Facial exfoliators are products that are formulated with ingredients to remove the buildup of dead skin cells that can contribute to dullness, uneven skin tone, and rough surface texture. Skin exfoliators come in various forms, including cleansers, toners, scrubs, and serums formulated for specific skin types and concerns.

Many facial exfoliators are designed for daily use, and some can be used once or twice a day. When using facial exfoliating products, it’s important to look out for signs of irritation that may indicate you are over-exfoliating. To ensure you’re using the ideal facial exfoliators, find a SkinCeuticals skincare professional who can customize a product regimen that meets your skin’s needs as well as your concerns.

The first step when using facial exfoliators is to look at each product’s directions for use. Mild skin exfoliators such as cleansers, toners, and serums can be used in the morning and/or at night. However, those who experience mild redness after using physical exfoliants like scrubs may prefer using these products in the evening or just two to three times a week. Some facial exfoliators are recommended for twice daily use or in the evening only. It’s important to keep your skin type as well as its tolerance in mind when deciding how often to use facial exfoliating products, especially if you are combining several exfoliants. Consult your SkinCeuticals provider to determine a pace and format that is best for your skin.

Facial exfoliation products help remove any build-up of dead skin cells to reveal more radiant, healthy-looking skin. Using facial exfoliators regularly can also help prevent clogged pores that contribute to acne breakouts. When used as part of a comprehensive skincare routine, skin exfoliators can improve the appearance of uneven skin tone as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

As a general rule of thumb, you should not use any aggressive skincare products or ingredients immediately after exfoliating. It’s also essential to wear sunscreen daily when using skin exfoliators, as exfoliants remove the uppermost layers of cells that provide a small degree of protection against UV rays.

Facial exfoliators can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin texture by reducing the build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface. Office-based chemical peels are effective skin exfoliators. They have been shown to stimulate the skin’s production of supportive proteins that help plump the skin to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles.¹

This is really a matter of preference as well as your skin’s tolerance. Some may be able to tolerate facial exfoliating products like cleansers and serums daily, while others who experience redness or irritation after using exfoliants may need to limit the use of skin exfoliators to once a week.

If you prefer facial exfoliators such as scrubs, it’s important to look for products with particles that effectively exfoliate without scratching or damaging the skin. ( Our Micro-Exfoliating Scrub features hydrated silica to gently lift dead skin cells and other debris from the skin’s surface.) There are many effective chemical-based exfoliants that help loosen the bonds that keep dead cells attached to the skin’s surface. These include glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid, and retinol.