If there was a mantra to go along with exfoliation, it would be, “out with the old and in with the new.” Because, well, that’s exactly what exfoliating does. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, our skin sheds between 30,000 and 40,000 dead skin cells every single day. But as we age, this natural process (called desquamation) slows down, potentially causing a buildup of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. This can result in dry skin, a dull-looking skin tone and breakouts. Penciling in a weekly or twice-weekly exfoliation session helps remove this buildup of dead surface skin cells, revealing more glowing skin. While you can use physical scrubs and chemical exfoliators to get the job done, one of our favorite ways to exfoliate our skin is with a facial loofah.What Facial Loofahs DoSimilar to body loofahs, facial loofahs work with your daily cleanser to gently exfoliate dead skin cell buildup and other impurities from the skin’s surface. Exfoliating with a facial loofah helps make your favorite topical skincare products more effective by assisting them in penetrating deeper, controlling excess oil and boosting surface circulation. We recommend trying the Earth Therapeutics Complexion Discs to get you started because these loofahs are small, easy to use and can be paired with any cleanser. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is gentle yet effective for any skin type. It’s always best to use a loofah formulated specifically for the face as the skin on your body is thicker, so loofahs made for the body may be too harsh. Who Should Use a Facial Loofah?While a facial loofah is most ideal for dry skin, it can also be used sparingly or as needed on other skin types. If you experience any irritation or sensitivities after use, switch to a more gentle form of exfoliation.How to Use a Facial LoofahStart by applying your cleanser directly onto a damp loofah pad. Next, use gentle, upward circular motions to exfoliate and massage skin. Do this one to two times per week, depending on your skin type and needs. Rinse your disc after use and store it in a place where it can fully dry to avoid the growth of bacteria. Replace after three to four weeks of use.  Photo: Chaunte VaughnRead More: Quick Question: What’s the Difference Between Salt Scrubs and Sugar Scrubs?Do I Need to Exfoliate My Skin? A Derm Weighs InHow to Get Rid of Dry Skin Patches  
