We use specific beauty products for their ability to improve our skin and fight signs of aging. But, could something as simple and standard as an exfoliator be instigating lines and wrinkles? Truth be told, if you’re not using it properly, it may be more damaging to your skin than you think.
“While the exfoliator itself won’t cause wrinkles, some can irritate or overdry your skin, which can increase the appearance of wrinkles,” says Houston dermatologist Jennifer Segal, MD. It comes down to the ingredients in a scrub and the type of scrub you choose to use. “Anything that’s too aggressive or too hard can remove excessive oils from your skin, which can lead to excessively dry skin. This dryness can manifest as what are called ‘lines of dehydration,’ but the good thing is that these lines are not permanent,” says Chico, CA, dermatologist Kafele T. Hodari, MD.
You May Also Like: The Ultimate Anti-Aging Guide For Sensitive Skin
So what’s safe to use? Anything with gentle nurturing ingredients (be it acids, enzymes or botanical-based ingredients, among others) will do its job at lifting away dead skin. But, the key is to use the product as needed and not to overexfoliate or do it too aggressively. Make sure you’re using exfoliators in moderation and use products with formulas that are compatible. Like anything else in life, too much of anything isn’t always a good thing.
