Exfoliation is important, even if you have acne but what about exfoliating your skin with a washcloth if you have acne?

Exfoliating your acne skin with a washcloth will only make the acne worse. A washcloth is too abrasive for pimples. If you use a washcloth on the pimples your skin can get red, irritated and inflamed. In addition, washcloths can hold bacteria and dirt which can make your acne even worse.

Exfoliating is beneficial for all skin types.

There are many exfoliating options that fall under the term physical exfoliation, using a washcloth is one of them.

But are you exfoliating with a washcloth when you have acne? This article explains why you really shouldn’t.

You may be avoiding exfoliation to prevent the possibility of it irritating your skin and aggravating your acne but this step should not be skipped.

If done correctly, and in a way that doesn’t irritate your skin, then your acne will heal much faster. If you have acne you should use a chemical exfoliator, this chemical exfoliator works well.

Exfoliating your acne skin with a washcloth?

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is anything that will remove the dead skin cells off of your skin. This removal of dead skin cells will give you new fresh skin. Removing dead skin cells will prevent clogged pores.

Physical exfoliation is done using scrubs, polishes, cleansing pads and washcloths.

The chemical exfoliators (yes it’s safe, read more here) uses chemicals to either dissolve or loosen the bonds that the dead skin cells have on the new fresh skin underneath.

This is done with an enzyme or an acid. 

Do I need to exfoliate if I have acne?

Yes, you definitely need to exfoliate if you have acne.

Everyone develops dead skin cells on their face.

If the dead skin cells are left on for too long then they can mix with the sebum on your skin and with the acne-causing bacteria that may be on your face and cause pimples

You need to remove those dead skin cells to expose your smooth fresh skin underneath. If you have acne the exfoliator will clean out your clogged pores and get rid of the acne

If you have acne or any other blemish that involves your pores being blocked the best exfoliation for your skin is chemical exfoliation.

Chemical exfoliation works on a cellular level to unclog the pores.

This type of exfoliator helps to break up the contents in your pore relieving your skin from the clog.

You should avoid using a physical exfoliator or a washcloth when trying to exfoliate, this will only irritate your skin.

How often should I exfoliate if I have acne?

That differs by skin type but if you have acne you’ll want to exfoliate often and regularly.

Generally, the golden rule of exfoliation is to exfoliate 2-3 times a week, this is also true for people who have acne.

This will allow you to remove the dead skin cells off of your face but also give your skin a break to recuperate after each exfoliation.

There are some gentle exfoliates that can be used on a daily basis if you desire to exfoliate daily.

This exfoliator can be used on a daily basis, it’s a gentle chemical exfoliator.

Can you exfoliate with a washcloth with acne?

When you exfoliate with a washcloth the process may seem gentle but it’s pretty abrasive on your skin.

As you go over your skin with the washcloth the skin can become raw, irritated and inflamed.

This will make your acne feel worse and get angrier. If you have acne then you should rather stick to chemical exfoliators which are gentler on the skin.

In addition, washcloths can hold bacteria and fungus for long periods of time.

We usually store washcloths in our bathrooms, bathrooms are the moistest parts of the house. They are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi to grow.

When you flush (even with a closed toilet) the bacteria will eventually get to your washcloth.

In addition, we generally don’t let the washcloth dry well enough and this creates a damp warm habitat for fungi and bacteria. When used on the face this can lead to infection.

To avoid washing with a dirty cloth you will need to pop it in the washer on high heat with blech to properly clean it

There are simply better options on the market. There are so many skincare options on the market that we can pick and choose from that will exfoliate your skin in an easier and cleaner way.

Can exfoliating cause acne?

If you use the wrong exfoliator for your skin it can cause acne.

In addition, you can develop purging if you’re using an exfoliator for the first time. The skin usually sheds dead skin every 2-4 weeks.

When you use an exfoliating product you force the skin to remove the dead skin cells faster.

As you exfoliate you bring to the surface any pimples that have already been forming under the skin.

If the pimples are similar in size, shape and redness as the ones you usually have then this is purging, if the pimples are angrier and rid its acne.

You can read more about the difference between acne and skin purging here.

Does over-exfoliating cause acne?

Over exfoliation can cause a variety of skin concerns, even for your lips.

When you over-exfoliate you create micro-tears in your skin and thus damage the skin’s moisture barrier. This allows impurities to enter the skin.

These can include bacteria that cause acne. You need to make sure that you know your skin well enough to know how much exfoliation it can handle

In addition, over-exfoliation can remove the healthy skin cells off of your face and cause micro-tears, this results in a damaged moisture barrier.

When your moisture barrier is damaged any products or external irritants can enter the skin through these openings and irritate your skin.

Exfoliation safety tips:

• Make sure you are not using more than one exfoliating product in the same routine. This will cause your skin to become worse, it will also give you dry skin which will give you more acne. You can alternate the exfoliators you use in your skincare routine but don’t use one type of exfoliator then use another exfoliator right after.

