Here’s how to find a product that will slough away dead skin cells without leaving your skin vulnerable.
Like moisturizing and applying sun protection, skin pros and obsessives consider exfoliation a practical obligation.
What Does a Face Exfoliator Do for Skin?
Photo: Adobe Stock
First, a word on what exfoliation is and why you should care.
“You get a new upper skin layer approximately every 30 days,” she says.
And that’s where exfoliating products come in they help prevent the buildup of dead skin cells.
Sephora
“Physical exfoliation is essentially the mechanical removal of dead skin cells,” says Dr. Skotnicki.
If you own a face scrub, it likely fits into this category.
Face brushes and abrasive washcloths, which it’s possible for you to use while cleansing, also qualify.
Dermstore
Another one is Dr. Lancer The Method Polish, askin-care favorite of actress Hilary Duff.
“They work similarly to AHA but are more gentle.”
When it comes to exfoliation, the possibility of going overboard is very real.
Sephora
“Over exfoliating the skin can result in making your skin sensitive and irritated,” says Dr. Obagi.
By over-exfoliating, you are removing this protective layer resulting in irritation and sensitivity."
(you might overdo it either with a harsh formula and/or how often you’re exfoliating.)
Target
(Again, your skin’s natural cell turnover process can slow down over time.)
Dermatologists tend to recommend going with chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants, says Dr. Skotnicki.
“Physical exfoliants can cause micro-tears resulting in skin damage over time, leaving it prone to irritability.”
Paula’s Choice
If you do want to go with a scrub, take a look at the ingredient list.
Chemical exfoliants also have the potential to cause irritation, especially if they contain acids in relatively high concentrations.
With acid-containing products, the concentration of the ingredient will typically be labeled on the packaging.
Sephora
It comes as a powder, and you add water to it to create an exfoliating paste.
Powder skin-care products are more eco-friendly in general, and adding water activates the enzymes.
“It exfoliates while infusing 30 percent Vitamin C into the skin,” she says.
Sephora
“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin.”
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Mask incorporates salicylic acid (a BHA) for a deep clean.
It also contains kaolin and bentonite clays toabsorb excess oil.
Incidentally, the brand’s latest powder-based skin care product,Daily Milkfoliant, has also garnered rave reviews.
Each containsgreen teaand algae, which are both rich in antioxidants, which can helpreduce free radical damage.
Buy It:Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Cleanser, $65,sephora.com
