If I had a penny for every time I raved about exfoliation, I’d be a billionarie. And I’m not done, yet. Because exfoliation is awesome. It’s one of the best things you can do for your skin, and if you ain’t doing it already, you need to jump on this bandwagon ASAP, my smart friend.
Here’s the deal: this article isn’t just me yelling “scrub your face.” I’m breaking down all the reasons exfoliation is basically your skin’s fairy godmother – smoother texture, fewer breakouts, brighter glow, even helping your expensive serums actually do their job. You’ll also get the lowdown on the best types of exfoliants for your skin type, the mistakes people make when they go too hard, and a bunch of quick answers to the questions everyone secretly Googles but doesn’t want to ask out loud. Let’s dive in:
What Exactly Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is just a fancy word for kicking out the dead skin cells that hang around way longer than they should. Your skin does try to shed them on its own, but it’s kinda lazy about it – especially as you get older. So instead of glowing, you end up with a layer of dull, crusty leftovers on top. That’s where exfoliation steps in.
You either scrub those cells off with something gritty (physical exfoliation) or melt them off with acids like glycolic, salicylic, or lactic (chemical exfoliation). Scrubs are like using a broom, acids are like using a magic eraser. Both get the job done, but acids usually do it better and with less drama. End result? Fresh, smooth skin that actually looks alive.
Related: Physical VS Chemical Exfoliation: Which One Is Right For You?
1. Exfoliation Makes Skin Smoother…
Dead cells love piling up on the surface of your skin, making it rougher to the touch. Then, there are wrinkles. They make your skin fold and crease. A little bit of exfoliation will smooth everything out. Yep, even wrinkles. It won’t remove them completely, but it’ll make them look smaller.
Think of it like sanding wood: when the surface is uneven, you get bumps and ridges. Sand it down and suddenly everything feels silky smooth. Exfoliation does the same thing for your face. And when you keep up with it consistently, makeup artists will tell you foundation and concealer apply ten times better, because the “canvas” is naturally prepped.
Related: Treatment VS Prevention: What Really Works Against Wrinkles
2. … And Brighter
You know what else all those dead cells do to your skin? They rob it of its natural glow. Here’s the science-y part: light reflects best off a smooth surface. When skin is uneven and covered in layers of buildup, the light scatters and your face looks tired. Remove that buildup and suddenly, even without highlighter, you’ve got that lit-from-within look people call “glass skin.” So, exfoliate away!
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
3. Exfoliation Lightens Dark Spots
Those skin cells on the surface are the oldest. The most sun damaged. That’s why they create darker spots on your face. Then, there are freckles, melasma, and well… there can be 100 reasons why your skin tone is darker in certain places and lighter in others. Whatever the cause, getting rid of those top dead cells will lighten those dark spots.
Exfoliation does this in two ways: Exfoliation helps by speeding up your skin’s natural turnover cycle, so those damaged cells get pushed off quicker and replaced with fresh, even-toned ones underneath. Then, it does make all your brightening products work way better. Vitamin C, azelaic acid, hydroquinone… whatever you’re using, they can’t do much if they’re just sitting on top of a pile of dead cells. Clear that junk out first, and suddenly those serums can actually sink in and pull their weight.
Related: The Battle Of The Skin-Lighteners: What’s The Best Alternative To Hydroquinone?
4. Exfoliation Gets Rid Of Pimples, Blackheads, And Whiteheads
If your skin’s producing way too much oil than it needs, some of it will remain trapped in your pores. Together with dead skin cells. When these two spend too much time together, they clog your pores. That’s a recipe for pimples, blackheads, whiteheads… all forms of acne, basically. Guess how you get rid of them? By exfoliating those pores, of course!
Salicylic acid is the real MVP here. Scrubs just buff the top, but salicylic can actually slip inside your pores, break up all that greasy gunk, and flush it out. That’s why it works whether you’re a teenager or still getting those annoying hormonal breakouts as an adult.
