Exfoliants may be some of the most often ignored or incorrectly used skincare products available. When incorporated correctly into daily skincare routines, exfoliants offer numerous benefits, including improving the appearance of the skin, increasing the effects of other skincare products, and helping to manage chronic skin health concerns like acne. Additionally, exfoliants can help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increase the production of collagen and elastin, delivering powerful anti-aging benefits. In this blog, the DermSkincare team will review what exfoliants are, how they work, and give the details of some of our most recommended exfoliant products.

What Is the Purpose of Exfoliating?

The skin is made up of several layers. The outermost layer often has a buildup of dead skin cells that need to be removed to prevent pores from becoming clogged, improve the texture and appearance of the skin, and jumpstart cell turnover. These benefits of exfoliation prevent concerns like acne, eczema, or rosacea flare-ups, and exfoliation encourages the natural production of collagen and elastin.

What Types of Exfoliants Are Available?

There are two main types of exfoliants – mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliants come in products like cleansers and creams with exfoliating beads, sugars, or other exfoliating particles. Other mechanical exfoliants may be things like brushes and sponges that will physically remove dead skin and help keep pores clear. Chemical exfoliants typically include alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy, glycolic, salicylic, lactic, or other acids. These chemical ingredients perform the same exfoliating function as mechanical exfoliants. There are also products that combine mechanical and chemical exfoliant ingredients.

In addition to exfoliant products for use at home, there are also dermatologic procedures that can help keep skin properly exfoliated, including:

• • Dermaplaning
• • Chemical Peels
• • VI Peels
• • Facials
• • HydraFacials
• • Microdermabrasion
• • Micropeels

How Should Exfoliants Be Incorporated into Skincare Routines?

If you use an exfoliating cleanser or lotion, you can apply this directly to the skin. In most cases, you shouldn’t utilize exfoliating brushes or other scrubbing devices to apply your facial exfoliant. This can cause too much irritation to the skin. Instead, you should exfoliate the face by covering the face and neck with lukewarm water. Then, apply the exfoliant to the skin using small, circular motions. Finally, rinse with lukewarm water. Depending on your skin type and skincare needs, exfoliants should be used once a day or every few days as tolerated.

If you choose to use a chemical peel, you should use a washcloth or cotton pad to apply these products as they can damage the skin on the hands. People with most skin types can tolerate gentle chemical peels once a week or every other week. If you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, chemical peel products may not be a good option for regular usage, but they can be beneficial if incorporated infrequently under the guidance of a dermatologist. In addition to these traditional chemical peel exfoliants, there are also exfoliating cleansers and skincare products that use one or more acids combined with other ingredients to create gentler chemical exfoliant products that can be safely used as part of daily skincare routines.

What Is the Best Exfoliant?

The best exfoliant will vary from person to person. However, we have several products available on DermSkincare that are safe and beneficial for almost any skin type. Below, we’ve outlined some of the top-recommended products for people who are ready to incorporate exfoliants into their daily skincare routines.

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

The exfoliating ingredients in the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser gently scrub away dead skin, improve the appearance and texture of the skin, diminishing the risk for blemishes or acne flare-ups, and keep skin looking and feeling its best. Because SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is designed to be gentle, most people will tolerate the use of this cleanser as part of their daily skincare routine. In fact, some people are able to use this exfoliating cleanser in the morning and evening. It’s recommended to begin by using this product a few times a week. Then, increase usage as it can be tolerated. Those with sensitive skin should begin by using this product once a week.

Skinbetter Science Alpharet Exfoliating Peel Pads

The skinbetter Science Alpharet Exfoliating Peel Pads are one of the easiest-to-use exfoliant products. The patented formula contains three different types of acid (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic) and alpharet, a proprietary blend of alpha-hydroxy acid and retinoids. The unique formulation works well to smooth, brighten, and rejuvenate skin. It’s especially beneficial for aging and acne-prone skin, but it can also be used by people with any skin type. Even those with sensitive skin can tolerate Skinbetter Science Alpharet Exfoliating Peel Pads in most cases.

While many of the products available from DermSkincare can be purchased without prior approval or prescription, The Skinbetter Science Alpharet Exfoliating Peel Pads do require prior authorization before purchase. You can quickly and easily request this authorization on the DermSkincare product page. Simply click the “request access” button. Then, provide a few details. A member of our team will be in touch to help you complete your order.

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub is one of the gentlest and most effective exfoliant products available. It combines a 2% concentration of hydra silica, glycerin, and aloe to thoroughly cleanse pores and remove dead skin while softening and hydrating rough patches for a more even skin texture. Safe and gentle enough for almost all skin types, SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub is made to be used once a day on the face and neck. For those with sensitive skin, this product should be used less frequently as tolerated to avoid unnecessary irritation and inflammation.

Visit with the U.S. Dermatology Partners Team

If you’re interested in learning more about exfoliants or other skincare products, your first stop should be at a dermatologist’s office. The effective and beneficial skincare products available for purchase on DermSkincare were chosen by knowledgeable dermatologists at U.S. Dermatology Partners. With numerous dermatology practices across several states, there is likely to be a U.S. Dermatology Partners location near you. If you’d like to work with one of their trusted dermatologists, it’s easy to get started. Simply take a few moments to complete the online scheduling request form. Once they hear from you, a member of the U.S. Dermatology Partners team in your area will be in touch to finalize the details of your visit.