How to Exfoliate - Best Ways for Your Skin Type

Nikki Chase

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Time to read 7 min

Discover the safest ways to exfoliate your face and body for smoother, more radiant looking skin.

During the process of exfoliation, dead skin cells are removed from the top layer of your skin.  Though exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine, it’s important to learn how to exfoliate your skin safely to avoid causing damage. Our complete guide to exfoliation breaks down the common types of exfoliants on the market, their benefits, and how to use them for the best results.

What Is Exfoliation?

To make your skin smoother, brighter, and more radiant, exfoliation works to remove dead skin cells from your face or body. Though dead skin cells are shed naturally on a monthly basis, exfoliating helps to accelerate the process and remove any build-up of dead skin cells.


There are two main ways you can exfoliate your skin, namely physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. With physical exfoliation, you physically scrub your skin with a tool or product, such as a brush, sponge, or scrub, to remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, involves the use of acids, enzymes, or other chemicals to break down and dissolve dead skin cells. These exfoliation techniques carry different benefits, and the best option for you depends on your skin’s specific needs.

Types of Exfoliation Techniques

Types of Exfoliation Techniques

Exfoliation can be done mechanically, chemically, or using natural enzymes. The best technique for you will depend on your skin type and desired outcomes.


Mechanical Exfoliation: Also called physical exfoliation, using a tool or cleanser to physically scrub the skin. Use a washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating scrub to do this. While mechanical exfoliation can be efficient, if not done correctly, it can also be rough on the skin and irritate it.


Chemical Exfoliation: This technique includes dissolving dead skin cells using acids or enzymes. Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are the two primary forms of chemical exfoliation (BHAs). AHAs are water-soluble and dissolve dead skin cells from the skin's surface. BHAs can reach deeper layers of the skin since they are oil-soluble, clearing clogged pores and removing dead skin cells.


Enzyme Exfoliation: Dead skin cells are broken down utilizing organic enzymes in this process. This kind of exfoliation is ideal for delicate skin since it is frequently gentler than mechanical or chemical exfoliation.

The Benefits of Exfoliation


Exfoliation is an important part of a healthy skincare routine that can provide a variety of benefits for your skin, including:

  • Improves Skin Texture: By getting rid of dead skin cells that can make your skin seem dry and drab, regular exfoliation can help smooth out rough, uneven skin texture.
  • Battles Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Exfoliation can also encourage the skin's natural synthesis of collagen, which over time can lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
  • Brightens Skin: Exfoliation may expose new, healthy skin that seems brighter and more radiant.
  • Reduces Breakouts: Exfoliation can assist in clearing clogged pores and removing extra oil and debris from the skin, which can lessen the probability of skin irritations and breakouts.
  • Enhances Product Absorption: Getting rid of dead skin cells can improve the efficiency of skin care products by allowing them to penetrate the skin more deeply.
  • Improves Skin Tone: Exfoliation on a regular basis helps improve skin tone and lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation, including age spots and sun damage.

How to Exfoliate

How to Exfoliate

Whether you are targeting your face or body, most skin types should exfoliate once or twice a week using gentle products appropriate for your skin type and issues. There are, however, different ways to exfoliate depending on your skin concerns, skin type, and the area of your body you are exfoliating.

 

Exfoliating your face and body is essential in any skincare regimen since it helps to eliminate impurities and dead skin cells, giving your skin a brighter, smoother, and more radiant appearance. To exfoliate your face or body, follow these steps:

 

 

Choose the Right Exfoliator:

Based on your skin type and skin concerns, choose a type of exfoliate that works for you. This can include a facial or body scrub as well as tools that you can use to exfoliate as scrubbing brushes or mitts. For more sensitive skin types, serum or enzyme exfoliants may be more suitable.

 

Choose the Right Time:

Many often wonder whether you should exfoliate before or after shaving. It's more beneficial for your skin to exfoliate before you shave your skin, as your skin can be quite sensitive after shaving. By exfoliating before you shave, your shave may also be smoother thanks to the removed dirt, debris, and dead skin cells.

 

Rinse Off the Exfoliator:

Rinse the exfoliator off completely with lukewarm water, then gently pat your skin dry with a fresh towel.

