| How to Exfoliate Your Face Posted: 07 Mar 2021 04:00 PM PST If you dream of having softer, more even skin, you've probably thought about incorporating exfoliation into your routine. Exfoliation can smooth out rough skin and may even help some skin treatments work better![1] However, you have to use the right kind of exfoliation for your skin type to get the best results and avoid irritation.[2] It's best to consult with a dermatologist about how to exfoliate your face. Depending on your needs, there are a number of products and medical procedures you can try. [Edit]Using an Exfoliating Scrub at Home - Pull your hair back. If you have long hair, pull all of it away from your face and secure it with a hair tie. If you have bangs, you may need a headband or pins to hold them back away from your face as well.
- Some exfoliating products are gritty or gunky, so it's best to avoid getting them in your hair!
- Cleanse your face with your usual cleanser. You'll get the best results if you clean your skin before exfoliating it.[3] Splash on a little lukewarm water and apply your favorite cleanser with your fingertips, then rinse it away with more lukewarm water.[4]
- To prevent irritation, choose a gentle cleanser that's free of harsh ingredients like alcohol, perfumes, or dyes.
- Don't use hot water, since it can irritate and dry out your skin.
- Apply your exfoliant in circular motions with your fingertips. Whatever exfoliant you're using, have it ready to go. Maybe you decided to make a scrub at home, or maybe you've purchased a product at the store. Either way, apply the exfoliating paste to your clean, wet skin. Use your fingertips to gently rub the paste in circular motions over your entire face for about 30 seconds.[5]
- Using your fingertips is the safest way to apply a scrub without irritating your skin. If you use a sponge, brush, or washcloth, keep your strokes very short and light. Don't rub the exfoliant into your skin!
- Don't exfoliate if you have open cuts, wounds, a sunburn, or active cold sores.
- Rinse the scrub off of your face with lukewarm water. Wash off all the exfoliating paste with warm, not hot, water. Make sure you've removed all of the scrub, otherwise your face will be sticky or grainy from the leftover scrub.[6]
- You can use a clean, dry towel to gently blot away excess water, but leave your face a little damp to make your moisturizer more effective.[7]
- Smooth on a moisturizer with sunscreen. Right after you're done exfoliating, while your face is still damp, apply a bit of moisturizer. This will help prevent your skin from drying out, which can cause irritation, breakouts, or peeling.[8] Choose a moisturizer that's non-comedogenic (won't clog your pores) and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 to prevent sun damage.[9]
- Your skin may be extra sensitive after exfoliating. Choose a gentle moisturizer that's free of harsh ingredients, like alcohol, dyes, perfumes, or parabens.
- Experiment to find the ideal exfoliation schedule. Some skin care specialists advise exfoliating as often as once a day.[10] However, if your skin is dry, sensitive, or easily irritated—or if you're using particularly strong exfoliants—you may need to do it less often.[11] If you're not sure how often to exfoliate, ask your doctor or dermatologist.
- Exfoliating too often or too aggressively can be counter-productive, leaving you with damaged, rough, or inflamed skin.
[Edit]Choosing Exfoliating Products - Examine your skin for oil or dryness to determine your skin type. Everyone's skin is different, so it's important to get the best exfoliant for your needs. Look at your skin closely to determine whether you have oily skin, normal skin, or dry skin before buying an exfoliating product. Dry skin is often flaky or itchy, while oily skin can feel greasy or look shiny.[12]
- If your skin tends to have a greasy sheen or is prone to breakouts, especially in the "T-zone" around your nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin, then you probably have oily skin.
- If your skin is dry, flaky, or prone to redness and itching, you may have dry or sensitive skin.
- Many people have a combination of the 2 types in different areas, in which case you may need to use different products on different parts of your face.
- Choose products with gentle acids or benzoyl peroxide if your skin is oily or acne-prone. When you buy an exfoliant, check the label and look at the active ingredients to make sure it's formulated for your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a product that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.[13]
- These ingredients can help to improve and prevent breakouts. You can also apply an alpha-hydroxy-acid or lactic acid cleanser, which helps remove dead skin cells.
- Use a product with retinoic acid to balance out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.[14]
- If you are allergic to aspirin, you should not use any product containing salicylic acid.
- Try an electric exfoliating brush for thick, oily skin.[15] Brands like Clarisonic, Foreo, and Anisa have developed tools that can be used to remove the outer layer of dead or uneven skin from your face. These brushes use sonic frequency to remove dirt and debris from your face without irritating your skin.[16]
- Though not as effective as a professional microdermabrasion treatment, these tools are much less expensive. They're a great alternative to microdermabrasion if you have uneven skin that's not super dry or sensitive.