Related: The Difference Between Blackheads, Whiteheads, And Pimples And How To Treat Them
5. Exfoliation Prevents Breakouts
Getting rid of blackheads, breakouts and co is all well and good. But, wouldn’t it be even better if you didn’t have to deal with them in the first place? Exfoliate those pores regularly and you won’t have to. The gunk won’t have the time to accumulate in there fast enough.
Prevention is really where exfoliation shines. If you’ve ever noticed how your skin “suddenly” breaks out after skipping your routine for a week, that’s because dead cells and oil don’t take long to pile up. Think of exfoliation as skin housekeeping. You wouldn’t let dishes rot in the sink for days, so why let your pores collect trash? P.S. Salicylic acid is still king here.
Related: How To Get Rid Of Blackheads
6. Exfoliation Shrinks Pores
The size of your pores is genetically determined, so you can’t shrink it. But, when your pores are clogged, the crap in there will stretch them out, making them look a lot larger than they naturally are. If your pores are the size of an orange, you know now what to do. Exfoliate!
Biggest myth to bust: no toner, serum, or “pore minimizer” can physically change pore size. What exfoliation does is make pores look smaller by keeping them clean and tight. It’s like clearing out a stretched-out backpack-empty it, and it naturally falls back into shape.
Related: 3 Ways To Shrink Large Pores
7. Exfoliation Speeds Up Cellular Turnover
Did you know that your skin renews itself every month or so? When it’s young. As it gets older, and you hit your 30s, it needs a little helping hand to make that happen. Enter exfoliation. It speeds up the process, helping your skin get rid of old and damaged cells and replacing them with newer and healthier ones more quickly.
8. Exfoliation Boosts Your Skincare Routine
You can use the best skincare products in the world, but if they meet a thick wall of dead skin cells, they won’t be able to penetrate deep enough to do their job. If you want to see results quickly (or at all), remove all obstacles from their way.
Think of it this way: exfoliation is like opening the front door for your serums and moisturizers instead of making them knock on a brick wall. This is why estheticians often exfoliate before facials -the active ingredients absorb better, and results look twice as dramatic.
Related: 4 Ways To Enhance The Penetration Of Your Skincare Products
9. Exfoliation Makes Makeup Go On Evenly
There’s nothing worse than a foundation that stubbornly clings to rough or flaky patches. It just makes you look ill and horrible. Give it a smooth canvas to adhere to instead. Exfoliation does the job quickly.
If you’ve got a big night coming up, don’t wait till the morning to exfoliate. Do it the night before so your skin chills out and your makeup doesn’t catch on any fresh red patches. Trust me, that’s how people avoid the cakey, patchy foundation drama.
10. Exfoliation Gives You An Even Tan
You know what happens when you have a cluster of dead cells piling up here and there? You tan unevenly. Some parts of your face are a lovely golden brown. Others way too brown. If you want to look like a bronzed goddess, remove those piles of dead skin cells first.
This applies to fake tanning too. Ever seen someone with patchy self-tan on their elbows or knees? That’s dead skin clinging onto product. A quick exfoliation session the day before prevents streaks and gives you that smooth, pro-looking glow.
Can You Overdo Exfoliation?
Oh, 100%. This is where most people screw it up. More isn’t better – it’s worse. Go too hard and you’ll wreck your skin barrier, end up red, shiny, stinging every time you put on moisturizer, and wondering why you’re breaking out more. If your face feels squeaky and tight, that’s not “clean,” that’s damaged. Chill. Two to three times a week is plenty.
Scrubs vs. Acids: What’s the Deal?
Scrubs, brushes, gritty powders – that’s physical exfoliation. Acids like glycolic, salicylic, lactic – that’s chemical exfoliation. One buffs, the other dissolves. Both work, but acids usually win because they go deeper without scratching you up. If you do love a scrub, stick to something with fine, soft grains (like rice powder). Please skip the walnut shells unless you’re trying to sandpaper your face off.
