This is especially beneficial as we get older since skin cell turnover rate slows dramatically1, and exfoliation can help speed up that process. But remember: As with anything good, you can absolutely overdo it. And exfoliating too frequently, with too harsh products for your specific skin type can result in redness, sensitivity, and inflammation. So the key with exfoliation is this: balance. And of course, everyone’s exfoliation regimen will look different. Here’s what to know before diving in, and our favorites. Physical exfoliating products contain small particles to lift and remove dead skin cells. In the natural space, these are things such as rice powder, walnut shell powder, or jojoba beads. Many people prefer this type of exfoliant over the others as you can control how strong the exfoliation is with the pressure at which you apply it. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use naturally exfoliating acids such as hydroxy acids (AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs) or enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin cells. Mild chemical exfoliants can be surprisingly gentle and good for dry and sensitive skin types (specifically AHAs, which are water-loving acids), so if you have easily irritated skin, you might look for a light, low-concentration chemical exfoliator. M61 Powerglow Peel Pads, Blue Mercury ($66) Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel, beautycounter ($72) Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, Savor Beauty ($80) Green Apple Peel Full-Strength Exfoliating Mask, Juice Beauty ($49) The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Polish, Tatcha ($65) So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, Trula ($32) Kukui & Jojoba Bead Skin-Brightening Exfoliator, Pai ($49) The Clean Dirt Brightening Exfoliating Treatment, May Lindstrom ($70) Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel, Naturopathica ($62) Radiance Renewal Peel, Indie Lee ($70) T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, Drunk Elephant ($90) Resurfacing Body Mask, True Botanicals ($48) Scrub The Day Away in Cooling Cucumber, Astura ($24.99) Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish, Herbivore ($38) Bamboo Charcoal Body Scrub, Shea Moisture ($11.99) Exfoliating Detox Scrub, The Seaweed Bath Co. ($14.99)
