These face exfoliators range from physical scrubs and abrasive skin peels to chemical exfoliants containing alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids; all designed to buff away buildup while increasing cell turnover. Furthermore, their use helps serums and moisturizers penetrate more deeply for maximum effectiveness.
Subtle exfoliation will reveal brighter, smoother skin that looks even and radiant while evening out complexions with uneven tones. But it’s essential that you use an exfoliator tailored specifically for your skin type that won’t cause irritation.
Brighter complexion
Our bodies shed approximately 30,000-40,000 dead cells every minute, but this process can become hindered due to sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, or simply getting older. When dead cells build up on our complexions they can look dull and dry. Exfoliation helps remove dead cells to reveal fresher-looking skin while simultaneously helping other skincare products penetrate more deeply into the dermis.
Physical exfoliators such as physical scrubs can help exfoliate your face physically while chemical exfoliators contain alpha, beta or poly hydroxy acids (or azelaic acid) can dissolve the bonds holding dead cells to your surface of the face so they can easily shed.
There are gentle yet effective exfoliation products on the market that utilize enzymes like lactic acid for exfoliation, acting like mild retinol without irritation. For deeper exfoliation, look for products containing salicylic acid which is oil-soluble to reach deep within pores to clear away impurities and decrease inflammation.
Smoother skin
As soon as a complexion is free from dead skin cells, its complexion looks smoother, with time even out surface pigmentation and other skincare products more effectively penetrating your skin for maximum efficacy.
Your body naturally sheds dead skin cells every 28 days; by exfoliating regularly, this process can be speeded up considerably – leaving fewer dry, flaky cells behind to clog pores and cause breakouts.
Dependent upon your skin type and tolerance, physical or chemical exfoliators may be appropriate. As a starting point, exfoliate once weekly if you have normal skin, and 2-3 times per week if oily or sensitive skin requires extra help. We suggest trying an exfoliating cleanser like this one that contains nutrient-rich botanicals to nourish skin while glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids to slough away dry patches plus rosehip seed oil and aloe vera leaf juice for soothing benefits.
More even skin tone
Exfoliation removes dead, dull cells that contribute to uneven and blotchy complexions, helping even out your tone while diminishing dark spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring – leaving more radiant, beautiful-looking skin in its place.
Regular exfoliation can unclog pores and leave your skin feeling silky-smooth to the touch, as well as boost collagen production for firm and plump results over time.
Your skin type dictates which physical or chemical exfoliator would best benefit it, to reduce irritation. For dry skin, use gentle scrubbing particles or retinol serum. For oily or acne-prone skin types, an AHA exfoliator like glycolic acid may help brighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation while salicylic acid also offers benefits in terms of unclogging pores and brightening dark spots.
Chemical exfoliators may also be an ideal option for sensitive skin as they don’t involve harsh scrubbing but instead rely on enzymes or other natural ingredients like papaya, pineapple and pumpkin enzymes for exfoliating without irritating your complexion. Kate Somerville’s Liquid ExfoliKate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment contains such an exfoliator; for instance it includes glycolic and malic acids alongside papaya, pineapple and pumpkin enzymes to even out skin tone and boost cellular turnover without creating irritation.
Reduced appearance of acne
Exfoliation helps clear away dry, dead skin cells that have amassed over time and may clog your pores causing acne breakouts. By speeding up cell turnover processes in your skin’s natural process, exfoliation also assists with clearing away dead cells faster.
Physical and chemical exfoliators exist; physical exfoliators include scrubs, pumice stones, loofahs and microdermabrasion treatments are among the physical types. Physical exfoliators include scrubs, pumice stones, loofahs and microdermabrasion treatments that use physical means – scrubs, pumice stones, loofahs and microdermabrasion treatments using either textured surfaces to buff away dead skin or use harsh ingredients like coffee granules, crushed fruit pits crushed fruit pits nutshells and salt are among them abrasive ingredients which may damage delicate skin barriers causing micro abrasions that disrupt delicate skin barriers causing micro-abrasions that affect delicate skin barrier function causing micro-abrasions that impact delicate skin barrier function causing micro-abrasions that disrupt delicate barrier function causing micro-abrasions that breach delicate skin barrier function.
Chemical exfoliants rely on ingredients known as AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and PHAs (poly hydroxy acids), which work by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together and encouraging their natural exfoliation process. Glycolic acid is one of the more popular AHAs while salicylic acid can be effective against clogged pores while PHAs such as lactic and tranexamic acids are gentler solutions ideal for sensitive skin conditions.
