How To Exfoliate Your Skin: The Essential Guide
Your skin is constantly at work, naturally renewing itself every few weeks. But over time, that process slows—and when it does, dull skin can linger, leaving your complexion a little lackluster.
The good news? You can lend your skin a hand. A regular exfoliation ritual helps to gently resurface—revealing that healthy, natural glow underneath.
If you’ve ever wondered how to exfoliate properly, or what’s the best way to exfoliate your face, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the benefits, the different types, and where it can fit into your current routine.
The benefits of exfoliating
Exfoliation is the art of clearing away what your skin no longer needs—dead skin, excess oil, and buildup—so it can renew itself freely. But it’s more than just a cosmetic step. Regular exfoliation also:
- Reveals radiance: By sweeping away dull surface cells, it uncovers a smoother, brighter complexion.
- Supports renewal: Encourages your skin’s natural turnover cycle to work overtime.
- Boosts elasticity: Supports natural collagen, promoting firmer, bouncier skin.
- Refines tone and texture: Softens the look of dark spots, post-blemish marks, fine lines, and unevenness.
- Strengthens your barrier: When buildup is gone, your skincare can work more effectively, helping to keep your skin barrier balanced and resilient.
Think of exfoliation as a simple reset for your skin—one that helps it feel soft, smooth, and healthy from the inside out.
Types of exfoliation
There’s no single right way to exfoliate—it’s all about finding the rhythm and texture your skin loves most. But broadly speaking, there are two main methods: physical and chemical.
1. Physical exfoliation
This type of exfoliation uses small particles or tools to gently lift away surface buildup. It’s the classic, tactile way to exfoliate—one that delivers instant smoothness and that satisfying clean-skin feeling.
Gentle, daily-use scrubs are ideal for most skin types. Look for natural-origin particles that help to refine skin without overdoing it.
Try this: Essential Scrub, our daily exfoliating cleanser that purifies and polishes while respecting your skin’s natural balance. With gentle olive particles and a refreshing gel texture, it leaves skin soft, renewed, and radiant in just one step.
2. Chemical exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation works more quietly but goes deeper. Instead of scrubbing, it uses ingredients that release the bonds keeping dead skin around, revealing a smoother surface beneath.
These exfoliants are powered by acids such as glycolic and salicylic, which resurface the skin in a more gradual, even way—ideal for improving tone, texture, and overall clarity.
You can combine both physical and chemical exfoliation for optimal results. Just make sure to choose gentle products, start slow, and listen to your skin.
AHA vs BHA: the ideal exfoliating acids
When we talk about chemical exfoliation, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are the main players. Although both share the same goal, each work in different ways with their own targeted benefits.
Glycolic acid (AHA): The ultimate renewer
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid is one of skincare’s most trusted ingredients for renewal. Because it’s water-soluble, it works mainly on the surface to gently refine texture and tone. Research shows that glycolic acid also supports collagen, helping to keep skin firm and smooth over time.
Try this: Glicoisdin®️, your personalized glycolic acid exfoliant. Whether you choose a cream or gel texture, each formula helps promote renewal, improve texture, and reveal visibly brighter, more even skin.
Salicylic acid (BHA): The pore specialist
Salicylic acid takes a different approach. Because it’s oil-soluble, it speaks the same language as your pores—decreasing oiliness, decongesting skin, and improving texture overall. It’s especially helpful for combination or blemish-prone skin, promoting a smoother, clearer look.
Other exfoliants to know
Although glycolic and salicylic are two of the most popular, they’re not the only acids you’ll find in your skincare favorites:
- Lactic acid (AHA): Gently exfoliates while boosting hydration—great for dry or sensitive skin.
- Mandelic acid (AHA): A slower-acting option derived from almonds, ideal for targeting pigmentation without overwhelming sensitive skin.
- Gluconolactone (PHA or polyhydroxy acid): Offers ultra-gentle exfoliation plus antioxidant protection, making it perfect for delicate or mature skin.
Some advanced formulas combine AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to deliver multi-level results—brightening, smoothing, and refining all at once.
How to exfoliate your face, step by step
1. Start with a smooth canvas
Leave it up to a gentle cleansing scrub to start things off strong. Designed for those seeking to smooth over texture, this type of cleanser can help remove dead skin and minimize the look of pores. Use soft circular motions and rinse thoroughly for a refreshed, polished feel.
2. Choose the right chemical exfoliant for your skin
There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to exfoliating. So, make sure you choose a product that works for your particular skin type. You’ll also want to pay attention to the concentration of exfoliating acids, especially if it’s your first time.
For dry or sensitive skin: Glicoisdin®️ 8 Soft both moisturizes and renews. With 3.2% free glycolic acid, ceramides, and borage oil, it gently exfoliates while enhancing elasticity and hydration.
For oily or combination skin: Glicoisdin®️ 15 Moderate combines soothing ingredients and 6.1% free glycolic acid to boost cell turnover, unify skin tone, and improve texture, especially in acne-prone skin.
For uneven or mature skin: Reach for Glicoisdin®️ 25 Intense. With 9.5% free glycolic acid and soothing aloe vera, it helps blur dark spots, smooth fine lines, and restore luminosity.
Start slowly, using your chosen formula two or three nights per week. As your skin adjusts, you can gradually increase frequency.
Your exfoliation questions, answered
Should I exfoliate morning or night?
Evening is ideal. Exfoliating before bed helps support your skin’s overnight renewal process—and gives your products time to work while you rest. Here’s the perfect order for your full routine:
- Facial cleanser
- Eye contour
- Exfoliant or serum
- Moisturizer
- The next day: Sunscreen
How often should I be exfoliating my skin?
The answer depends on your skin type, your exfoliant, and how your skin responds.
- Physical exfoliation: Gentle scrubs like Essential Scrub can often be used daily.
- Chemical exfoliation: Start with two to three times per week, then build up gradually. (Always check your product label for instructions.)
If your skin feels tight, dry, or irritated, take a short break. A balanced approach is always the best way to exfoliate skin—one that keeps your complexion soft, smooth, and comfortable.
Can I use the same exfoliant for my face and body?
It’s better to use separate products. Keep in mind that skin on the body is usually thicker and more resistant than facial skin. Opt for products that are specifically formulated for each area.
Love your skin
Exfoliation is one of those quiet rituals that can completely transform how your skin looks and feels. Whether you prefer the instant smoothness of a gentle scrub, the refined glow from chemical exfoliants, or both, the secret lies in consistency and care.
Treat your skin with kindness, follow each exfoliation with hydration and protection, and take a moment to enjoy how it feels. Because when you care for your skin, it shows.
References:
Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids Barbara A Green 1, Ruey J Yu, Eugene J Van Scott Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxyacids Philipp Babilas, Ulrich Knie, Christoph Abels Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review Jaishree Sharad Chemical peels in active acne and acne scars Georgios Kontochristopoulos, Eftychia Platsidaki Topical urea in skincare: A review Leonardo Celleno
Editorial Team
Our namesake embodies the spirit of embracing life and all its wonder. As wellness journalists, we explore topics that invigorate the senses and keep curiosity alive. We believe that glowing skin is the result of a healthy body and mind. Weaving beauty with science, we aim to inspire you to live young at every age.
