Your skin sheds its dead surface cells about every 25 days, but if those cells pile up, your complexion can look dull and uneven. Regular exfoliation removes them and leaves the face with a clean canvas so makeup blends and moisturizing products absorb more easily.
Whether you use a physical scrub or liquid chemical exfoliant, you can reap the benefits of smooth, glowing skin. Here’s how to do it safely.
Physical Scrubs
Adding exfoliation to your beauty routine twice per week can help your skin look and feel smoother and more radiant. But with so many physical (like scrubs) and chemical exfoliators on the market, it can be hard to know what type of product is right for you. To help, we asked six board-certified dermatologists to share their best tips and tricks for exfoliating at home.
Physical exfoliants include products that contain granules or beads that scrub the face and body to remove dead skin cells. This may be in the form of a scrub, a dry brush or a sponge used with water, soap or body wash. These granules can be anything from sugar and salt to walnut powder and coffee grounds. They also might contain alpha hydroxy acids, which are water-soluble molecules that soften the surface of the skin and dissolve dead skin. Examples of AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid.
The main reason to avoid most physical scrubs is that too much abrasion can cause micro-tears in the outer layer of the skin, which leads to inflammation, redness and itching. For this reason, if you have sensitive skin, you should only use them sparingly or skip them altogether and opt for a gentle chemical exfoliator.
If you do choose a physical exfoliator, look for one that is very gentle and doesn’t have large chunky granules, suggests Dr. Garshick. “The goal is to get rid of the dead skin cells, not create damage and trauma,” she says. “If your skin becomes irritated, you’ve gone too far.”
A physical exfoliant that is gentle enough to be used on a daily basis is the St. Ives Apricot Scrub or the Kylie Jenner Walnut Face Scrub, both of which were the subject of controversy when she released them as part of her skincare line in 2019. The other option is to use a soft washcloth or an exfoliating glove for the face and neck, which can be even more gentle than a physical product and also boosts blood circulation.
Chemical Exfoliators
Dead skin cells build up on the surface of your skin, which can lead to dullness and clogged pores. While they normally shed on their own, exfoliating can help accelerate the process and reveal fresher skin. However, it’s important to know how to exfoliate properly so you don’t damage the surface or cause acne breakouts.
The most common way to exfoliate is with a physical scrub, but there are also chemical options. The key is to choose a formula that works for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, alpha hydroxy acids are a good choice. These work by dissolving the intercellular glue that holds the dead skin cells together. Once the cells are released, they’re easily rinsed away. You can find AHAs in over-the-counter exfoliating products, or you can have a dermatologist apply them as a peel.
If you have dry skin, try beta hydroxy acids. These also dissolve the buildup of dead skin on the surface of your face, but they’re more gentle than AHAs. You can usually exfoliate with these 3-4 times a week.
Sensitive skin requires special care when it comes to exfoliation. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you should exfoliate no more than once or twice per week. You should also use a physical scrub that’s gentle enough for your skin, or a liquid exfoliant that contains BHAs. These break down the lipid barrier to remove dirt and dead skin cells without irritating your complexion. Pam from Mom Does Reviews about self-care that might help you in your life decisions.
Liquid exfoliators come in a variety of formulations, from body washes to leave-on treatments. For best results, apply the product to clean, dry skin — especially after showering or using a back brush for hard-to-reach areas. Then, follow with your regular moisturizer. If you’re unsure what type of exfoliator is right for you, test different products on your hand or ask an expert.
Peels
Exfoliating can be a great way to smooth and even skin tone, reduce clogged pores and get rid of blackheads, but it can also irritate your skin barrier and cause damage. That’s why it’s important to use the right type of exfoliator for your skin and not overdo it, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Physical scrubs often contain rough particles that can cause micro-tears in the surface of your skin. This can leave your face vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria, clogged pores and broken capillaries. Peels, on the other hand, are a much safer and more effective way to remove dead skin cells.
Unlike scrubs, peels have finer particles that are less likely to cause damage and they work by chemically breaking down the proteins in your skin’s surface. This allows the acid to remove the dead skin and encourage cell turnover without irritating or damaging your complexion.
For gentle exfoliation, you can try a chemical peel with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic acid that’s derived from sugar cane or lactic acid that’s naturally found in milk. You can also find exfoliating treatments with beta-hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid), which are more suitable for oily or thicker skin types because they dissolve sebum and other oils that contribute to clogged pores.
After exfoliating, it’s important to gently rinse away any residue and apply a soothing moisturizer. You should also avoid sun exposure or other environmental factors that can cause your skin to burn and redden. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you can also try a self-neutralizing peel that’s free of AHA and BHA.
When you’re ready to start incorporating exfoliating into your routine, it’s best to begin by testing out products and seeing how your skin reacts. Remember, scrubbing too hard can actually cause micro-tears in the skin. That’s why it’s important not to overdo it, and always exfoliate in the morning after your skin has had a chance to repair itself from the night before.
If you’re looking for a professional treatment to help you achieve smooth, glowing skin, contact us to learn about our array of facial peels that are customized for your specific needs.
Moisturizer
The goal of exfoliating is to slough away dead skin cells, and it’s important for smooth and glowing skin. However, over-exfoliating can damage the surface of the skin and cause sensitivity and irritation. Exfoliating regularly removes build-up of dirt and oil that can block pores and prevent hydration products and moisturizers from being absorbed properly. This results in dry, flaky skin that looks dull and can create an uneven complexion.
To make sure you’re exfoliating safely, experts recommend starting with a product that is formulated for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to only exfoliate two or three times a week with physical scrubs and use only a light touch, as vigorous scrubbing can cause micro-tears in the skin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can usually tolerate a more frequent exfoliation schedule with both physical and chemical exfoliators.
If you have dry skin, you can usually use both physical and chemical exfoliators. But it’s a good idea to limit your use of physical scrubs to only twice a week to avoid irritating your skin, and to only exfoliate with a chemical product (like an AHA or BHA) when you’re able to use a leave-on treatment, such as a serum, mask or moisturizing cream. When using a chemical exfoliant, it’s also recommended to only apply it to slightly damp skin to help avoid irritation.
Exfoliating the body is just as important as exfoliating the face, and it’s even more important for maintaining hydrated and healthy skin. A full-body exfoliator helps buff away the dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface of the skin, and can also improve circulation which will give the skin a radiant glow.
A great way to exfoliate the body is to use a body scrub or a body wash that contains an exfoliating ingredient, such as sugar or micro-beads, while showering. Just be sure to rinse the scrub or soap off completely before stepping out of the shower, and always pat skin dry before applying moisturizer. It’s also a good idea to exfoliate the skin on your elbows, feet and hands where dry skin tends to build up and become flaky.