Exfoliating your skin can be an amazing way to remove the dead skin cells your body naturally sheds. While exfoliation offers many benefits, when it is done right, there are some common mistakes you could be making. Let’s hear Dr. Alexandra Bowles’ thoughts and advice on exfoliating to achieve smooth and radiant skin in Parade’s article!

Exfoliating In The Shower

Exfoliating in the shower can be an easy way to take care of your skin and give it a healthy glow! It helps to get rid of dead skin cells, which smooths your skin but also allows fresh and healthy skin to shine. It can also boost circulation, support collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone.

For someone who is prone to acne breakouts on your back or chest, regularly exfoliating helps keep pores clear and minimize the pesky bumps. It allows your skincare products to work better and be able to absorb more effectively! Exfoliating just a few times a week is all it takes to keep your skin soft, clear, and feeling its best!

How Often Should I Exfoliate?

A big factor in deciding how often you should be exfoliating is your skin type; people with normal, sensitive, or oily skin all require different frequencies of exfoliating.

Normal Skin:

For most people with normal skin, exfoliating two to three times a week is a great place to start and adjust as you need.

Oily Skin:

Those with oilier skin might benefit from more frequent exfoliation, and potentially even daily, if your skin handles it well.

Sensitive Skin:

If you have sensitive skin, once a week could be plenty for you, and in some cases it may be better to skip it altogether.

Factors like your age, hydration levels, or even the weather can affect how your skin can tolerate exfoliation. An important step in the exfoliation process is to moisturize right after! Moisturizing helps restore hydration and supports your skin’s natural barrier. Also, if you are someone who works out regularly, exfoliating afterward can help clear sweat, oil, and buildup that may clog pores. Overdoing your exfoliation can leave your skin red, dry, or irritated. It’s important to be aware of this, and if that happens to take a break and let your skin recover.

Common Exfoliating Mistakes

It is easy to make common mistakes when it comes to exfoliating without even realizing. Some of the biggest mistakes are:

• Scrubbing too often or too hard: This can damage your skin barrier and leave you with redness or breakouts.
• Not exfoliating enough: It can cause buildup, dullness, and clogged pores.
• Layering too many exfoliating products: This can overwhelm your skin, especially if you are already using retinol or acids.
• Not using moisturizer or SPF: Skipping moisturizer or SPF right before sun exposure can leave your skin vulnerable and prone to irritation, especially after exfoliating!
• Forgetting to clean your tools: Using dirty brushes, loofas, or exfoliating gloves can spread bacteria and lead to breakouts rather than clear skin.

Exfoliation is just one part of a healthy skincare routine! It is important to listen to your skin and adjust your routines as needed. You also must be patient; results won’t happen overnight! With consistent and gentle care, your skin will reward you with a beautiful glow. Remember, less is often more. Follow these tips to keep your skin balanced and healthy without irritating.

Homemade treatments can be a fun and affordable way to care for your skin, when done right. From nourishing face masks to natural exfoliants, DIY skincare offers a wide range of benefits using ingredients you may already have at home. Hear Dr. Alexandra Bowles’ thoughts on certain ingredients and methods in Byrdie’s article.

 

What to Know Before You Try DIY Skincare: 

Try a Test Patch

Before applying any DIY treatment, I always recommend starting with a patch test. By applying a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area (such as your jawline or wrist), you can check for any allergic reactions or irritation before applying it more broadly. This step is crucial to avoid any unexpected issues.

Be Mindful of the Ingredients You’re Using

While natural ingredients are often perceived as safe, they can still be harsh on your skin. Ingredients like lemon juice or baking soda, for example, may sound gentle but can irritate your skin, especially with regular use. From my experience, it’s essential to consider your skin’s needs and sensitivities before using any ingredient to avoid potential harm.

Don’t Overdo It

More isn’t always better when it comes to skincare. Overusing DIY treatments, particularly exfoliants or masks, can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation and breakouts. I always suggest limiting their use to once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s condition, to avoid overloading it.

Consider Your Skin Type

Your skin type plays a huge role in determining which DIY treatments will work best. For example, if you have oily skin, clay masks can help absorb excess oil, leaving your skin feeling fresh. For dry or sensitive skin, however, hydrating masks with ingredients like honey or aloe vera are gentler and won’t strip your skin’s moisture, which is essential for maintaining a healthy glow.

Consistency Is Key

When using DIY treatments, patience is necessary. Results typically take time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t notice immediate improvements. With consistent use of proper skincare, your skin will gradually improve. I always remind my patients that skincare is a marathon, not a sprint.

DIY Doesn’t Replace Professional Care

Although DIY skincare treatments can be beneficial, they shouldn’t replace professional skincare or dermatological advice. For persistent skin issues like acne, eczema, or rosacea, I strongly advise consulting with a dermatologist for a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Even if you’re using natural ingredients, don’t forget to protect your skin with sunscreen. Some ingredients, like citrus or honey, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. For optimal protection, make sure you apply SPF 30 or higher, especially if you’re using DIY treatments regularly.

Explore the science behind common DIY skincare ingredients and methods, and learn how to use them effectively and safely!

Avocado: Avocados are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, making them a powerhouse for skin hydration and nourishment. These nutrients help to improve skin elasticity, reduce dryness, and give your skin a healthy, plump appearance. I’ve found that avocados are especially beneficial for dry, normal, or mature skin types, providing intense moisture.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is a gentle, natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin. While it can improve skin texture, it may be too abrasive for those with sensitive or dry skin, so I always recommend exfoliating gently and testing first.

