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 Patients out on the basics – cleanse, exfoliate, 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 usually two to three times a week. When you first start on your 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.
PRO 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 cleans 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 Physicals exfoliators?
A certain Apricot Scrub may have given scrubs a bad name, but there are many benefits to physical exfoliators (such as clay masks or face scrubs) and chemical exfoliators (such as acid serums and peels). These two categories can be used in tandem, but always consult with your Provider on your overall skincare goals and routine to make sure you’re not over exfoliating.
Physical Exfoliator Highlights
The Skin Clique Daily Scrub (2 OZ / $45) 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.
Best for smoothing skin tone and texture. Ideal for dry to combination skin.
ZO Skin Health's Exfoliating Polish (2.3 OZ / $68) is an ultra-fine formula of magnesium oxide crystals and Vitamin C that leaves the skin instantly soft and smooth.
Best for brightening dull skin. Ideal for all skin types!
The Skin Clique Purifying Mask (3 OZ / $38) 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.
Best for clearing acne/blemish prone skin. Ideal for combination to oily skin or for spot-treating.
Chemical Exfoliator Highlights
ZO Skin Health's Exfoliation Accelerator (50 ML / $72) is best applied directly after cleansing to help products penetrate deeper while providing the calming benefits of aloe, green tea and chamomile.
Best for sensitive skin. Ideal for all skin types!
SkinBetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads (30 ct / $110) feature the award-winning retinoid, AlphaRet, with a triple-acid blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid. These individually packaged pads pack a big punch and are perfect for your travel bag!
Best for anti-aging. Ideal for combination to oily skin.
ZO Stimulator Peel (Book Now for $125) 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!
Best for a fresh glow. Ideal for all skin types.