Get Glowing: The Complete Guide to Face Exfoliation

The Ultimate Guide to Exfoliation: From Gentle to "Holy Moly, My Face is Tingling"

Let's talk about exfoliation—basically spring cleaning for your face. If your skin looks dull despite using seventeen different serums, you probably need to evict some dead skin cells. But before you go at your face with a loofah (please don't), let's figure out which method won't leave you looking like a tomato.

What is Exfoliation?

It's removing dead skin cells from your face. Your skin naturally sheds every 28 days when you're young, but slows down as you age because life is unfair. Exfoliation gives this process a nudge.

Physical Exfoliation: The "Scrub It Out" Method

You literally scrub the dead stuff off with particles or tools.

What It Includes:

• Scrubs (sugar, salt, jojoba beads)

• Tools (cleansing brushes, konjac sponges, washcloths)

• Dermaplaning (facial shaving - yes, you can do this at home!)

Pros:

• Instant results you can see and feel

• Simple to understand

• Budget-friendly

• Works immediately

Cons:

• Easy to overdo it and scrub like you're cleaning a bathtub

• Can cause micro-tears (looking at you, St. Ives Apricot Scrub)

• Too harsh for sensitive skin

• Terrible for active acne or rosacea

Real Talk: That walnut shell scrub is basically sandpaper for your face. Your skin deserves better.

DIY Dermaplaning: Yes, You Can Shave Your Face

Before you panic—dermaplaning at home is totally doable and surprisingly safe when done right. You're basically giving yourself a professional treatment with an under 10 dollar razor. I have had both professional and now I regularly dermaplane at home. Any professional treatment is always a treat, but I would rather have a professional treatment that I cant do myself at home (especially so economically!) A basic dermaplane razor can be found on Amazon for 8.99 for a 12 pack. This is the Kitsch brand which I have jumped on the Kitsch bandwagon recently buying several bar soaps for my hair but that is for a different post! Kitsch also has a a soothing Dermaplane jojoba and argan oil to use when dermaplaning. This will make the whole process smoother, no pun intended. Truthfully though, it will leave your skin super smooth and decrease cuts or irritation! Another option is an automatic tool with 10 blades; the Galtxen. It is currently 15% off and it has 3 adjustable speeds and it has a light so you can visualize the peach fuzz as you go! Of course, it is more expensive then the disposable blades but in the scheme of things, you would get 10 blades for less then one dermablade session in the office.

What You Need:

• Sterile dermaplaning razors or eyebrow razors (not your leg razor!)

• Clean, dry skin or use the dermaplane oil (not required)

• Good lighting

• Steady hands

How to Do It:

1. Start with clean, completely dry skin (no oils or serums)

2. Pull skin taut with one hand

3. Hold razor at 45-degree angle

4. Use short, gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth

5. Don't go over the same area multiple times

6. Follow with gentle moisturizer and SPF

The Reality:

• Pros: Instant smooth skin, makeup goes on like butter, removes peach fuzz and dead skin. Topicals are better absorbed after dermaplaning.

• Cons: Hair grows back (it won't be thicker—that's a myth), requires steady hands, not great if you have active breakouts

• How Often: Every 3-4 weeks max

Important: Skip if you have active acne, cuts, or irritated skin. And please use a clean razor every time—this isn't the place to be economical!

Chemical Exfoliation: The "Science Magic" Method

Uses acids to dissolve dead skin cell bonds. Sounds scary but it's not—these are carefully formulated, not movie-grade metal-dissolving acids.

The Main Players:

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids):

• Glycolic Acid: The overachiever, penetrates deepest

• Lactic Acid: Gentler, also hydrating

• Mandelic Acid: The gentle giant for sensitive skin

  The ordinary has a glycolic acid exfoliating toner which is 7%. I love the Ordinary brand. It does not have the cutest packaging, colors or scents but it has the active ingredients that truly work and it is at a great price. My new find is the Maree brand glycolic acid toner pads which have tree tea oil, salicyclic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinimide and vitamins E, B3, B5. After use, I have found that my skin feels super clean, yet moisturized, soft and supple at the same time. I love how they managed to get so many active ingredients in one product! Multitasking at its finest. :) Currently, there is a 50% subscribe and save option which is an amazing offer.

  Another favorite I am currently using is an Ordinary product and it is a once a week treatment mask. It is a dupe for a much more expensive product (Drunk Elephant's babyfacial). It contains both AHA (30%) and BHA (2%). With the high concentration of AHA, it is considered a peel. Be careful of this mask/peel as it is strong and you should not start with this treatment. Build up with less potent products, first!

BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids):

• Salicylic Acid: Oil-soluble, gets into pores, perfect for acne

PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids):

• Gluconolactone: The gentle cousin of AHAs

Belif has a great PHA 2% toner as a pad. It delicately exfoliates skin while refining pores. I do like the toner in the pad option as it is easier to use and great for travel.

Pros:

• Controlled and even application

• Addresses acne, dark spots, and texture

• No physical trauma to skin

• Long-term collagen benefits

Cons:

• Learning curve to find what works

• Makes skin sun-sensitive (sunscreen is mandatory)

• Possible "purging" phase where skin looks worse first

• Takes patience—results come in weeks, not minutes

Enzyme Exfoliation: The "Gentle Pac-Man" Method

Fruit enzymes (papaya, pineapple, pumpkin) "eat" dead skin cells. Like tiny fruit-based Pac-Men.

Pros:

• Super gentle for sensitive skin

• Only works on dead skin (self-limiting)

• Immediate brightening effect

Cons:

• Slower, more gradual results

• Limited product options

• Can cause fruit allergies

• Less scientific research backing

Professional Treatments: The Big Guns

Chemical Peels: Higher acid concentrations, range from subtle to "hide for a week"

Microdermabrasion: Professional-grade physical exfoliation

Dermaplaning: Professional face shaving for baby-smooth skin

Pros: Dramatic results, expert assessment

Cons: Expensive, potential downtime, higher stakes

How to Choose Your Method

• Beginners: Gentle enzymes or low-concentration acids

• Oily/Acne Skin: Salicylic acid (BHA)

• Dry/Aging Skin: Glycolic or lactic acid (AHAs)

• Sensitive Skin: PHAs or enzyme treatments

• Combination Skin: Different methods for different face areas

The Golden Rules

1. Start slow and gentle

2. Less is more—over-exfoliation is real

3. Sunscreen is non-negotiable

4. Listen to your skin

5. Don't mix methods on the same day

6. Moisturize afterward

7. Consistency beats intensity

The Bottom Line

The best exfoliation method is the one you'll actually use without turning into an angry tomato. Start gentle, pay attention to your skin, and be patient. You didn't get dull skin overnight, and you won't fix it overnight either.

And seriously—wear sunscreen. Your newly exfoliated skin will thank you. I think of newly exfoliated skin as "baby skin" as it is so soft but also susceptible to sun damage.

Till next time, y'all.

XOXO, SG