Turmeric and Yogurt: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to soothe and calm the skin. When mixed with yogurt, it hydrates and exfoliates gently, making it an ideal choice for dry or aging skin in need of extra brightness and balance.

Milk: Milk contains lactic acid, a mild exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells while adding moisture to the skin. It’s particularly effective for dry skin, as it helps to refresh and smooth the complexion, leaving skin soft and glowing.

Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter: Coconut oil is deeply hydrating, while cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients lock in moisture and leave the skin feeling smooth and nourished. However, I advise those with oily or acne-prone skin to be cautious, as coconut oil may clog pores, potentially leading to breakouts.

Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage. Additionally, its hydrating properties make it a great option for dry skin that needs some extra nourishment. Its rich texture helps to replenish moisture, leaving the skin looking smooth and radiant.

Strawberry: Strawberries contain salicylic acid, a natural exfoliant that clears pores and smooths skin. They’re beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin, preventing breakouts while brightening the complexion due to their high vitamin C content.

Honey: Honey is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture into the skin and helps retain hydration. It also has antibacterial properties, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. Honey works to soothe and hydrate the skin, promoting a healthy, soft texture.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber: Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and hydrating qualities, making it perfect for sensitive or irritated skin. When combined with cucumber, these two calm the skin and reduce puffiness, making it ideal for a refreshing and cooling treatment.

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant that helps absorb excess oil while soothing inflamed or irritated skin. It’s perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it provides a non-abrasive way to refresh and maintain a healthy complexion without irritation.

Sugar or Salt Scrubs: Salt and sugar scrubs are effective exfoliants that remove dead skin cells and enhance skin texture. Sugar is generally gentler than salt, making it a better choice for the face. However, both can be too harsh for sensitive skin, so patch testing is crucial before use.

Paraffin Wax Treatment for Hands: Paraffin wax is an excellent treatment for dry, cracked hands, providing intense moisture and leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. I recommend patients with cracked and dry skin do this three times weekly when they are flared or during winter months to create a form of seal on their hands and lock in moisture. You can do this on heels as well! 

Foot Scrub for Dry, Cracked Heels: A foot scrub is a great way to tackle dry, cracked heels. It exfoliates and softens tough skin, helping to maintain smooth, healthy-looking feet, particularly during the warmer months when feet are more exposed.

 

PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a concentration of healing platelets derived from your own blood. It’s commonly used in both medical and cosmetic treatments to promote skin regeneration, and has been found to have even better results when combined with procedures like microneedling. Hear Dr. Alexandra Bowles’ opinion on this dual treatment in MedEsthetics’ article on Women’s Health.

What is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It’s a concentration of platelets derived from your own blood and used in various medical and cosmetic treatments.

How does PRP help improve skin conditions like acne scars or aging skin when combined with microneedling?

Platelets are rich in growth factors, which are proteins that play an important role in skin repair and regeneration. When injected into the skin, PRP stimulates the body’s response to injury and promotes healing thereby promoting collagen production and improving skin texture and tone. PRP also stimulates fibroblasts  which are also responsible for collagen production. Improving collagen production helps with overall skin texture and tone.

Are there any new ways to use PRP with microneedling in dermatology?

I like to apply PRP evenly throughout the procedure so the PRP gets micro needled into the skin. Then I save a little behind to cover the entire face afterwards. This helps with improving downtime as well!

Can you share a case of great results with PRP and microneedling being used together?

I have many patients who are thrilled with their PRP results. Recently, I had a 44 year old woman who came to address skin texture and tone. After two microneedling with PRP sessions including injectable PRP under the eyes, her skin was softened and smoothed dramatically! 

 

What would you do for glowing skin? The latest skincare trend has people slathering beef tallow—rendered cow fat—on their faces. Hear what Dr. Alexandra Bowles has to say about this in NBC Select’s article exploring this new trend.

What is beef tallow?

It’s simply the fat that comes from cows. People have used it for centuries in many cultures, both for cooking and as a skincare ingredient. Essentially, they heat fat to remove impurities, leaving behind a smooth and nourishing substance. It contains fatty acids and vitamins, like A, D, E, and K.

Why might applying beef tallow to your face/skin help?

People believe that beef tallow can be beneficial because it contains the same fatty acids that your skin naturally has. These fatty acids, like oleic acid, help lock moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated. It also contains vitamins A and E, which can potentially help with skin regeneration, reducing scarring, and soothing irritated skin. That being said, similar ingredients can be found in other moisturizers or skincare products that are not animal-derived or oily. For this reason, I would recommend other moisturizer formulas over those that contain beef tallow. 

Is there any reason you should not apply beef tallow to your skin?

Beef tallow may work well for some people, but it isn’t suitable for all skin types. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it might not be the best choice. Because it’s a heavier moisturizer, it can clog pores for people with oily skin, potentially causing breakouts. Also, if you have any allergies to beef or animal products, it’s best to avoid it. I always recommend patch-testing on a small area first to see how your skin reacts.

If you want to try using beef tallow on your skin, how should you do it?

If you’re really interested in trying it, start slowly. Warm a small amount in your hands, then gently apply it to clean, slightly damp skin. You can use it as an overnight treatment, especially for dry or irritated areas. If you’re worried it’s too heavy, mix it with a lighter moisturizer to balance the texture. I would also recommend choosing a brand or source that conducts thorough testing on their products to reduce the risk of contamination, as it is an animal-derived product.

Is there any skin type that should avoid using beef tallow on the skin?

Those with oily or acne-prone skin should be careful with beef tallow, as it could clog pores and lead to breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, it’s also a good idea to proceed with caution, as some people may react to animal-based products. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check in with your dermatologist before introducing a new product.