How to Exfoliate Your Face: 3 Types of Skin Exfoliants

There are different types of exfoliating products that you can try out—ask a dermatologist for advice, or play around to see which kind most agrees with your skin. Some exfoliating treatments include:

• Physical exfoliation: Physical or mechanical exfoliation involves using a skincare tool—a wet washcloth, sponge, or a brush—to dislodge and remove dead cells. Use these tools gently on your skin.
• Natural exfoliation: Some physical techniques also encompass more natural ways to exfoliate. Natural techniques include using oatmeal, finely ground sugar, or baking powder mixed with warm water to slough layers of dead skin.
• Chemical exfoliation: There are also over-the-counter chemical exfoliation techniques, including scrubs and gels with granules, jojoba beads, or microbeads that remove dead cells. Enzymes, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that help with resurfacing.

If you use any topical creams for oily skin, rosacea, or acne-prone skin, consult a dermatology professional to ensure that you are not damaging your skin when exfoliating.

Exfoliating is an essential part of your skincare routine that removes dead cells from the surface of your skin, promoting new cell growth and glowing skin. Follow these steps to exfoliate your face:

1. 1. Start by washing your face. Wash your face as you usually would using warm water and a facial cleanser. Do not pat dry after using face wash; you’ll want to exfoliate before drying or using other skincare products like toner, lotion, or moisturizer.
2. 2. Ready your face scrub. Squeeze a small amount of your exfoliating scrub or natural exfoliant into the palm of your hand; the amount should only be about the size of a quarter.
3. 3. Massage your scrub in circular motions. Gently apply the scrub to your face and move it around in circular motions so the granules reach your nose, forehead, jaw, and area around your eyes, removing dead cells from your skin’s surface. Do this for thirty seconds to loosen any blackheads or sebum plugs and freshen your skin’s top layer.
4. 4. Rinse. Rinse your face with warm water after exfoliating. Cup the water in your hands and gently splash your face.
5. 5. Pat dry. Use a clean towel and pat your face dry. After exfoliating, you’ll find your face feels extra bright and smooth.
6. 6. Follow up with other skincare products. You can follow up exfoliation with sunscreen with a low SPF, a face mask, or moisturizer for smooth skin. To treat yourself, the occasional spa day facial or microdermabrasion can help with anti-aging and combat bacterial buildup. These services remove blemishes or dark spots from sun damage, essentially resurfacing your face by sloughing layers of dead skin.

In general, regular exfoliation should happen after you wash your face and before bedtime, giving your skin a rest and allowing sleep to rejuvenate and restore your face’s glow.

You can use physical exfoliants two to three times a week and chemical exfoliants once a week. Your skin type may affect this: A dermatologist can advise on exfoliant type and timing if you have dry or sensitive skin. Over-exfoliating can lead to a thinner skin barrier and dryness by stripping your skin of natural oils.

Follow these tips to improve your exfoliation routine:

1. 1. Try out combination skin exfoliation techniques. There are different types of exfoliators, and you can try out different ones to vary your skincare routine and see which is the best kind for your skin.
2. 2. Remember to hit your jawline and the top of your neck. While exfoliating along the T-zone (your forehead, nose, and chin) is key, there’s more to the face. Be sure to exfoliate the jawline and top of your neck areas, rubbing in circular motions.
3. 3. Use a quarter-sized amount of exfoliant. A little exfoliant goes a long way. Too much will be wasteful and can risk drying out your skin. Spread the exfoliant around all over your face to create a thin layer.
4. 4. Avoid over-exfoliating. The skin’s surface is fragile, and if you have extra dry skin or are find that your skin is reddening or flaking from exfoliation, you should cut back on the routine. Let your skin heal, letting some healthy, excess oil return before exfoliating again.

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