FAQs
Does exfoliation thin your skin?
Nah. If anything, it makes the healthy layers underneath stronger by pushing your skin to keep renewing itself. What you’re thinning is just the old, useless junk on top.
When should I start exfoliating?
If you’re a teen with acne, salicylic acid can be a lifesaver. But you don’t need heavy-duty exfoliation before puberty. For everyone else – start slow, see what your skin can handle, then adjust.
Morning or night?
Night’s usually smarter. Your skin can recover while you sleep, and you’re not layering makeup right after. Just slap on sunscreen the next day – fresh skin burns faster.
How Do You Exfoliate Your Skin?
It depends on your skin type:
BEST EXFOLIANT FOR DRY AND SUN-DAMAGED SKIN: GLYCOLIC ACID
The gold standard of exfoliation, glycolic acid targets all the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark spots. It also hydrates skin and boost collagen production. Bye bye wrinkles!
Extra tip: glycolic acid can be strong, so if your skin feels stingy, buffer it by applying a hydrating serum or moisturizer right after. Nighttime is best, since glycolic makes skin photosensitive.
Best Picks:
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00): This exfoliant contains two exfoliants. Glycolic Acid to fade away dark spots and Salicylic Acid to unclog pores. Available at Cult Beauty, Sephora and SpaceNK
- Paula’s Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA ($33.00): A wonderful low strength Glycolic Acid exfoliant that makes skin softer, smoother, and brighter. Available at Paula’s Choice
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£6.80): A gentle, no-frills Glycolic Acid exfoliant for people on a budget. Available at Cult Beauty, The Ordinary, and Ulta
Related: The Best Exfoliants With Glycolic Acid
BEST EXFOLIANT FOR OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN: SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid is the only exfoliant that can get into the pores and unclog them from within. If breakouts and large pores are the bane of your existence, this is the way to go. Derms often recommend pairing salicylic acid with niacinamide, since niacinamide calms redness while salicylic clears the pores. That way, you get clearer skin without irritation.
Best picks:
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboois Glycolic Night Serum: A lightweight serum with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid to lighten dark spots and heal pimples. Available at Cult Beauty and SpaceNK
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant ($29.00): The gold standard for acne exfoliation, it has a tacky texture that heals and prevents pimples. Available at Paula’s Choice and Selfridges
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2%: The cheaper Salicylic Acid exfoliant out there. The texture isn’t too pleasant, but it does the job. Available at Beauty Bay and Cult Beauty
Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is Key To Keeping Oily Skin Blemish-Free
BEST EXFOLIANT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: LACTIC ACID
Lactic acid is the gentlest exfoliant out there so if your skin is a diva prone to tantrums, make the introduction. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many exfoliants that only contain lactic acid, so you may have to spend a bit more to get your dose of TLC.
Best Picks:
- Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum ($51.00): It has 10% lactic acid to exfoliate and brighten skin, plus antioxidants and soothing ingredients that can help you fight premature aging and reduce redness. Sensitive skin can’t tolerate the most powerful anti-aging ingredients, like retinoids, so this is the next best thing. Available at Peach & Lily and Ulta
- Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment – US Version ($105.00): A luxury exfoliant that deeply hydrates skin and helps to fade away dark spots. Available at Sephora and Ulta
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% ($6.79): A mild concentration that hydrates, exfoliates, and brightens the complexion. There’s also a 10% version available, when you’re ready to upgrade. Available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary and Ulta
Related: 3 Ways To Exfoliate Sensitive Skin
The Bottom Line
If you crave smoother, brighter and younger-looking skin free from blemishes, exfoliation is the way to go. Just don’t overdo it. Two or three times a week is more than enough to give you the gorgeous skin you deserve. At the end of the day, exfoliation is like the reset button for your face. It keeps skin fresh, clears the junk, and lets everything else you do actually work better. It’s cheap, it’s effective, and when done right, it’s one of the fastest ways to see real change in your skin.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
