Question for the ladies: How do you "exfoliate?"

Dussicar · Sep 18, 2009

Because of the intense heat as of late, I have developed tender red bumps on my chin that my doctor claims is attributed to ingrown hairs due to excessive dirt and oil on my face. I also work in an environment that is fifteen degrees hotter inside than outside with humidity thrown in to the mix, so you can appreciate the never ending problem I have.

I will get one bump and then just like fucking clockwork another will appear right when the last goes away.

This is seriously pissing me the fuck off. I'm having fantasies about my face and an angle grinder on a regular basis.

Anyhow...The good doctor has suggested that I try to exfoliate...The problem with this is that I have no clue what he is talking about. I know the word and know it's associated with commercials of women splashing water on their faces in slow motion while Natasha Beddingfield songs are playing in the background, but other than that I have ABSOLUTELY no clue what it means or what to use or even what to do!

If anyone out there can shed some light on my exfoliating problem I would be most greatful.

How do I do it/what products should I use/how often?

Any help is appreciated. Thanx.

AngelOfDarkness · Sep 18, 2009

There are different products you could use, like a Neutrogena facial scrub. Just follow the directions on the package and you should be fine. Make sure to moisturize, it dries your skin out.

Artoo · Sep 18, 2009

I know the word and know it's associated with commercials of women splashing water on their faces in slow motion while Natasha Beddingfield songs are playing in the background, but other than that I have ABSOLUTELY no clue what it means or what to use or even what to do!

I know I'm not a woman, and thus shouldn't be responding, but you just made me shoot beer outta my nose with this sentence! :bowing:

TklDuo-Ann · Sep 18, 2009

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin. There are several ways you can do it. If you're among the many who do not use a washcloth when washing your face (or other areas), that's one place to begin. A washcloth will help to remove dead skin as you wash. Using hot water when you do...possibly even soaking the washcloth with hot water and holding it on the effected areas for a minute or so before washing...will help to open the pours and allow ingrown hair to grow through as it should.

If your skin is getting oily from the hot and humid work environment, you might try using those silly brown paper towels that most bathrooms have. It actually soaks up the oils rather well. It can help control the buildup.

Beyond that, products like the Nutrogena that AoD suggested will help if needed.

BrightEyes1082 · Sep 19, 2009

Get this: http://www.stridex.com/DualSolutionsIntensiveRepair.htm

My brother uses it, it's designed for teenage boys. When I was home
last month, I broke out and used it, and it cleared me right up. The
pads are scratchy, therefore exfoliating. And the medication in them
is powerful. I didn't even end up using the cream on the dual-end. Just
the pads. So give this a try. 🙂

asutickler · Sep 19, 2009

I'm still prone to breakouts despite my advanced years, so I use Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cleanser on a daily basis. It works pretty well. There's also a "facial scrub" version that might help you out if you want something to exfoliate with.

chicago · Sep 19, 2009

This stuff is pretty awesome and not overly expensive. You can find it pretty much at any drugstore.

Angel77 · Sep 19, 2009

Yes!

AnnieHall said:
This stuff is pretty awesome and not overly expensive. You can find it pretty much at any drugstore.

I was JUST going to post this! I have used this stuff since I was a teen and it's great! Works better than anything expensive that I've used. Also, if you work in an environment that does a number on your pores, try using those oil absorbing face pads (there are several folks that make them and I don't have a fave - they all work pretty good) and that might help you out as well. Good luck!

Dussicar · Sep 23, 2009

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

I took the washcloth idea to heart immediately. The next day, I went to my local pharmacy and was able to find the St. Ives Apricot scrub (they didn't have any of the other items you awesome people recommended, or believe you me, I would have bought them all out of sheer desperation). The Stridex Dual Solutions looks pretty good for something quick to use at work.

Thus far, my ritual is to apply the hot facecloth to my face paying special attention to my jawline (where it usually originates from) and then hopping in the shower and using the apricot scrub while washing myself off.

HOWEVER...I found a home remedy on the net that has also done wonders for my regimen: Warm salt water! I dump 1 and a quarter teaspoons of salt in a cup of warm water after my shower (a measuring cup, not an actual drinking cup) and gently applying it to affected areas with a Q-tip. I top this off by applying moisturiser at the end.

What a difference! I ended up getting another damned ingrown hair on tuesday afternoon but as of right now, the swelling has gone almost down. What's more is that my blemishes never come to a head...Well, it did today...Unfortunately, being the natural born fucking genius I am, I decided to squeeze it for fun and then had to apply ice to it to get the swelling down...Fucking retard! :banghead: