enzyme Powder
A minimalist powder that activates with water to deliver a soft enzymatic exfoliation. It gently dissolves surface buildup with papaya and pineapple enzymes while preserving pH balance.
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Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive or post-procedure skin.
2. Osmosis MD Polish
A triple-action formula combining lactic acid, fruit enzymes, and fine bamboo powder for both enzymatic and physical exfoliation. It smooths texture and improves circulation without stripping essential lipids.
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Best for: Dull, uneven, acne prone, or sluggish skin.
3. SkinBetter Science Peel Pads
These clinical-grade pads contain a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids that refine pores and even tone while including barrier-supportive ingredients to keep inflammation at bay.
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Best for: Oily, congested, or mature skin.
How to Protect Your Barrier While Exfoliating
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Pre-cleanse gently with a lipid-supportive cleanser like Osmosis Gentle Cleanser, Hydrinity Prelude, Young Goose Adaptogenic Cleanser or Epicutis Oil Cleanser.
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Exfoliate at night so your skin can recover while you sleep.
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Replenish and nourish immediately after exfoliating with Epicutis Lipid Serum or Osmosis MD Rescue or Replenish.
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Avoid layering exfoliants (don’t use acids, scrubs, and retinoids all at once).
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Always protect with SPF the following morning.
Final Thoughts
Healthy exfoliation is about refinement, not stripping. When you exfoliate with respect for your barrier, you create balance and radiance that lasts. For a personalized exfoliation plan, book a Skin Health Consultation at Neves Skin Studio.
