If there has been one thing to change my skincare game over the last few years, it has been exfoliants. My love for a good acid knows no bounds, and exfoliating has come a long way recently. No more walnut pieces roughing up your skin’s protective barriers. There is an exfoliator for every skin type.
There are many different types of exfoliants, and this post will help you pick one that suits your skin and your needs. Physical exfoliants work in real-time by using textured particles to remove dead skin cells and surface-level grime.
Other exfoliants use AHA’s, BHA’s and/or PHA’s to exfoliate your skin. It sounds a bit more intimidating than it really is, so let’s break it down!
- AHA’s are the most potent of the three. They exfoliate the skin, promotes skin cell turnover, targets discoloration and minimizes the look of fine wrinkles and texture. Common AHA’s are glycolic and lactic acid. AHA’s are best for improving skin tone and texture, reducing scarring and the look of discoloration
- BHA’s, or beta hydroxy acids, are oil soluble, which makes them great for oily or blemish prone skin. Salicylic acid is the primary BHA seen in skincare and is great at reducing the appearance of pores, helps to fight the appearance of breakouts and evens out the look of texture. BHA’s are best for blemish prone skin, targeting pimples and balancing the oil production.
- PHA’s, or poly hydroxy acids, are the more gentle of the three. Great for exfoliating sensitive skin and targeting the early signs of discoloration. PHA’s are great for those new to acids or looking for something for sensitive skin
No matter your skin type, there is an exfoliator out there for you!
Why Should I Be Exfoliating?
There are so many benefits to exfoliation. Exfoliating can help make your skin look brighter, glowy, minimize the look of pores, target signs of aging, and even the look of texture on the skin. I personally love the glow my skin has when regularly exfoliating. I notice a big difference in my overall texture and how makeup applies to my skin.
What Type of Exfoliator Should I Use?
While there is no one size fits all in the skincare world, I put together a few suggestions on where to start.
EXFOLIATING CLEANSER
If you are brand new to exfoliating, try using an exfoliating cleanser. I have personally found that the gentlest way to use exfoliants is via a cleanser. It is a great way to ensure you don’t have any residue leftover from sunscreen or makeup and gently rub away signs of dullness.
I love using the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator on days I have spent a lot of time outside. It is made from a gentle rice powder that you mix into your favorite cleanser to physically exfoliate the skin. My skin always feels so soft and soothed after using this.
The Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is SO good. It is super gentle, but also incredibly effective. It uses glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids AND tiny jojoba beads to give you a double dose of exfoliation. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and balanced and ready for serums.
EXFOLIATING TONERS AND SERUMS
This is my personal favorite way to exfoliate. I love a good acid toner to boost my glow factor. You can use this step as just your toner or as your serum, you just want to try to avoid mixing with other actives. When using an exfoliating toner, you want to start slow and work your way up, allowing your skin to adjust to the ingredients. Always be sure you are reading usage labels, as you don’t want to overdo it.
The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads are my ride or die. I always repurchase these pads, because they are just that good. They are gentle enough that someone new to the exfoliating game can use them. Made to use daily, they combine lactic and glycolic acids to tone and brighten up the skin. Each pad is textured and leaves the skin feeling super clean.
If you are looking for a step up, give the OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner a go-to. It is a super-effective toner formulated with both glycolic and lactic acids to help give the skin a brighter-looking glow. It uses a combination of lemon and chamomile to soothe skin at the same time. One of my current favorites!
When I want to see some serious glow, I use the Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum. This serum is incredible. It really targets dullness and the appearance of texture, and I love that it has the Sephora Clean seal. It is gentle enough I can use it every night!
EXFOLIATING MASKS
Masking is an easy way to see all of the benefits of exfoliation in record time. If you already have a set skincare routine, masking is a great way to step up your game and get your glow on. I love doing an exfoliating mask the night before a special event to really give my skin the ultimate Hollywood glow. I always follow up an exfoliating mask with a super hydrating overnight moisturizer or facial oil.
If you are new to exfoliating, start by sticking with the minimum recommended time of your mask, or a gentle option like the Herbivore Prism 20% AHA 5% BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial. It is great at reducing the look of discoloration on the skin, and it leaves the skin feeling baby soft.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is where you want to go if you are already a fan of exfoliants. It is a powerful at-home peel that targets blemishes, the appearance of aging, and dull skin. You want to use a very thin layer of this in the evening no more than once per week to see results! Start with half the recommended time and go from there.
Now that you have a good base of knowledge, it is time to get exfoliating. Get your glow on!
Created in partnership with Sephora.
SHOP THE POST
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
OLEHENRIKSEN Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner
Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
Great post, excited to start trying some of these! Would you say these are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding? Thanks!!
All of them pass my personal requirements for breastfeeding and pregnancy. I am just a little more reserved with the Ordinary mask! I only use it once in while as of late, as it is pretty intense!
Totally love this post. I’m working through my Christmas purchases from Sephora that you recommended but I’m going to bookmark this post for when I need refills!