The Proper 101 on Skin Exfoliation

Have you tried every serum and mask, but your skin still feels stagnant and dull?  You probably need to exfoliate. Welcome to exfoliating 101—where we break down its importance, how to exfoliate skin, and ways to instantly revive your outer layer.

If you’re new to exfoliation, think of it as the deep-cleaning aspect of your skincare routine. Your daily cleanser helps rid the skin of makeup, oil, and surface-level dirt that accumulates over the course of the day. An exfoliator, though, works to remove dead skin cells and build-up that increases over time. The end result? Skin that feels smoother and looks more radiant. The added bonus? Exfoliating makes your skin absorb serum and cream formulas better, while also better allowing your makeup to set onto the face. This is due to the fact that once the top layer of skin is removed, products are more able to penetrate the skin, which can give your complexion a healthy, bright glow. If you’re wondering how to get on the road to radiance, you've come to the right place.

Exfoliation 101

Simple and straightforward – Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin. It’s the process that essentially gives your skin a clean slate. It helps buff away dead skin cells and leaves skin looking smoother and more radiant. 

But, it’s not a foolproof operation. If done improperly, it can do more harm than good. You don’t want to exfoliate too aggressively, or frequently, because doing so can lead to increased redness or acne breakouts.

There are two main methods for at-home exfoliation—physical and chemical—and the method you choose can be guided by your skin type. Physical exfoliation uses the act of gentle abrasion, such as with a scrub, polish, or washcloth, to physically remove dead skin cells. Whereas, chemical exfoliation, as the name suggests, uses hydroxy acids to gently dissolve dead skin cells.

The Difference Between Physical and Chemical Exfoliators?

Luckily with exfoliation, there’s something for everyone. Physical and chemical exfoliators both exist, and we’re here to break down their differences and purposes. 

What are Physical Exfoliators?

Whether in your own shower, or someone else’s, you’ve probably come across an exfoliating scrub, also known as a physical exfoliant. These scrubs are typically made with salts, grains or sugars, bringing the physical sense of exfoliation to your fingertips. Our Deep Down Exfoliating Gel is a physical formula that aids in removing dead skin cells by gently buffing the skin smooth. Additional benefits? The gentle grit of the formula increases circulation to reveal radiant, glowing skin, all while protecting your skin barrier.

What are Chemical Exfoliators?

Chemical exfoliants work to dissolve dead skin cells with a skin safe acid in its base formula.

There are two main acids to look for in chemical exfoliants: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs (like glycolic acid) work to disrupt the bond in dead skin cells, making them easier to scrub off the surface. BHAs (ie. salicylic acid) cut through oily follicles to penetrate more deeply into the skin. 

Your Favorite Ex™ Exfoliating Pads, our chemical leave-on exfoliant, combines the ideal blend of glycolic and ectoin to retexturize and brighten the skin while nourishing and soothing the barrier. These pads are ideal for everyday exfoliating, making for the perfect on-the-go refresh.

Essential Exfoliating Tips 

Your face isn’t the only thing that needs exfoliating.  So, how do you exfoliate your body, you might ask? We’ve found a few dermatologist-recommended tips that apply to both the face and body, so you can add exfoliating to your weekly routine, without causing any damage to the skin.

Check Your Current Skincare Products

If your skin starts peeling or showing signs of irritation at the initial application of exfoliating, first and foremost, check what you’re currently using in your skincare routine. Some medications, even over-the-counter products, may cause skin sensitivity, which can worsen dry skin, or cause more irritation, when you add exfoliation.

Play It Safe

No matter what exfoliant you use, it’s important to be gentle. Add the process into your routine once per week, then gradually increase to 2-3 times per week, as needed.  If you’ve chosen to use a scrub, apply the product with minimal pressure, using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, let it sit for 2 minutes, and then rinse off with lukewarm, not hot, water.  

If you're using pads like ours, use short, light strokes, never over open cuts, wounds, or sunburnt skin. Also, avoid exfoliating the face if you’re going in for a facial that same day.

Never Skip Moisturizer

When scraping away at the skin, dryness can be expected. No matter your skin type, you’ll always want to immediately follow the process with moisturizer to avoid drying out the skin.  Looking for a luxe moisturizer that delivers deep hydration, without feeling heavy or greasy? Check out our Xtremely Rich™ Moisturizer—it doesn’t disappoint.

Find the Right Routine

Everyone’s skin is different, and therefore, everyone’s exfoliating routine should differ, which will depend on your skin type and preferred method. Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done. As mentioned before, start off once a week, then gradually increase to 2-3 times per week. Your skin often tells you what it needs on its own, so go with what feels good.

The Step by Step Guide

Looking for a step-by-step breakdown on how to properly exfoliate?  Don’t worry, we made a mini guide.

Step One: Open the Pores

Exfoliating your body is easiest when your skin is softened from warm water. When using a physical exfoliant, we recommend using it in the shower when your pores are open. If you’re using a chemical exfoliant, do it after you wash your face, or after you get out of the shower.  

Step Two: Work in Circles

For physical exfoliants, work in gentle circular motions to fully cover the skin, ensuring you get all areas of your face and/or body. If you’re using a chemical exfoliant, apply with the recommended tool (pads or hands), and gently rub across the entire face.

Step Three: Finish with Moisturizer

Our personal favorite... once your exfoliated skin is dry, we love to douse the face and body with a hydrating moisturizer to keep us soft and smooth. You’ll immediately notice the difference in the texture of your skin’s surface—just try to keep your hands off the face as much as possible (we know it’s hard when it looks that good).