What is Exfoliating?

Exfoliating uses a chemical or physical exfoliator to clear away the buildup of dead skin cells and debris on the skin's surface. We all have this buildup, and there are two main ways to get rid of it.

A chemical exfoliator uses acids to chemically dissolve debris. This can sound intense, but the chemicals are safe for your skin and it's a totally painless process. Chemical exfoliants are found in many products and often involve simply applying the product to your face and washing it off.

A physical exfoliator is generally a grainy-textured substance that you massage into your skin to manually remove dead skin cells and any debris trapped on the surface.

Exfoliation is a must to remove dead skin — but it also has other benefits!

1. It Unclogs the Pores

Dead skin cells keep accumulating until they clog your pores and hair follicles, causing pimples. Gently scrubbing your skin removes the buildup of dead skin cells and oil, helping minimize the occurrence of blackheads, blemishes, and other breakouts.

2. It Evens Skin Tone

As dead skin cells accumulate, they make skin appear rough and dull. Exfoliation breaks down the debris and clears it away, allowing healthy skin cells to reach the surface and creating a more even skin tone. It also stimulates blood circulation, bringing more nutrients and oxygen to your skin — reviving it from rough and dull to glowing and youthful.

3. It Helps Stop Signs of Aging

The body naturally sheds dead skin cells, but this process slows as we age. The dead skin cells left behind exaggerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular exfoliation also helps stimulate collagen synthesis, which restores suppleness and helps skin appear tight and filled out.

4. It Helps Your Skincare Products Work Better

Dead skin cells accumulate on top of your skin, soaking up product and preventing it from penetrating deeply. With regular exfoliating, your moisturizers and serums can absorb past the top layer — making them significantly more effective.

5. It Boosts Lymphatic Drainage

Massaging an exfoliant into your skin stimulates blood circulation, brings oxygen and nutrients to the skin's surface, and helps cleanse underneath the surface by removing toxins and debris. The result is radiant, glowing skin.

Recommended Exfoliants

For ultimate ease of use, try the Micropeel Resurfacing Pads. Each gel pad is pre-soaked with product — simply swipe across your face. This chemical exfoliant can be washed off or left on, making it quick and easy to use.

The Micropeel Resurfacing Gel gently removes dead skin cell buildup, lessens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improves luminosity, and evens skin tone. It also helps clear acne breakouts by preventing new clogged pores and dissolving existing blockage.

For an at-home microdermabrasion treatment, the Pomegranate Enzyme Polish is made up of algae particles and orange essential oil that gently peel away dead skin cells. It buffs the dry outer layers to reveal a smooth, bright complexion and can be used on the whole face or as a spot treatment on acne scars, lines, and age spots.

There is no question that everyone should be exfoliating. If you have sensitive skin, try reducing the frequency or using a gentler product. With continued exfoliation, you'll notice your skin becoming more even, smoother, and brighter — with fewer fine lines and breakouts.