Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine because it helps the skin get rid of dead skin cells and make room for fresh, healthy ones. When we’re younger, our skin naturally renews itself about every 28 days, but as we age, that process slows down. This can cause dead skin cells to build up on the surface, leading to dull-looking skin, rough texture, clogged pores, and products that don’t absorb as well. Exfoliating helps gently remove this buildup. Chemical and enzyme exfoliants work by loosening dead skin cells so they can wash away easily, without the harsh rubbing that can irritate the skin. By clearing away these dead cells, exfoliation helps skin look brighter and smoother, keeps pores clear, and allows skincare products like serums and moisturizers to work more effectively. Over time, regular exfoliation also supports healthier-looking skin by encouraging natural renewal, helping improve texture, and keeping the complexion balanced and refreshed when used correctly for your skin type.
To get the most benefit from exfoliation, it’s important to do it correctly and at the right time in your skincare routine. Exfoliation should always be done on clean skin, typically right after cleansing and before applying serums or moisturizers. This allows exfoliating ingredients to work directly on the skin’s surface without interference from makeup, oil, or sunscreen. Most people only need to exfoliate 1–3 times per week, depending on skin type. Sensitive or dry skin usually does best with once a week, while normal to oily skin may tolerate exfoliation two to three times weekly. Using it too often can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation, redness, or breakouts.
When exfoliating, be gentle. Chemical or enzyme exfoliants should be applied evenly and left on for the time recommended on the product label—there’s no need to scrub or apply pressure. If exfoliating during the day, always follow with broad-spectrum sunscreen, as freshly exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to the sun. Many peole prefer exfoliating at night, when the skin naturally repairs itself and sun exposure is no longer a concern. When used consistently but moderately, exfoliation helps keep skin smooth, clear, and ready to absorb the rest of your skincare routine more effectively.
Exfoliating products that you should know about that other skincare enthusiast love for their efficacy:
Jan Marini Limited Edition Exfoliator
Transform your skin care ritual with this limited-edition, decadent exfoliator. A triple-action formula-chemical (glycolic acid), physical (biodegradable synthetic wax beads), and enzymatic (papaya extract, papain, and bromelain)-works in harmony to gently lift away dull surface buildup without harsh abrasives. Skin is left smoother, brighter, and refreshed with a radiant glow.
Infused with the warm, comforting scent of Vanilla Spice, this indulgent polish wraps your skin in notes of creamy vanilla and spiced chai for a cozy, luminous experience you’ll look forward to every time.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser deep cleans to remove impurities, makeup, and dirt. This resurfacing face wash combines alpha and beta hydroxy acids for a comprehensive exfoliation that targets surface blemishes like whiteheads and blackheads, while also unclogging pores to reveal luminous, youthful skin. Jojoba spheres provide physical exfoliation to gently buff away dead skin cells while moisturizing the skin to prevent overdying and irritation.
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish
This light and foamy gel exfoliates as it cleanses to clear both the surface of your skin and inside of pores. Salicylic acid works with eco-friendly and biodegradable microparticles of cellulose and jojoba to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation, smoothing and softening your skin's texture immediately.
Cleansing Complex Polish can be used two to three times a week or daily, depending on your skin tolerance and sensitivity. Simply moisten your face and neck with water and apply a dime size amount of product to the palm of your hand. Rub hands together and massage over face and neck. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Cleansing Complex Polish is even more enjoyable when used in the shower, incorporating steam as the perfect complement. Cleansing Complex Polish can be used after our award-winning Cleansing Complex as part of a double cleanse. A triple cleanse is also an option for power users! This can be performed with Cream Cleanser, Cleansing Complex, and Cleansing Complex Polish.
Revision Skincare Triple Action Exfoliator
A brand-new innovation designed to deliver visible skin-smoothing exfoliating results while respecting the microbiome.
- Polishes away dead skin cells to help reveal brighter, more radiant skin.
- Instantly smooths and softens to help refines skin texture
- Exfoliates the skin without disturbing the natural microbiome.
- Helps minimize the appearance pores.
- Enables additional skincare products to more effectively penetrate the skin.
This advanced exfoliator combines the power of physical, chemical, and enzymatic exfoliants for comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation:
Physical Exfoliants: Micro-fine particles gently polish away dead surface cells,
instantly smoothing and refining skin rejuvenation:
Neocutis Neo-Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser
Neo-Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser contains 10% glycolic acid that helps to remove the dead skin cells to rid the face of a dull skin surface and reveal a brighter, fresher skin complexion. Skin Cleanser also contains glycerin to give the skin a much needed boost of hydration and also help the skin have a higher moisture retention. The effective Exfoliating Skin Cleanser will eliminate dirt, debris, excess oil, and any other impurities while unclogging pores that can nest debris that can cause a less than desired skin surface. Exfoliating Skin Cleanser comes free of any harsh sulfate detergents, dyes or fragrances so as it will not harm or irritate the skin.
Gently polish away dead skin cells to reveal radiant, younger-looking skin with this daily-use, moisturizing exfoliant.
- Light, gentle exfoliant that is suitable for all skin types
- Removes dirt, debris, and impurities from the skin
- Contains 100% biodegradable and renewable exfoliator
