Exfoliants: The Secret Weapon for Better Skin

Dead skin slows you down.
Exfoliation removes dull, rough layers, unclogs pores, and primes your skin for maximum absorption of serums and moisturizers.
Done right, it’s the fastest way to improve texture, clarity, and tone.

💡 Action Step: If you’ve never exfoliated before, start with a gentle chemical exfoliant twice a week and build up based on results.

1. Why Exfoliation Matters

Think of it as a skin reset button.

When dead skin cells build up:

• Skin looks dull and uneven
• Pores get clogged
• Skincare products don’t absorb well

Benefits of consistent exfoliation:

• 🧼 Smoother texture
• ✨ Brighter, more even tone
• ⚡ Better absorption of skincare products
• 🔄 Faster skin renewal

2. Two Main Types of Exfoliants (and What to Buy)

Chemical Exfoliants — For deep, even resurfacing

• Use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin bonds
• Best for: uneven tone, fine lines, acne
• Key ingredients:
  • AHA (Glycolic, Lactic): Brightening & resurfacing
  • BHA (Salicylic): Deep pore cleansing
  • PHA: Gentle option for sensitive skin
• Best Picks:
  • Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid  — Ideal for oily/acne-prone skin
  • The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%  — Affordable AHA for brightness
  • Glow Recipe PHA + BHA Pore Tight Toner  — Gentle multi-acid option

💡 Action Step: Apply your chemical exfoliant at night, then moisturize and use SPF the next morning.

Physical Exfoliants — For a quick surface polish

• Use texture to manually remove dead skin
• Best for: normal to oily skin, beard area exfoliation
• Examples: face scrubs, dermaplaning tools
• Best Picks:
  • Jack Black Face Buff  — Gentle enough for frequent use
  • Foreo Luna 3 MEN  — Sonic cleansing + exfoliation in one
  • Tinkle Dermaplaning Tool  — Removes peach fuzz + dead skin

💡 Action Step: Use physical exfoliants in the shower to minimize irritation and mess.

3. How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Pro Tip: More is not better — over-exfoliation leads to redness, peeling, and breakouts.

4. At-Home vs. Professional Exfoliation

• At-Home: AHAs, BHAs, gentle scrubs, dermaplaning
• Professional: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing

💡 Action Step: Start with at-home exfoliants for 4–6 weeks. If stubborn texture or pigmentation remains, book a professional treatment.

5. Step-by-Step: Adding Exfoliation to Your Routine

1. Cleanse — Gentle face wash (e.g., CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser )
2. Apply exfoliant —
   • Chemical: On dry skin, leave on as directed
   • Physical: On damp skin, massage gently for 30–60 seconds
3. Moisturize — Use a hydrating cream (e.g., CeraVe Moisturizing Cream  )
4. Protect — Apply SPF in the morning (La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60  )

💡 Action Step: Take a before photo today and compare after 30 days to see texture and brightness improvements.

Bottom Line:
Exfoliation is the fastest visible upgrade you can make in skincare.
Pick the right type for your skin, stick to the schedule, and your skin will look clearer, smoother, and younger.

Next Step: Choose one chemical exfoliant for your skin type and commit to using it twice a week for the next month — your mirror will thank you.