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Best Exfoliator for Your Face for a Healthier Look

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by Lydia

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Beauty blogs will tell you to find the best exfoliator for your face to enhance your skincare routine. However, it is challenging to settle on a product because of the different ways you can exfoliate and the numerous ingredients on the labels. If you are confused about which exfoliator to get, our top picks and factors to consider should help you out. 

What Is Exfoliation?

Naturally, our skin sheds off a significant amount of dead cells from the surface, but the cell turnover cycle slows down as we get older. The accumulation of the gunk leads to some nasty side effects such as having clogged pores, fine lines, dullness and flaky patches on our skin.

Consequently, our skincare routines should factor in the correct cleansing techniques, regularly using sunscreen and exfoliating to keep the skin healthy. These measures will help ensure that we can have a brighter completion while allowing the products we use to penetrate deep into our skin for better functioning.

Since your face is the most exposed part of your body, it is essential to ensure that you take care of it. Buying the best exfoliator for your face helps speed up the process of dealing with dead skin cells, even as we age. 

 Best Exfoliators for Your Face

Best Exfoliators for Your Face - Reviews

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is a dual-action product that works to polish and smoothen your skin to enhance the natural glow. If you are contending with wrinkles and fine lines, clogged pores, or an uneven or dull skin tone, this is facial scrub will get the job done.

The ingredients include pumpkin, papaya and pineapple enzymes which promote exfoliation minus the risks of drying your skin out. The Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid are there to provide chemical exfoliation, while the silica ingredient is designed to physically exfoliate your face. Plus, the honey, aloe vera and Vitamin E should soften and leave your skin feeling smooth.

You can apply the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment once or twice a week, during the day or night. To use it, you need to start by wetting your face, then apply a thin, even layer and massage circularly for about 30 seconds. Leave the product on for about two minutes, then rinse and dry your face by gently patting it. 

Pros

  • The face scrub works on dry, oily and combination skin.
  • Buyers get a three-piece kit with every purchase.
  • The face exfoliator does not contain sulfates, parabens and it is cruelty-free.
  • It combines physical and chemical exfoliation.

Cons

  • Users with sensitive skin complain the face exfoliator is harsh. 

The TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub is designed to brighten, smoothen and give you a more even skin tone. The formula contains probiotic extracts that enhance the smoothness of your face, while the sugar scrub is the active agent in providing physical exfoliation. Also, papaya and pineapple fruit enzymes dissolve the dead cells to expunge impurities while enhancing the skin's radiance.

The TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub keeps skin healthy by also offering hydrating properties. The probiotics lock in moisture and enhance your skin's natural barrier, while the sugar keeps it hydrated. The face scrub is made without harmful preservatives, carcinogens, sodium laurel sulfate and other toxins.

Enhance your skincare routine with a face scrub twice or four times a week. Apply a small amount of the product and gently massage it on your face in a circular motion. Finally, use warm water to rinse it out. 

Pros

  • The face exfoliator lacks mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfates, parabens, phthalates and other preservatives.
  • The face scrub has an inviting smell.
  • The water solubility of sugar ensures the gentle formula dissolves to prevent over-exfoliation.
  • Probiotics are excellent at locking in moisture.
  • The face scrub contains Vitamin E, Hyaluronic acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, pre-biotics and other fruit extracts. 

Cons

  • Some people complain that the sugar dissolves too quickly for them to experience effective results. 

The excellent face exfoliator from Paula's Choice uses Salicylic Acid and green tea in the ingredients for awesome results. The former will clear and minimize pores that appear enlarged, reduce wrinkles and fine lines while helping you remove dead skin cells building up on the surface. Green tea is a natural oxidant that soothes your skin and offers anti-aging perks to improve the skin's appearance.

The 2% BHA liquid exfoliant brings out your glow by uncovering your radiant and healthy skin. The ingredient provides a deep clean by going into the pores to eliminate debris, excess oil and dirt. Also, the Beta Hydroxy Acid will help even out your skin tone by clearing dark spots and soothing redness.

You can start using Paula's Choice exfoliant every other day until you feel how your skin responds to the face exfoliating liquid. Afterward, you can start using it two times a day with either a cotton pad or your hands. A gentle pat is enough to apply it on your face and neck, but you should not rinse it afterward. 

Pros

  • The Paula's Choice exfoliant lacks a fragrance and thus ideal for nighttime use.
  • It is gentle enough on all skin types.
  • The BHA is effective in helping your skin to shed the dead surface while unclogging pores.
  • It offers anti-aging benefits. 

Cons

  • The liquid can be tricky to apply as opposed to a cream formula. 