- It is important to clean your brush once a week since it comes into contact with the dirt, bacteria, and oils on your face whenever you use it. Check your owner's manual for instructions on how to clean your brush properly.
- Opt for gentle scrubs if you have sensitive or dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, you'll need to give it more delicate TLC to prevent irritation. Look for products that are labeled as suitable for sensitive skin. Choose a gentle scrub with mild, anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal, instead of harsh chemical exfoliants.[17] These products are good for dry or easily irritated skin, too.
- Avoid scrubs with plastic microbeads, which are harmful to the environment.[18]
[Edit]Trying Professional Services - Treat yourself to a spa facial. Make exfoliating your face part of a relaxing spa day. Spas offer many dermatological services during facials, from exfoliation to deep cleansing treatments. Every once in a while, enjoy a relaxing day of pampering.[19] While you're there, treat yourself to a massage, too!
- During a typical spa facial, your aesthetician will cleanse, massage, and moisturize your skin. They may also apply masks or gentle exfoliating treatments.[20]
- If you have any skin concerns, such as unusually dry or sensitive skin, talk to a dermatologist about which spa treatments may be safe and beneficial for you.
- If you want to get a more intensive exfoliating treatment, such as a chemical peel, consult your dermatologist first. It's usually best to get those kinds of treatments in a dermatologist's office.
- Get professional microdermabrasion for deeper exfoliation. Also referred to as mechanical exfoliation or micro-resurfacing, microdermabrasion uses a mechanical suction tube with an exfoliating tip to get rid of dead or dry layers of skin.[21] It cleans out pores and rejuvenates skin, though the process does need to be repeated every few weeks to maintain the positive effects. Talk to your dermatologist about whether this treatment is right for you.
- Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that is performed in-office by a dermatologist. On average, a microdermabrasion procedure costs around $136 in the U.S.[22]
- Depending on your needs and the condition of your skin, you might need treatments anywhere from once a week to once a month.[23]
- Don't do microdermabrasion if you scar easily or have used the medicine isotretinoin within the past 6 months. If you are on any type of acne medication, ask your dermatologist before getting any microdermabrasion treatments.
- Try a chemical peel as an alternative to microdermabrasion. If you do not have dry or sensitive skin, you may be a candidate for getting a chemical peel from a dermatologist every 4-6 weeks. Chemical peel solutions contain acids that help to remove dead skin, speed cell regeneration, or both.[24] The top layer of your skin will be red and irritated for a few days after a chemical peel, and then it will begin to heal itself and generate fresh, smooth skin.[25]
- On average, a chemical peel costs around $644 in the U.S. However, the price can vary a great deal depending on factors like the type of peel you're getting and the doctor's experience level.[26]
- Chemical peels can be done at light, medium, or deep levels depending on your desired results. Deeper peels take longer to heal.
- Your skin will probably look red for a little while after a chemical peel. Other less common risks include scarring, changes in skin color, and infection. The carbolic acid in deep chemical peels can also cause heart, kidney, or liver damage, so talk to your doctor before trying this treatment.
- Before you use a new product, especially if it's a chemical exfoliant, do a patch test to make sure that you don't have an allergic reaction. Choose a square on the inside of your wrist or your elbow. Dampen the area and apply the exfoliant. Wait for 24-48 hours. If you notice any reaction, such as itching, burning, a rash, redness, or hives, don't use the product on your face.[27]
- Over-the-counter products that contain retinol or alpha-hydroxy acid can both help exfoliate your skin by increasing cell turnover.[28]
- Be gentle with your skin and avoid using too many exfoliating products. Over-exfoliating can cause redness, irritation, and other skin problems.[29]
[Edit]Warnings - Be sure to consult with a dermatologist before exfoliating if you have a darker skin tone or if you scar easily. Using improper technique could result in skin color changes.[30]
- Some skin products can make your skin more sensitive or more likely to peel, like those with benzoyl peroxide or retinol.[31] Be careful exfoliating if you already use one of these products.
- If you have a mole or discolored spot on your skin that is growing or changing, see a doctor right away to get checked for skin cancer.[32]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Be Authentic on Instagram Posted: 07 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PST Portraying your authentic self on Instagram makes your experiences and interactions a lot more meaningful. Since Instagram is such a public platform, it's normal to want to show the best aspects of your life, but if that's all you post, your profile can end up feeling overly curated and dishonest. There are lots of ways to prevent that, though! We'll start with tricks that anyone can use to improve their authenticity on Instagram and then move into some specific tips for brands and influencers. [Edit]Create and share original content. - Original content that reflects who you are is peak authenticity. It's fine to share content created by other people occasionally (as long as you credit them), but if you want your true personality to shine through, the content needs to be created by you and reflect your real personality. Try to cultivate your own unique style, both aesthetically and through audience engagement.[1]
- Really think about your content before you post. Make it a point to use imagery and ideas that come from within each time.[2]
- For example, if you're an avid hiker, you might post images of scenic landscapes from your outings. Common themes might appear in your images because you're drawn to certain things, like unusual trees and plants. Go with what you're drawn to and build on that to create your own unique style.
