Whether you're a skincare pro, or just starting out, adding an exfoliator is usually one of the first steps. We start all of our skincare patients out on the basics – cleanse, exfoliate, and tone. That super clean, maybe even tingling, feeling is so satisfying and even a little addicting. Read on for how often to exfoliate, the benefits of exfoliating and which exfoliator is best for your skin type.
How often should I exfoliate?
We get asked this all the time, and the answer is that you should exfoliate two to three times a week. When you first start on your skincare routine you may start as low as once a week and build up to as often as every other day. The answer also depends on whether you’re using a chemical or physical exfoliator, but more on that later. Skincare Tip: Exfoliate in the morning! Your skin produces more oil overnight, so exfoliating in the morning will remove all the impurities, dead skin and oils on your skin and leave you feeling radiant for your day.
What's the benefit of exfoliating?
Exfoliating cleanses clogged pores by removing dead skin cells and debris, encourages fresh cell turnover for an anti-aging effect, boosts circulation for that fresh-faced glow, helps your skincare products penetrate deeper (aka work better) and evens your skin tone. Essentially, it's essential.
What's the difference between chemical and physical exfoliators?
There are benefits to physical exfoliators (such as clay masks or face scrubs) and chemical exfoliators (such as acid serums and peels). These two exfoliator categories can be used in tandem, but always consult with your skincare provider on your overall skincare goals and routine to make sure you’re not over exfoliating.
Top Physical Exfoliator Products
The Skin Clique Daily Scrub is formulated with powerful resurfacing ingredients and botanicals including lemon, sugar cane and apple extracts to remove dead skin cells and debris from the skin's surface, while pumice granules smooth dull and dry skin to a radiant finish.
ZO Skin Health's Exfoliating Polish is an ultra-fine formula of magnesium oxide crystals and Vitamin C that leaves the skin instantly soft and smooth. This polish is best to brighten dull skin for all skin types.
The Skin Clique Purifying Mask cleans and soothes at the same time with 10% charcoal and sulfur. Charcoal absorbs oil and debris in the pores while sulfur's anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties calm the skin. This purifying mask is ideal for clearing acne/blemish prone skin. Use as a spot treatment for combination to oily skin.
Top Chemical Exfoliator Products
ZO Skin Health's Exfoliation Accelerator is best applied directly after cleansing to help products penetrate deeper while providing the calming benefits of aloe, green tea and chamomile on sensitive skin.
ZO Stimulator Peel is considered a "lunchtime peel" meaning no downtime! This gentle chemical peel includes the ZO Exfoliating Polish for a physical exfoliation and then uses a blend of lactic, citric and salicylic acid to stimulate cell turnover and give you a fresh glow!
Shop for exfoliators for your skin and other skincare necessities at The Skin Clique. The Skin Clique provides medical-grade skincare and in-home skincare treatments including tox, chemical peels, and filler. Learn more about The Skin Clique or book an appointment with a provider near you.