How to Choose Facial Exfoliators

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By Arathi
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Exfoliation is an essential step in a skin care regimen. Facial exfoliators work by removing dead skin cells on the outermost layer of skin called stratum corneum. The removal of a layer of dead skin cells reveals fresher and brighter looking facial skin. In addition, the process of exfoliation helps expensive anti-aging treatments penetrate better into facial skin, and reduce excessive surface oil that lead to acne and blackheads in people with oily skin. Facial exfoliators, however, are not all created equal. Different facial exfoliators are appropriate for different skin concerns, and skin types. Find out more about how to choose the right facial exfoliator here.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Facial exfoliators

Step 1

Choose a physical or a manual exfoliator for a normal skin type. If your skin is neither dry nor oily, a gentle physical exfoliator is just the right product. Look for words like scrub or microdermabrasion on the label of a product when selecting a manual exfoliator. Scrubs and microdermabrasion kits use natural or artificial grains like sugar, almond meal, jojoba beads, polyethylene buffing beads, etc that gently remove dead surface cells.
Step 2

Look for facial exfoliators made with enzymes for sensitive skin. Enzyme based facial exfoliators are most commonly made with natural fruit enzymes, and are also called enzyme peels. They work by dissolving dead skin cells without causing friction or irritation to sensitive skin. Most of these products use papaya and pineapple enzymes to brighten and clarify, and antioxidants and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and green tea to soothe and protect sensitive skin.
Step 3

Choose an alpha hydroxy acid or lactic acid based exfoliator for oily skin. Also called chemical exfoliators or peels, alpha hydroxy acids and lactic acids are one of the most common and most effective facial exfoliators. They work by lifting off a layer of dead cells and encourage new cell growth. While they are very effective, they can also be irritating. Available in different strengths, start off chemical exfoliation with acids from the lowest strength and gradually build up to higher strengths.
Step 4

Choose beta-hydroxy based facial exfoliators or peels for acne prone skin. While alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy exfoliators are both beneficial for acne prone skin, a recent study showed that beta-hydroxy peels were slightly more effective than alpha-hydroxy acids in treating acne lesions when used on two different sides of the face of the same patient. Beta hydroxy acids are probably more effective for acne prone skin as they are oil soluble, while alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble. Look for the words salicylic acid when buying a beta hydroxy exfoliator.
Step 5

Don't exfoliate everyday unless your facial skin is very resistant. Over-exfoliation can potentially be harmful by causing skin irritation that can lead to permanent skin damage. Use any of the above facial exfoliators and take a break for a week to see if there is a reaction. Build up to using facial exfoliators twice or thrice a week if facial skin responds well to an exfoliator.
Step 6

Always use sun protection after using a facial exfoliator. While using sun protection is important every single day, it is absolutely imperative on days when skin is exfoliated. Freshly exfoliated skin is very prone to sun burns and sun damage. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.