[Edit]Use hashtags to attract like-minded followers. - Hashtags help you connect more quickly to your ideal audience. Using hashtags is one of the best and easiest ways to connect with people who are similar to you or who share your interests. Shared interests and passions create strong connections that feel communal and authentic.[3]
- For example, if you're into science fiction novels, try hashtags like "#sciencefiction," "#scifi," and "#scifiart."
[Edit]Engage with your followers on a real level. - Interaction shows others that you're a person not a product. Engagement takes time and effort, but that's how authentic connections are forged! To engage in a meaningful way, follow other people, comment and "like" their posts, and reply to thoughtful DMs and comments on your posts.[4]
- It's also important to show appreciation, especially as your audience gets bigger. Remember to thank them for their support regularly.[5]
[Edit]Limit your use of Photoshop and heavy filters. - Perfection isn't sincere or relatable. Social media always involves some level of curation, but you don't want your Instagram platform to feel like a performance. Cranking up the contrast or saturation can look cool, and using filters like FaceTune might make you feel more confident, but your followers can't relate to perfection. At the end of the day, perfection just isn't real or honest.[6]
- You don't need to completely avoid cool filters or Photoshop, but avoid using them in every single post.
[Edit]Post images that don't feel hyper-curated. - Showcasing only your best moments paints a fake portrait. The desire to portray your best self on social media is completely natural and understandable. However, if all you post are images are of you meeting cool people, doing cool things, or traveling to exotic places, you're curating the story of your life rather than honestly depicting it.[7]
- That doesn't mean you have to post images of you at your worst or reveal private aspects of your personal life that are embarrassing or humiliating. Just try to avoid treating Instagram like a highlight reel of your life.
- Pepper in occasional images of you acting goofy with your friends, doing silly things, and looking less-than-perfect to strike a balance between honesty and curation.[8]
[Edit]Post manually rather than using automated tools. - Going fully automated usually feels robotic, aloof, and callous. Automation tools can definitely help your brand meet marketing goals and complete more tasks every day, but overusing them breaks the human connection you have with your followers. That doesn't mean you can't ever use these convenient tools, but try to engage in a manual, organic way at least once a day.[9]
- Spending hours on social media every day simply isn't feasible. When you're busy, aim to comment, like, or respond to people a couple of times throughout the day. This won't take tons of time and goes a long way toward humanizing your brand.
[Edit]Maintain a consistent style as your brand grows. - Super-slick images and videos tend to feel like blatant advertising. It's normal to use more professional equipment as your brand grows, but don't overdo it. As an influencer, you want to present polished images to your audience, but going too far could alienate them. Try to maintain the same style and look that attracted your followers in the first place.[10]
- For example, upgrading to more professional camera equipment makes sense, but you probably don't need to invest in high-end stuff like drones.
- If you've always posted colorful and quirky images from your beach travel adventures, that's the style your audience expects from you. Be sure to maintain that as your brand develops! That doesn't mean you can't evolve or try new things, but if you suddenly start posting stark images of urban locales, your audience will be pretty confused.
- Ask your followers for their preferences and feedback. It's easy to get caught up in brand-building and forget that you're conversing with actual human beings, not just faceless followers or customers. Create a more personal atmosphere by asking your followers what you can do to improve both your brand and your content. Demonstrate that you care about their needs and want to provide the best product, service, or experience possible.[11]
- For example, if you do a weekly podcast, ask your followers if they prefer how-to episodes or episodes with guest interviews.
- If you're a radio DJ, ask your followers if they like your voice spots between songs, or if they'd rather have uninterrupted blocks of music.
[Edit]Cultivate relationships with brands that share your values. - Vet brands and/or individuals before partnering with them. Working with and cross-promoting brands that aren't on the same page as you devalues your brand and comes off as fake to your followers. Build relationships with brands/people that complement your own goals to create authentic connections in the public eye.[12]
- For example, if your brand values gender equality and you often emphasize creative women in your content, partnering with women in your industry who own and operate their own businesses would be advantageous and authentic.
- To cultivate relationships, start by researching hash tags in your niche to explore what your industry peers are doing. For example, if you're a zero-waste skin care brand that uses organic ingredients, check out other organic beauty brands and zero-waste packaging companies.
- DM brands that stand out or have a similar/complementary vibe to your own about possibly working together. You might suggest ideas like cross-promoting each other's products, teaming up to offer discount codes to customers, or collaborating on a joint product.
