Choosing the Best Exfoliator for Your Skin Type

Want a brighter, more vibrant complexion? Exfoliators for the face are ideal for revealing refreshed, glowing skin.

With so many options, it’s important to know which exfoliators will work best for your skin and how you should use them for the most beautiful results. Here’s how to find an exfoliator for your skin that enhances your complexion’s natural luminosity.

What Is Skin Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, debris, and other buildup from the surface of your skin. This helps your complexion look cleaner and healthier, while also preventing pores from clogging up, leading to breakouts. 

There are two main types of exfoliators: chemical and physical. 

Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliators for Skin

Chemical and physical exfoliators are both effective, but they get the job done in different ways.

These ingredients are often plant-based and can penetrate into the skin, working beneath the surface to rejuvenate the complexion. Chemical exfoliators for the face include:

● Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acids
● Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic and citric acids
● Poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs) such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acids
● Fruit enzymes such as papaya, pineapple, and bromelain

Like the name implies, these exfoliators physically remove dead skin cells and debris from your complexion. They work on the surface of your skin and don’t penetrate further, unlike chemical exfoliants. Examples of physical exfoliators include:

● Manual or automated brushes
● Loofahs
● Cloths
● Scrubs containing ingredients such as sugar, beads, ground nutshells, or other small particles.
● Professional dermaplaning or microdermabrasion.

Whatever method you choose, be careful not to go overboard. Using a strong exfoliator too often can cause redness, irritation, or, with physical exfoliators, microscopic damage to the skin barrier. Gentle exfoliators for the skin can be used more often, but follow the instructions for any product and stop using it if you experience adverse effects. 

You’re less likely to run into problems when you choose the right exfoliator for your skin type. Here’s what to look for:

Physical exfoliants or stronger chemicals such as salicylic acid can help control oil on the surface of your skin and prevent clogged pores and pimples. Consult with your dermatologist on how to exfoliate if you have persistent acne breakouts so you don’t irritate your already-inflamed skin. 

Exfoliation is great for dry skin, which can develop rough patches of dead skin cells that dull your complexion. Your best option is a gentle AHA exfoliator for the face because those also help moisturize the skin barrier. 

You may want to use a mix of physical and chemical exfoliants, depending on the condition of your skin. For instance, you can use a product with glycolic acid, then when you’re rinsing it from your face use an exfoliating brush or washcloth. Combining the two types of exfoliators can help keep flakiness and oiliness at bay.

If your skin is already in balance, help maintain that balance with a gentle exfoliator that can sweep away grime. If you want to add a physical exfoliator to your skincare routine, use a light touch, and limit any kind of exfoliation to once a week. 

You need the gentlest possible exfoliant to avoid irritating your sensitive skin. (That’s especially true if you already are dealing with redness or inflammation due to psoriasis or another skin condition.) PHAs are the gentlest of the chemical acids. They are a type of AHA, but PHAs don’t penetrate skin as deeply as AHAs. PHAs are also excellent at hydrating skin to calm your complexion.

Benefits of Using Exfoliators

Exfoliators for the face are a must for any comprehensive skincare routine. Among the benefits:

● Your skin feels supple and smooth, with an improved appearance of your tone and texture.
● Exfoliation prepares your face to better absorb your other skincare products such as serums and moisturizers.
● Foundation and other makeup glides on smoothly.
● Pores are less likely to clog.
● Your complexion looks glowing with a heightened radiance.

Augustinus Bader Gentle Exfoliants

Gently exfoliate every day with our collection of cleansers and toners that purify and revitalize your skin:

● The Cream Cleansing Gel uses citric acid to smooth imperfections and tighten pores while also cleansing and hydrating.

●The Cleansing Balm, our rich, luxurious cleanser, comes with The Cloth made of 100% cotton muslin. Use it to wipe off the balm after cleaning for gentle exfoliation. Use either cleanser on its own, or combine the two in a double cleanse. 

● The Essence is used like a toner after cleanser. But it’s not a typical toner: The Essence exfoliates with an innovative combination of phytic acid, salicylic acid, and gluconolactone while also hydrating and protecting your complexion with actives such as hyaluronic acid, wasabi ferment, and white peony extract.

It’s essential to follow up exfoliation with a high-quality moisturizer, and, in daytime, a broad-spectrum sunscreen to nourish and protect your newly revealed skin. Maintain your fresh-faced beauty with exfoliation; shop our facecare products today.