 

Moisturize:

Moisturize your skin after exfoliating to replace any moisture that was lost. Use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type all over your face.

 

Don't Over Do It:

Excessive exfoliation can cause skin sensitivity and inflammation. Depending on your skin type and concerns, try to keep your exfoliation to once or twice a week.

How to Choose the Right Exfoliator for You

How to Choose the Right Exfoliator for You

Choosing the correct exfoliator to suit your skin type is essential to avoid unnecessary damage that can lead to more serious problems. Consider whether you skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or combination before you choose the appropriate product.


Oily skin:

 

Oily skin tends to have more build-up than other skin types, so a manual exfoliator is a great solution. For oily skin prone to black heads, a facial scrub or cleanser with ingredients such as BHA or salicylic acid is a great option.


Dry skin:


 Dry skin is prone to micro tears that can cause damage to the skin, so it’s best to avoid physical scrubs when exfoliating. Rather choose a chemical exfoliator with ingredients such as AHAs or glycolic acid for the best results.


Sensitive skin:


 For sensitive skin, it's important to use mild chemical exfoliants and avoid mechanical exfoliating all together. Enzyme-based exfoliants are a great option in this regard.


Combination: 


Combination skin is a mixture of different skin types, so a mixture of different exfoliation methods is often the best way to treat oily, dull or dry areas. Be sure to stick to one method at a time, however, and don’t scrub on the same day you use a peel or chemical exfoliant.

Try our Face and Body Exfoliants


If you're looking for exfoliants packed with natural goodness, look no further than EraOrganics; range of exfoliators that combat rough, dull skin without harsh chemicals.

Flawless BHA AHA Exfoliating Serum is an anti-aging complexion overhaul for dull skin, uneven skin tone, redness, scars and large pores.


Revitalize and refresh while stimulating softer, smoother looking skin with a unique blend of powerful exfoliants and an anti-aging powerhouse blend.

Targets:

  • Large Pores
  • Dull, Lifeless Skin
  • Uneven Skin Tone
  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles

This Glycolic Acid Peel uses a clinical strength formula for an at home chemical peel that helps rejuvenate, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin with each use. It is also enriched with powerful plant-based ingredients your skin will love.


Targets:

  • Fine Lines & Wrinkles
  • Dull, Lifeless Skin
  • Blemishes
  • Clogged Pores


You don’t have to deal with dull, rough skin. Revive Face Exfoliation Scrub helps to gently loosens dirt, grime, and dead skin with nourishing ingredients to help give you more beautiful looking skin.


Targets:

  • Blemishes
  • Blackheads
  • Scars
  • Premature Aging
  • Wrinkles
  • Stretch Marks

Summary

Exfoliation is a key step in maintaining healthy, radiant skin, but it’s important to choose the right method and products for your skin type. Whether you opt for mechanical exfoliation, chemical exfoliants, or enzyme-based options, consistency and moderation are crucial for achieving smooth, glowing skin without causing irritation. Remember to always follow up exfoliation with proper moisturizing and avoid over-exfoliating, as it can damage your skin's natural barrier. By tailoring your exfoliation routine to your skin’s needs, you’ll enjoy brighter, more youthful-looking skin that absorbs your skincare products better and stays clear of impurities.

Related Questions:

1. What is the healthiest way to exfoliate your skin?

The healthiest way to exfoliate your skin is by using a gentle chemical exfoliant suited to your skin type, such as AHAs or BHAs, and limiting exfoliation to once or twice a week. Always moisturize afterward to maintain skin hydration and balance.

2. What type of exfoliation is best?

The best type of exfoliation depends on your skin type. Chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs are ideal for most skin types, while enzyme-based exfoliants work well for sensitive skin. Physical scrubs can be effective for oily or combination skin but should be used gently.

3. What is the fastest way to exfoliate skin?

The fastest way to exfoliate skin is by using a chemical exfoliant, such as an AHA or BHA serum, which quickly dissolves dead skin cells without the need for scrubbing. Apply, leave on, and let it work within minutes.

Nikki Chase

Nikki Chase

As co-owner Era Organics, Nikki's expertise runs deep. She spends her days immersed in the latest medical studies and scouring trusted websites, ensuring her knowledge reflects the cutting edge of science.

About Nikki Chase