[Edit]Break up sponsored content with normal selfies and posts. - Posting non-stop sponsored content can be distracting or off-putting. Constant marketing makes people feel like you want one thing from them—their money. As an influencer, sponsored content is your bread and butter, but if you start focusing only on sponsored content and let your personality fall through the cracks, your followers might start hitting that "unfollow" button.[13]
[Edit]References |
| How to End an Open Letter Posted: 07 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST If you have something to say to a large group of people or you'd like to remain anonymous, you might have written an open letter. Ending an open letter isn't much different from ending a classic letter, but there are a few methods you can choose from depending on what you're writing and where the letter is going. By concluding strongly and picking out the right signature type for you, you can end your letter firmly to get your point across. [Edit]Reiterate your point in the concluding paragraph. - Summarize your main points to really drive them home. Your conclusion doesn't have to be too long; 2 to 3 sentences is enough to get your point across. You can even include some facts and figures if you'd like to. For example:[1]
- "Barnardo's has a budget of over £300 million and a CEO who is paid more than the Prime Minister. It is not good enough to say that, as a charity, you cannot afford to look after your employees. There is enough money—but perhaps not the will."
- "By the year 2030, America will run out of its natural resources needed to keep our society going. If we keep consuming the way we have been for decades now, the timeline may even speed up."
[Edit]Suggest a solution to solve the problem. - Come up with a realistic way to solve any issues you're facing. Try not to write a list of demands; instead, make your solution reasonable and doable so it's more likely to be taken seriously. If the solution is realistic, there's a better chance your letter will be taken seriously. For example:[2]
- "We request that all employees get a $1 hourly raise by February 1st, 2021. We also request that employees get 1 week of paid vacation on top of sick leave and personal absence time."
- "In order to solve this problem, we all must be more cautious about our buying habits and our carbon footprint."
[Edit]Include a call to action to get more people on board. - This is especially important if you are calling for a general strike. Ask your fellow employees, community members, or people in the area to support you when you conclude your open letter. Make your call to action direct and specific so people know exactly what you're asking. For example:[3]
- "With that being said, I am calling for a labor strike starting on March 21st, 2022. I propose that all employees stay home from work until our demands are met or a compromise from both parties is reached."
- "I want to encourage everyone to cut back on their usage of plastic and try to reduce their waste to slow the effects of climate change."
[Edit]Explain how the recipient should respond to your letter. - If your letter is anonymous, the recipient might not be able to reach you. You could ask that they email a staff member, call a staff meeting, or respond with their own open letter. Include a date so they know when you'd like them to respond by. Say something like:[4]
- "You can respond by calling a general staff meeting one week from today on February 7th, 2021."
[Edit]Finish your letter with a traditional signoff. - You can end an open letter just like a regular letter. This means you could put "best," "sincerely," or "regards." If your open letter is positive or uplifting, you could even say something like, "your friend."[5]
- If the topic of your open letter is a little heavy, you don't have to include a signoff. Just put your name and signature at the end instead.
[Edit]Include your name to gather support. - This is a good idea for letters that don't put your job at risk. If you wrote an open letter to a large company that you aren't affiliated with or one to the general public, feel free to sign off with your printed name and signature so people can contact you with their support.[6]
- This is also a good idea if you're a CEO writing to your employees or the head of a major company writing a letter to your customers. If your name will give your letter more credibility, you should include it.
[Edit]Use a phrase in place of your name to reiterate your point. - Give yourself a new name that represents your letter. This could be something like, "a concerned citizen," "a worried employee," or "a disgruntled alumni." Make sure you can't be identified, but still get your point across.[7]
- This is a great tactic for letters that may reach a wide audience, like letters-to-the-editor or ones published online.
[Edit]Sign off as a group if you represent multiple people. - You might be writing an open letter for your coworkers or peers. If that's the case, you can put your group or affiliation as the signature instead of singling yourself out. It's a great way to identify yourself without threatening your livelihood. For example:[8]
- "Signed, PSU alumni."
- "Sincerely, The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association."
[Edit]Keep it anonymous if your livelihood is at risk. - This is especially true if you are demanding something from your employer. You can leave the signature part of the letter blank or put something like "employee" or "alumni" in its place. Make sure the letter is printed instead of handwritten so it can't be traced back to you.[9]
- Use caution if you're writing an open letter to your employer to protect your identity. If they see you as a threat and can trace the letter back to you, there is a chance you could lose your job.
- Put pressure on the recipient by adding supporters to your letter. You can have everyone hand-sign the printed copy, or you can collect digital signatures via email. Put all the signatures at the end of your letter (the more, the better).[10]
- This is a great visual representation of everyone in support of your demands.
- Reread your letter a few times before you send it to check for grammar and spelling errors.
[Edit]References |
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