How to Exfoliate Your Skin

September 10, 2024

By: Lauren Levinson | skincare.com by L'Oréal

Along with cleansing, moisturizing, and wearing plenty of SPF, regular exfoliation is one of the best ways to score smoother, glowier skin. But if you’ve never done it before, you may find yourself wondering “What is exfoliation, anyway?”

In simple terms, exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from the outer surface of your skin. Done properly, it can help promote a more even-looking complexion and help improve the appearance of dull skin. But like most things in skincare, exfoliation is not one size fits all. To create a routine that works best for your skin type and needs, it’s important to understand the different exfoliating methods and their benefits.

Here, we’ll explain what exfoliating is, share details on the different types of exfoliation, and reveal how to exfoliate correctly for smoother, brighter-looking skin. You’ll also discover a few of our favorite exfoliating products to incorporate into your routine. Read on for all of the must-know details.

What Is Exfoliating?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) defines exfoliation as the process of removing dead surface skin cells and debris from the outermost layer of skin. There are two ways to do this: manually (with a physical scrub or a tool) or chemically (with acids or enzymes). How you exfoliate your skin depends on a variety of factors, including your skin type, sensitivity, and tolerance. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s always a good idea to consult with a board-certified dermatologist.

Manual exfoliation

Manual exfoliation—sometimes referred to as physical or mechanical exfoliation—involves using a gritty substance or an abrasive tool to manually remove dead skin cells (hence the name). Lightly rubbing your face with a damp washcloth can be considered a gentle form of manual exfoliation. Other tools used to exfoliate manually include cleansing brushes, dry brushes, dermaplaning razors, and, of course, scrubs.

Most of the time, when people talk about physical exfoliation, they are referring to scrubs. These products contain tiny particles—often fine salt, sugar, or crushed seed powders—to help slough off dead skin and other debris. Some help cleanse the skin as they exfoliate and can be used daily; others are designed to be used more sparingly, generally around once or twice per week.

For gentle exfoliation, try an exfoliating cleanser, like the Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser. The mild formula contains perlite—a mineral derived from volcanic ash—and helps exfoliate the skin to promote a brighter, more radiant complexion. It’s suitable for all skin types and gentle enough to use morning and night.

If you don’t want to part ways with your go-to cleanser, you can add a scrub into your routine every few days. We love the SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, which helps hydrate the skin as it removes dead surface cells, as well as the Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing Powder Cleanser, which is particularly well-suited for those with oily, blemish-prone skin.

Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliants utilize exfoliating acids or enzymes to help break up and dissolve surface skin cells and debris. Popular acids include beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like glycolic acid and lactic acid. BHAs are oil-soluble and great for acne-prone skin, while AHAs are water-soluble and can be especially beneficial for dry, normal, and mature skin types.

Like physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants vary in strength—some are suitable for daily use, but many are intended for less frequent application. If you’re in the market for a gentle chemical exfoliant to add to your skincare routine, we suggest giving the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Gentle Peeling Water a try. The multi-purpose formula cleanses, removes makeup, and helps exfoliate the skin. Use it as you would your standard micellar water or swap it in for your go-to facial toner.

Those seeking a more thorough exfoliation can use an at-home peel, such as the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel. It’s made with a powerful blend of chemical exfoliants, including AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids). You can use it up to four times per week, but if you’re new to exfoliation, you may want to start with once weekly and see how your skin responds.

Alternatively, try the Youth to the People Kombucha + 10% AHA Power Exfoliant. This leave-on peel works while you sleep—smooth it onto freshly cleansed skin and hit the sheets. By morning, you’ll be left with smoother, brighter-looking skin.

The Benefits of Exfoliation

If you’re still wondering “What is exfoliation good for?” here’s your answer. While your skin sheds dead skin cells all on its own (the process, in dermatological terms, is called desquamation), the rate at which this happens slows as we get older. This, paired with the loss of moisture that can occur with age, can leave the skin looking dull, rough, or uneven. Dead skin cell buildup can also contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. Exfoliation helps remove those dead surface cells, promoting a smoother, clearer-looking complexion. Other benefits of exfoliation may include:

Brighter-looking skin
More even skin tone and texture
Smaller-looking pores
Less noticeable dark spots and discolorations
Less noticeable fine lines
Fewer clogged pores and blemishes

Regular exfoliation may also help your other skincare products—think serums, toners, and moisturizers—penetrate the skin more effectively.

How To Exfoliate at Home

Choose your product

The first step in ramping up your exfoliating routine is to consider your skin type and create a routine around that. In general, the more sensitive your skin is, the more gentle you’ll want to be when exfoliating. The AAD recommends opting for mild chemical exfoliants if you’re prone to sensitivity, as these tend to be gentler than stronger acids or physical exfoliants. If you’re unsure which type of exfoliant is right for you, consider scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.

Once you’ve narrowed down the best approach for your skin, you’ll want to choose which formula to use. We’ve outlined some of our favorites above, but there are countless exfoliating cleansers, toners, serums, and even moisturizers on the market. Look for one designed for your skin type and specific concerns.

Follow the instructions

If you’re wondering how to exfoliate correctly, the truth is, it depends—on both the product you’ve chosen and the rest of your skincare routine. Scrubs are typically applied to damp skin and gently massaged onto the skin in the shower or at the sink. Exfoliating cleansers, too, can be used in the shower or at the sink. Toners, serums, and at-home peels all have different usage instructions. Your best bet is to (thoroughly) read the instructions on your chosen formula and follow them to a T. Remember to start slowly to avoid irritating or drying out your skin, and avoid using exfoliants on days you use retinol or other retinoids (the combination can be a bit harsh).

Moisturize and protect your skin

No matter which type of exfoliant you use—or how often you exfoliate—you’ll always want to follow up with a moisturizer to help hydrate your skin. We suggest opting for a gentle moisturizer suitable for all skin types, such as the classic Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane. The nourishing formula helps strengthen and repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It also provides up to 72 hours of lightweight hydration and absorbs quickly without a heavy or greasy feel.

You’ll also want to keep in mind that exfoliating, particularly with chemical exfoliants, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays. As such, you’ll want to be extra diligent about applying SPF after exfoliating. Follow the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) guidelines and opt for a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 15. We recommend the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, as it offers a slight, flattering tint and is suitable for all skin types.

Adjust your exfoliation schedule if needed

If you start using an exfoliant and your skin doesn’t seem to be tolerating it well—for example, you experience redness or irritation—you may want to consider taking a break or opting for a gentler exfoliant. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to exfoliating, so start slowly, keep an eye on how your skin responds, and adjust your routine accordingly. If needed, you can also consult a board-certified dermatologist for personalized advice and tips.

Next Up: How to Effectively Use Niacinamide With AHAs and BHAs in Your Skincare Routine