• If you are having trouble figuring out what exfoliator to use then you should see your dermatologist for advice on the subject.  If you can’t see a dermatologist start with a gentle chemical exfoliator to test your skin’s tolerance

• If your skin is getting irritated by your acne treatments you need to talk to your dermatologist before you start to use an exfoliator, a combination of the two can damage your skin. You also need to make sure that you are moisturizing correctly at the right time while on these harsher acne treatments.

• Ensure that you aren’t exfoliating your face more than 2/3 times a week. If you have sensitive skin then you should only exfoliate around once a week.

• If your skin is getting red, irritated, and burning from the exfoliation then it’s too harsh for your skin and you need to try something less abrasive.

• You need to make sure that you moisturize well after exfoliation. If not your skin can dry out and cause pimples as a result of your skin trying to overcompensate by overproducing oil (sebum) in an effort to hydrate and moisturize your skin. Thus causing acne. This moisturiser will help rebuild your skins moisture barrier.

Is it better to use a loofah or washcloth?

They are quite similar in that they can carry bacteria and fungus but the washcloth is a slightly better option to use when compared to the loofah.

The loofah has too many nooks and crannies which make it a great place for fungus and bacteria to grow.

Washcloths can harbour bacteria but loofa takes the cake because it can carry more bacteria.

When you shower and your pores open the loofa or washcloth can introduce bacteria right into your open pores. When you cool down after the shower the pores close locking the bacteria in.

How many times should you clean a washcloth?

If you want a good clean wash you need to make sure the washcloth is clean before it touches your face.

Bacteria and fungus can grow very quickly so it’s best that you wash the washcloth after every use, you can also throw it in the washing machine to give it a really good clean.

This will allow you to properly clean your face and not spread bacteria from the washcloth to your face.

Alternatively, you can wash it or machine wash it every 3-4 days. But the total number of days you should keep your washcloth is 60 days.

What is the best exfoliator for acne-prone skin?

A good exfoliator will help give you clean clear and smooth skin. You will need a chemical exfoliator which contains AHA’s or BHA’s.  

The best exfoliator for acne-prone skin is the Paulas Choice–SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

It is an effective exfoliator that is gentle on your face but tough on acne. It contains salicylic acid which will help balance any excess sebum on or face.

The salicylic acid in the product will break up the bonds between the sebum and the dead skin cells which clog your pore. Thus relieving you of the acne.

If your skin cells are shedding abnormally it will help to correct this problem as well.

Does exfoliating help acne marks?

Yes, exfoliating does help acne marks disappear.

Exfoliation helps bring new fresh skin to the surface. This new fresh skin will replace the old skin that has acne marks.

If you exfoliate on a regular basis, (one to three times a week) your skin’s appearance will improve over time.

Note: always use sunscreen if you’ll be out in the sun after exfoliating. Exfoliation makes the skin vulnerable and the sun’s rays can make the dark marks darker if not protected

What happens if you don’t exfoliate?

As we age our skin sheds slower, that’s why a baby’s skin looks smooth and glowing and mature skin looks less smooth and glowing.

As we age we need to exfoliate to maintain a smooth and glowing appearance. If you don’t exfoliate these things can happen:

Dull skin: the dead skin cells on your face will build up and give you a dull complexion. This can also lead to dry patchy skin

Products don’t work as well: if you have a layer of dead skin cells on your face your skincare products won’t work as well. Your products can’t get to the new skin because they are being shielded by the dead skin cells.

Breakouts: the dead skin cells will clog up your pores if you don’t get rid of them by exfoliating on a regular basis.

Does drinking water help acne?

Yes, drinking water can help acne. The sebum (natural oils) on your skin is produced by your sebaceous glands, this sebum moisturizes your skin.

When your skin is dry this triggers your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum in an effort to moisturize the skin.

The skin can overproduce this sebum, this excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and acne-causing bacteria thus causing acne.

When you drink water you are not only hydrating your body but your skin as well, this keeps your skin soft, smooth and moisturized.

If your skin is hydrated your skin is not triggered to produce excess sebum in an effort to hydrate and moisturizer itself.

So yes, drinking water has the ability to help ward off breakouts. Water also reduces rough skin

Should I wash my face with my hands or a washcloth?

If you’re removing makeup, dirt and debris from the environment and you have absolutely nothing other than the washcloth or your hands then you should use the washcloth, just don’t make using a washcloth a habit.

The washcloth will at least remove the makeup, sunscreen, dirt more effectively than your hands can.

If you can, you should use an oil cleanser then a good gel cleanser with a handheld facial brush with soft bristles as to not harm the delicate organ that is your skin.

It will also be a good idea to use a gel cleanser that contains glycolic or salicylic acid to help clean your face. This is a good oil cleanser.

That’s the full look at exfoliating your skin with a washcloth if you have acne. I hope that this has helped you make an informed decision about your skincare.

I hope that you find better options than a washcloth to exfoliate with. If you enjoyed this article please share it.