How to Exfoliate Your Skin (An Easy Guide for Glowing, Smooth Skin)
If you’ve ever wondered why your skin looks a little…meh, the answer is probably dead skin buildup. Yep, your skin naturally sheds, but sometimes it needs a little help to reveal that fresh, glowy layer underneath. That’s where exfoliation comes in!
But before you go scrubbing your face raw (please don’t), let’s talk about how to exfoliate your skin the right way—without irritation, redness, or regret.
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Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, I’ve got the best exfoliation tips and product recommendations to help you get that glow.
What Is Exfoliation & Why Does It Matter?
Exfoliation is basically your secret weapon for smooth, radiant skin. It removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and helps your skincare products work better (because who wants to waste expensive serums on a layer of dead skin?).
There are two main types of exfoliation:
✔ Physical exfoliation – Think face scrubs, cleansing brushes, and exfoliating gloves. These physically slough off dead skin cells.
✔ Chemical exfoliation – Acids like AHAs (glycolic, lactic) and BHAs (salicylic) dissolve dead skin and unclog pores without scrubbing.
Both are great, but using the wrong one for your skin type? That’s where things can go south. Let’s break it down.
How to Exfoliate Your Face the Right Way
Exfoliating your face is a game-changer, but there’s definitely a right and wrong way to do it. Over-exfoliating can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. No thanks!
Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Pick the right exfoliator – This depends on your skin type (more on that in a sec!).
- Start slow – 2-3 times a week is plenty for most skin types.
- Be gentle – No harsh scrubbing! Let the product do the work.
- Follow with hydration – Always apply a moisturizer after exfoliating to keep your skin barrier happy.
Want a step-by-step guide? I break it all down in my post on how to exfoliate your face properly.
The Best Exfoliators for Your Face
Not all exfoliators are created equal. Some are way too harsh, while others don’t do enough. So, what’s the best option for your skin type? I’ve rounded up my favorite picks in this post about the best exfoliators for your face, but here’s a quick breakdown:
- Dry skin? You’ll want something super hydrating. (More on that below!)
- Oily or acne-prone? Salicylic acid is your BFF.
- Sensitive skin? Gentle, non-irritating options are a must.
- Combination skin? Balance is key—you don’t want to overdo it.
Let’s go deeper into each skin type.
Best Exfoliator for Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, exfoliation can feel tricky—you want to remove flakes, but you don’t want to make your skin even drier. The key? Gentle, hydrating exfoliators that don’t strip your skin.
Look for:
✔ Lactic acid (hydrating & mild)
✔ Enzyme exfoliants (like papaya or pineapple)
✔ Scrubs with ultra-fine particles
Product Recommendation: Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum (buy it here)
This serum combines lactic acid with squalane to gently exfoliate while providing deep hydration, making it perfect for dry skin.
I’ve listed my top picks in this best exfoliators for dry skin guide.
Best Exfoliator for Oily Skin
If your face is basically a grease factory by noon, exfoliation is a must. It helps control oil, prevent clogged pores, and keep breakouts in check.
Look for:
✔ Salicylic acid (gets deep into pores)
✔ Clay-based exfoliators (absorb excess oil)
✔ Lightweight gel-based scrubs
Product Recommendation: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (buy it here)
This cult-favorite exfoliant uses salicylic acid to penetrate deep into pores, effectively controlling oil and preventing breakouts.
I go over all my favorite oil-controlling exfoliators in my best exfoliators for oily skin guide.
Best Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin
If your skin gets red and irritated easily, exfoliating might sound scary—but you can do it without damage! The key? Soothing, ultra-gentle exfoliators that remove dead skin without stripping or irritating.
Look for:
✔ PHA (polyhydroxy acids) – Even gentler than AHAs!
✔ Enzyme exfoliators – Super mild, but still effective.
✔ Ultra-fine scrubs – Nothing too rough!
Product Recommendation:The Inkey List PHA Toner (buy it here)
This toner utilizes PHAs to gently exfoliate sensitive skin without causing irritation, leaving your skin smooth and calm.
Check out my top picks in this guide.
Best Exfoliator for Combination Skin
Combination skin is tricky because parts of your face are oily while others are dry. You need an exfoliator that balances both without making things worse.
Look for:
✔ Glycolic acid – Evens out texture and brightens.
✔ Gentle physical + chemical blends – Best of both worlds.
✔ Customizable exfoliators – Powders or liquids you can mix to adjust strength.
Product Recommendation: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (buy it here)
This cleanser combines salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids to exfoliate and balance combination skin, leaving it smooth and radiant.
I share my top picks in this post.
Best Face Scrubs for an Instant Glow
Sometimes, you just want a quick refresh—something that leaves your skin feeling extra smooth. That’s where face scrubs come in!
The key is finding a scrub that’s effective but gentle (because those old-school apricot scrubs? Yikes.).
Product Recommendation: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (buy it here)
This rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes to polish skin to perfection.
I rounded up my favorite scrubs for glowing skin in my best face scrubs guide.
Don’t Forget to Exfoliate Your Body!
Exfoliating isn’t just for your face—your body needs some love too! A good body scrub or exfoliating mitt can help with dry patches, keratosis pilaris, and overall smoothness.
If you’re looking for a great body exfoliator, here are a few options depending on your skin type and preference:
Best Overall:
A cult favorite! It’s affordable, smells amazing, and gives the perfect amount of exfoliation without being too harsh. Buy it here
Best for Dry Skin:
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Contains glycolic and lactic acid to smooth rough patches while still being gentle. Buy it here
Best for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:
Salicylic Acid Body Scrub by Naturium – Helps with body acne and clogged pores while keeping skin soft. Buy it here
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
A super fine, mineral-rich scrub that’s gentle yet effective. Buy it here
Get Your Glow On
Exfoliating is one of the best things you can do for your skin—as long as you do it right. Find the right exfoliator for your skin type, don’t overdo it, and always follow up with hydration.
Need more exfoliation tips? Check out my full list of best exfoliators by skin type so you can find the perfect match!
Let me know—what’s your favorite exfoliator? Have you been exfoliating wrong this whole time? (No judgment, we’ve all been there!).