The 9 Best Face Exfoliators For Your Skin Type

What is facial exfoliating?

Exfoliators remove dead skin cells from the surface of your face by using either chemical or physical friction. By doing this, exfoliators leave your face renewed,  regenerated and better able to absorb other skincare ingredients.

Physical vs chemical exfoliators

There are two main types of exfoliators available:

Chemical exfoliators use enzymes and acids to penetrate deeply and loosen dead skin cells. They do this by breaking apart the bonds that keep dead skin cells on your face.

Common ingredients found in chemical exfoliators include:

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), usually found in fruits.
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acids are oil-soluble and can penetrate pores deeply.
• Poly hydroxy acids (PHA) like lactobionic acids have larger molecules and are therefore gentler on skin

Physical exfoliators come in a variety of forms. They can be materials that use friction like loofahs, body scrubs and exfoliating mitts.

Physical exfoliators can also be cream, water or oil-based liquids that contain grains or micro-beads to buffer away dead skin.

Benefits of exfoliating

The obvious benefit of exfoliating is renewed skin cell turnover, which allows for fresher and younger skin to shine through. The buck doesn’t stop there though – other benefits include

Improved texture

Your face can feel rough with a build-up of dead skin. Exfoliating allows for regenerated skin, which makes for a softer texture. The appearance of your skin will also be evened out – that means dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and even the appearance of fine lines can be helped through exfoliating.

Better absorption of other products

Using skincare ingredients without exfoliating is (to be blunt) a waste. Skincare is up there as one of the more expensive self-care forms, and those highly potent formulas need access to the deeper layers of skin to really do their job. Exfoliating ensures that your face is permeable, so that serums, face oils and moisturisers can be fully absorbed.

Acne prevention

Clogged pores lead to breakouts whereas exfoliating acne-prone skin clears away the oily follicles and dead skin that are blocking pores. Exfoliators also help to purify skin of the bacteria that cause acne.

Increased collagen

Collagen is a protein that our body produces to firm skin. Unfortunately our natural levels of collagen decrease as we get older, leading to loosened skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Regular regeneration of skin improves cell circulation and actually increases the natural production of collagen! This means that exfoliating is a useful tool in anti aging, as it tricks our body into naturally producing more collagen, rather than applying it topically.

Where do exfoliators fit in your skincare routine?

Exfoliating isn’t required daily, but is still an important skincare step. Without it, your proceeding products can’t be put to full use as the skin may not absorb in it’s entirety. Different exfoliators also have different strengths, with some to be only used once a week and others suitable to be used every few days. Here’s how we would integrate it into our skincare routine.

1. Cleanse first to remove excess oil, and any dirt and other impurities. This then lets your exfoliator focus on skin.
2. Exfoliate! One-two times a week is your key to regenerated skin. Rinse skin with cold or lukewarm water to decrease irritation.
3. Apply serums directly after drying skin to allow for maximum absorption.
4. Moisturise with a deep or daily moisturiser.
5. Apply face oils to provide a barrier on skin that will lock in your other skincare products.
6. Finally, finish with SPF and your skin should be looking *chef’s kisses*

How to apply a facial exfoliator

When using physical exfoliators you are applying friction to skin in order to buff away dead skin cells. This means that you do need to be careful as skin can be irritated by harsh application and above all, irritated skin is not what we want! If you’re using a loofah or scrub alongside a cream or oil-based treatment, make sure to lightly rub in circular motions, and only for up to 30 seconds. Exfoliating creams or gels that contain grains or microbeads can be rubbed across skin using your fingertips. Warm between fingers and apply to wet skin – similarly, only rubbing for around 30 seconds.

Chemical exfoliators should always be tested on skin first to make sure that it’s formula doesn’t have an adverse affect on you. Most chemical exfoliators need to be kept on for a certain amount of time, so refer to the product’s instructions. Once finished, gently wipe away the product using wet fingers or a damp soft cloth. Rinse your face with cold water to encourage circulation and reduce irritation.

Which exfoliator is best for my skin type?

Dry skin

Those with dry skin are more susceptible to dehydration via external irritants such as dry climates. Because of their ability to penetrate deeply, chemical exfoliators are a great option for those with dry skin. Using a chemical exfoliator with AHA or BHA acids will penetrate past the surface layer and break apart dry and dead skin.

Oily & Acne prone skin

Those with oily skin need to focus more on the outer layers of skin. Using a physical exfoliator will help to remove layers of oil buildup. Using a granulated scrub that also contains antioxidants will go further in removing acne-causing bacteria.

Sensitive skin

Gentle chemical exfoliators are key for those with sensitive skin. Look for cleanser/exfoliator combinations with PHA acids, as they go easier on skin. If you are keen on a physical exfoliator, look for products that use natural grains for example, Jojoba beads.

Best Exfoliators For Oily & Acne Prone Skin

Pin this article for later!