The Best Face Exfoliators

Are you yearning for a radiant, luminous complexion that reflects light effortlessly? If you want to achieve the "glass skin" effect that's trending on social media, try exfoliating your face. According to Sabina Wizemann, the Senior Chemist at Good Housekeeping Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, the skin naturally exfoliates itself, but when the regenerative process is slow, dead skin cells accumulate. This can result in a thick, rough layer of skin that appears dry and dull, and may cause acne, clogged pores, and signs of aging.

To exfoliate your face, you can choose between two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), and enzymes are all examples of chemical exfoliants that work by increasing cell turnover. On the other hand, physical exfoliants like face scrubs and polishes mechanically remove dirt, pollution particles, and cells by friction.

Ozzy Express Institute Beauty Lab has conducted extensive testing of face peels and scrubs to identify the best exfoliants for every skin type, including oily, dry, mature, and sensitive skin. They evaluated nearly 3,000 data points in total, and their list of the top face exfoliators includes products that performed well in their tests, as well as dermatologist-recommended options and products that are loved by editors.

Facial exfoliation is a technique that removes the skin's outer layer of dead skin cells in order to make it smoother, brighter and clearer — yet a GH survey revealed that nearly half of women skip it in their skincare routine. There are three main types of exfoliation, each with different functions that work best for different skin types, concerns and needs.

Physical exfoliants are skincare products that use physical abrasion to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. They work by physically scrubbing away dead skin cells and debris on the surface of the skin. There are different types of physical exfoliants, including:

1. Scrubs: These are products that contain small particles, such as sugar, salt, or microbeads, that are massaged onto the skin to remove dead skin cells.

2. Brushes: These are brushes with soft bristles that are used to gently buff away dead skin cells.

3. Konjac sponges: These are made of natural fibers and are used to gently exfoliate the skin.

Physical exfoliants can be an effective way to improve skin texture and promote a brighter complexion. However, it's important to be gentle when using them and to avoid using products with harsh or jagged particles that can cause irritation or damage to the skin. It's also important to limit the frequency of physical exfoliation to once or twice a week, as over-exfoliation can lead to skin sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. Additionally, those with sensitive skin may want to avoid physical exfoliants altogether and opt for gentler chemical exfoliants instead.

Chemical exfoliants are products that use acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover. There are two main types of chemical exfoliants: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

AHAs are water-soluble acids that work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed. Common AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. They are effective at improving the texture and tone of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

BHAs are oil-soluble acids that can penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve sebum, making them a great option for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is the most common BHA and is known for its ability to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.

Chemical exfoliants are often preferred over physical exfoliants (such as scrubs or brushes) because they are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or damage. However, it's important to choose the right type and concentration of acid for your skin type and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-exfoliation or other adverse effects. Additionally, it's important to wear sunscreen when using chemical exfoliants as they can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Combo exfoliants also known as hybrid exfoliants, are products that combine both chemical and physical exfoliants to provide a more thorough and effective exfoliation experience. These products typically contain a blend of AHAs or BHAs, along with small particles that provide physical exfoliation.

The benefit of using combo exfoliants is that they offer the benefits of both types of exfoliants. The chemical exfoliants work by dissolving dead skin cells and promoting skin cell turnover, while the physical exfoliants provide a deeper, more thorough exfoliation by physically removing the dead skin cells and debris on the surface of the skin. This can lead to smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin.

However, it's important to use combo exfoliants with caution and to avoid over-exfoliating the skin. Over-exfoliation can lead to irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, which can ultimately damage the skin's barrier and cause further skin issues. It's important to follow the instructions carefully and to use these products only once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity level. It's also important to wear sunscreen when using combo exfoliants, as they can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.