Which Exfoliation Method Is Right for Your Skin Type?

Regardless of your skin type and concerns, exfoliation can be extremely beneficial. Adding an exfoliant into your skincare routine can help prevent acne, promote skin cell turnover, and improve overall skin tone and texture. Regular and proper exfoliation allows moisturizers, serums, and oils to absorb deeper into your skin, ultimately boosting the effectiveness of your routine. To determine the best exfoliant for your skin, it is best to look at your skin type, your concerns, and what you hope to achieve.

What Is Chemical Exfoliation?

Exfoliants come in two different forms: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliants penetrate the skin more deeply and can help brighten and improve skin texture and tone. The most common chemical exfoliants include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and enzyme exfoliants. 

Common AHAs such as lactic acid and glycolic acid are best for dry skin since they are water-soluble. If acne or oily skin is a priority, BHAs will be better suited for you. A common BHA, salicylic acid, has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, making it a great choice for acne-prone skin. Enzyme exfoliants are gentler and will be best suited for sensitive skin. Made from fruit enzymes like papain and bromelain, these work at breaking down skin proteins into smaller particles. 

It is important to introduce chemical exfoliants into your routine slowly and not overdo it. While they have many benefits, they can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, redness, and dryness, so always use sunscreen and keep your skin hydrated.

What Is Physical Exfoliation?

Physical exfoliators are surface-level and do not penetrate as deeply as chemical exfoliants. These manually remove skin cells with simple tools like washcloths and brushes, or also with a skin scrub that contains exfoliating particles. Exfoliating tools and brushes incorporate vibration and sonic pulses, which can help achieve a deep cleanse. 

Professional exfoliation can also be achieved at a dermatologist's or esthetician's office by using methods such as dermaplaning and microdermabrasion. Again, introduce physical exfoliants into your routine slowly and be gentle. Exfoliating too often can potentially increase oil production and cause damage to the skin by causing micro-tears.

By this point, you have hopefully determined what type of exfoliant would be best for your skin type. Today I’m listing some top-rated products organized by specific skin type and concerns.

Chemical Exfoliators To Try

Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 

While you can’t get rid of pores completely, you can certainly use products to make them appear smaller! With 4% BHA and niacinamide, the Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid exfoliator helps to control oil by reducing excess sebum and effectively penetrates the skin to decrease early acne and blackheads. This product is recommended for mid-level acid users and is best for oily, acne-prone skin. I love that this exfoliant contains a natural BHA ingredient—willow bark water—to maximize exfoliating and clearing benefits without irritation.

Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel  

With sixteen actives, such as peptides and glycolic and lactic acids, the Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel is full of powerful ingredients to make you glow! Glycolic acid gently exfoliates and softens the skin, while lactic acid will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. Peptides work to moisturize, reduce signs of aging, and protect the skin barrier, making this a gentle exfoliant for all skin types.

Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 

With a low pH formula as well as purifying botanical ingredients, the Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner works to refresh, soothe, and soften skin. Formulated with both BHAs and AHAs and only 11 ingredients, this toner works to improve skin texture, increase vitality, and control pores all in one step! This can be used by all skin types as it exfoliates smoothly, relieves irritation, and moisturizes the skin.

Some By Mi, AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner  

The Some By Me AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients for even the most sensitive skin! Formulated with AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, 2% niacinamide, and 10,000 PPM real tea tree, this mild toner has completed a skin irritation and non-comedogenic test, making it suitable for all skin types and acne-prone skin. AHA, BHA, and PHA work to eliminate dead skin cells and remove sebum and impurities to help control the oil-moisture balance. Tea tree leaf extract quickly soothes the skin and also helps to control excess sebum. 

Physical Exfoliators To Try

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub  

Looking for an affordable physical exfoliant? Try the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub! Formulated with sea kelp, lemon peel, French green clay, and Madonna lily, this scrub is filled with super-nutrients to help soften, detoxify, cleanse, and brighten. If your goal is to have a brighter appearance and you believe a physical exfoliant would be best suited for you, then try out this refreshing scrub for under $10!

DERMA E Microdermabrasian Scrub

Want to enjoy a spa-quality microdermabrasion session in the privacy of your own home? DERMA E's Microdermabrasian Scrub has you covered! Made with polishing agents, this exfoliant gently and effectively sloughs away dull dead skin cells, and deep clean pores, and helps to correct environmental damage. It is ideal for those with fine lines, wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dullness who want to achieve smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.

Benton Pore Clear Brush 

If you have determined that you really need a deep cleanse, it is time to elevate your skincare routine with the Benton Pore Clear Brush! This antibacterial silicone brush helps cleanse dead skin cells. sebum, and pores. deeply cleansing off hard-to-remove makeup, oils, and debris. Your skin will instantly feel cleaner and refreshed, and over time, it will help improve skin texture and tone.

Listen To Your Skin When It Comes To Exfoliation

Whatever your skin type, there is an exfoliation method that can work for you. The trick is to start slow, listen to your skin and pull back if it feels like it’s too much. Use moisturizers that are nourishing to build up your skin barrier if you feel like you have over-exfoliated. Enjoy the benefits of high cell turnover!