The quest for smoother, brighter skin is a lifelong journey for many of us. And at the heart of this quest lies a crucial step: exfoliation. But with so many exfoliating products on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Should you opt for chemical exfoliants or physical scrubs? Are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) the way to go? And what about those mysterious enzyme-based exfoliants?
The truth is, exfoliating is a highly personal process, and what works wonders for your best friend may not deliver the same results for you. That’s why we turned to the experts – renowned dermatologists with years of experience in the field – to get the scoop on the best exfoliating products out there.
Exfoliating 101
What is Exfoliating?
Exfoliating is a skin care technique that involves removing dead skin cells from the outermost surface layer of the skin. This process can have several benefits, including even skin tone, smooth texture, and reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. According to Dr. Shereen Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, exfoliating can help leave the skin looking even, smooth, and soft.
Dr. Idriss emphasizes the importance of a consistent exfoliating routine, which can help remove oil and debris from pores to prevent acne breakouts and stimulate cell turnover. This process can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look smoother and more youthful.
Benefits of Exfoliating
- Even skin tone: Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and even out skin tone, resulting in a more radiant complexion.
- Smooth texture: Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and smooth out skin texture, making it look more youthful and refreshed.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Exfoliating can help stimulate cell turnover and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look smoother and more youthful.
Types of Exfoliants
Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants use abrasive particles or textured materials to scrub the surface of the skin. These types of exfoliants can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation, especially if used too frequently.
Examples of physical exfoliants include:
- Scrubbing gloves
- Exfoliating sponges
- Microbead exfoliants
- Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
- Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs)
- Enzyme exfoliants
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use acids or other chemicals to dissolve dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. These types of exfoliants are generally gentler on the skin than physical exfoliants and can be used more frequently.
Examples of chemical exfoliants include:
The Best Exfoliating Products
Face Exfoliants
The following are some of the best face exfoliants on the market, as recommended by Morningpicker’s expert panel of dermatologists.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
This powder-turns-paste daily exfoliant helps improve dull skin, even tone and texture, and combat breakouts, including blemishes and blackheads, according to the brand.
Peace Out Acne Gel Cleanser
Editor Tip: As part of a Best of Beauty-winning three-step acne system, this lightly foaming wash is gentle enough to use daily and is even considered a dermatologist-approved product for treating cystic acne.
Expert Insights and Tips
Choosing the Right Exfoliant for Your Skin Type
Dermatologists recommend choosing an exfoliant that suits your skin type. For dry skin, opt for gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, in a cream or lotion texture.
For oily or acne-prone skin, look for salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help manage breakouts. Foaming and gel formulations are effective for oily skin, as they work to dissolve excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
For extremely sensitive skin, avoid fragrances and potential irritants like dyes, says Dr. Pooja Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm.
Meet the Experts
Pooja Rambhia, MD
Dr. Rambhia is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm and recommends gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients for dry skin.
Brendan Camp, MD
Dr. Camp is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC and recommends salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for oily or acne-prone skin.
The Best Exfoliating Products
Body Exfoliants
The following are some of the best body exfoliants on the market, as recommended by Morningpicker’s expert panel of dermatologists.
Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash
Courtesy of brand Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash $9 Amazon $10 Walmart
This body wash is a great option for all skin types, especially those with dry skin, as it not only provides a gentle cleanse, leaving the skin feeling clean, but it’s now also formulated with moisturizing MicroMoisture Droplets to nourish the skin and improve the moisture barrier for a full 24 hours, according to Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our article has delved into the world of exfoliation, exploring the top 19 products recommended by dermatologists to help readers achieve brighter, smoother skin. We’ve highlighted the importance of finding the right exfoliant for individual skin types and concerns, whether it’s addressing acne, fine lines, or hyperpigmentation. By understanding the different types of exfoliants available, from physical to chemical and enzyme-based options, readers can make informed decisions about which products to incorporate into their skincare routines.
The significance of exfoliation cannot be overstated. It’s a crucial step in maintaining healthy, radiant skin, and the right products can make all the difference. By incorporating these expert-recommended exfoliants into their daily routines, readers can expect to see improved skin texture, reduced appearance of pores, and a more even tone. Moreover, exfoliation is not just about aesthetics; it’s also essential for maintaining skin health and preventing issues like clogged pores and acne.