The T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial by Drunk Elephant is a premium cream that helps you slough away dead skin cells as it gently exfoliates the surface for a smoother skin texture. The product is the best face mask for all skin types thanks to the combination of beta-hydroxy and alpha-hydroxy acids of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, salicylic and citric acids. The chemical exfoliants are formulated for a pH of 3.5 and will enhance the appearance of pores and minimize fine lines and wrinkles on your face.

Regardless of your skin type, this product has the right combination of ingredients to get the job done. Plus, the application is a simple process that involves spreading an even layer of the face mask and leaving it on for about 20 minutes to remove the dead cells. Afterward, it would be best if you rinsed it off and immediately used a little of the accompanying oil to enhance hydration and soothing of your skin. 

Pros

  • It comes with their Organic Marula Luxury Face Oil.
  • It is suitable for any skin type.
  • The pH of 3.5 ensures gentle exfoliating without risking redness or irritation of sensitive skin. 

Cons

  • The face mask is expensive. 

The Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Scrub is one of the most affordable options, but it still delivers premium results. This face scrub cleans and soothes your skin while its active ingredients exfoliate it. The blue-green exfoliating beads act as an excellent physical exfoliator, while the oil-free, gel-based formulation washes off easily.

To use the face scrub, wet your face, then gently apply it on while avoiding your eyes. Once done, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it off by patting your face. The product will reach deep into your pores for a deep clean. Plus, the cool and tingly sensation you feel is a big plus on hot days. 

Pros

  • It lacks Salicylic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide, making it ideal for everyday use on sensitive skin.
  • The face scrub is oil-free and washes off easily. 

Cons

  • The menthol in the face scrub requires users to avoid their eyes when applying the chemical exfoliant. 
  • The fragrance is too much for some users.
  • It contains parabens. 

What to Consider When Buying the Best Exfoliator for Your Face

a) Determine Your Skin Type

The first consideration when looking for the best exfoliator for your face is your skin type. Surprisingly, our skin types can change depending on whether we smoke, the weather and aging. If you are unsure about your skin type, there is a simple procedure to help you figure it out.

First, wash your face thoroughly to ensure you have removed all products. Do not put on anything once your face is dry. After an hour, take a tissue and use it to dab lightly on different areas of the face. Ensure you keep an eye out for oil and which parts it is from.

You have oily skin if you observe oil on the tissue from all parts of your face. On the other hand, you have combination skin if you only see oil on the tissue from specific face areas. If no oil is observed, you either have normal or dry skin. But, if there is visible scaling or flaking of the skin, then you have dry skin.

b) Skin Types and Exfoliators

So, how do these results affect your decision when buying the best face exfoliators for your skin?

1. Oily Skin

Oily skin requires a physical exfoliator such as a cleansing device or a face scrub. Do not apply too much pressure when exfoliating, as aggressive abrasiveness may damage your skin. Light granules like jojoba beads can ensure you do not injure yourself.

2. Dry Skin

People with dry skin should look for exfoliators that also have moisturizing or hydrating properties. Typically, honey-based products or ones in a creamy or lotion texture will do.

3. Combination Skin

Those with combination skin that is more normal to dry are often free to choose any product for exfoliating their face. If it is normal to oily, physical exfoliators or a mild chemical are ideal. Options with AHAs are better suited when you are more concerned with excess oil.

4. Acne-Prone Skin

Acne-prone skin requires a gentle skincare routine so that you do not aggravate it further. Physical exfoliators with grains or ones that use sugar should be avoided at all costs. A chemical exfoliator will remove dead skin cells to unclog your pores without irritating your skin and causing a breakout.

5. Mature Skin

Mature skin can be both sensitive and dry, making regular exfoliation necessary. Go for physical exfoliators that feature super-fine grains along with chemical ones for the best results. Plus, an AHA & BHA exfoliating cleanser is an ideal choice.

6. Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin should stay far from chemical exfoliating methods. Mild options and natural ingredients like rice bran, oatmeal and powders may prove useful. However, seeking the advice of a dermatologist before making a purchase is crucial if you fall into this category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Face Exfoliators

1. What is the best exfoliator for your face?

The best exfoliator for your face is the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. The product offers affordability and premium skincare features in a neat package. Plus, it works on all skin types to slough away dead skin cells to keep your pores clear and rejuvenate your face.

2. How do I deep exfoliate my face?

A combination of chemical and physical exfoliants, depending on your skin type, should work well on your face. For deep cleansing, you need to go through your skincare routine regularly. After all, dead skin cells accumulate every day.

It would help if you always started with washing your face to remove any make-up products. Next, apply the exfoliator and massage it gently onto the skin. Allow it to stay on for the recommended amount of time, then wash it off with warm water.

If you are trying out a product for the first time, you should start by applying it to a small skin patch. If there are no adverse reactions, you can proceed with regular use. 

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Lydia

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