Face Exfoliant
Let's start with the basics: what does exfoliation mean? Exfoliation is the natural process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Yes, all skin naturally exfoliates without the need for a specific cosmetic product. At this point, you might be thinking: "So why use a face exfoliant? Isn't it completely unnecessary?" Wrong! While it is a natural process, many skin types need an extra "boost" to properly exfoliate: for example, oily skin, which produces excess sebum and tends to clog pores, or dry skin, which accumulates dead cells on the surface, preventing proper hydration. In short, there are many situations where facial exfoliation becomes essential for healthy, smooth, and radiant skin; every skin type and condition requires the right exfoliant and careful application. Let's uncover the secrets for perfect facial exfoliation together!
What is a Face Exfoliant?
In recent years, face exfoliants have become a staple in our skincare routines, making a strong entrance without even asking permission! So, what exactly is an exfoliant? Here’s a simple and clear explanation to help you understand what you're about to apply to your face: an exfoliant is a skincare product that removes the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum), made up of dead cells, dirt, and makeup residues, revealing a layer of younger cells and giving your face a brighter, smoother appearance without discoloration. Exfoliation also helps keep pores clear, preventing pimples and blackheads, stimulating circulation, and avoiding dryness or discoloration. Regular exfoliation cycles help the skin absorb the active ingredients in serums, creams, and masks more effectively. This type of skincare product falls into two categories based on its formula and the type of exfoliation it provides:
- Mechanical Exfoliant: Also known as "physical," this type uses granules of various sizes (choose fine, smooth granules for the face!) that, through mechanical rubbing, remove dead cells from the skin's surface. This type of cosmetic is often referred to as a scrub or gommage.
- Chemical Exfoliant: This type, also known as "peeling", uses products formulated with acidic substances that dissolve the bonds between dead cells, separating them from live ones.
How to Exfoliate Your Face Based on Your Skin Type
Each skin type has specific needs and requires targeted exfoliating products. The goal of exfoliation is to remove unwanted build-up from the face without stripping it of its natural protective barriers, respecting the characteristics of each skin type. Choosing the right exfoliant for your skin type is crucial for achieving a smoother and firmer face without side effects like dryness. If your skin feels excessively tight after exfoliation, you're not using the right product! Each skin type has specific needs and requires targeted exfoliating products. Here are some tips for choosing the best face exfoliant for you:
- Oily Skin: Scrubs are very helpful for keeping pores free of impurities, preventing pimples and inflammation. For this skin type, it is advisable to use chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid about three times a week, or alternatively, a gentle physical scrub twice a week.
- Combination/Normal Skin: This skin type needs an exfoliant that balances sebum without drying out the skin. Opt for a chemical exfoliant with lactic or glycolic acid, which is not too harsh. Mechanical exfoliation can also be used, but sparingly and with gentle scrubs.
- Dry Skin: For this skin type, it is essential to choose exfoliants that do not dry out the skin, selecting gentle exfoliants enriched with anti-aging ingredients (antioxidants).
- Sensitive Skin: Often prone to couperose and rosacea, this skin type needs gentle chemical exfoliation with lipids and lactic acid, used three times a week. Avoid physical scrubs, which can be too aggressive.
- Mature Skin: To combat wrinkles and spots, it is essential to promote the regeneration of the outer skin layers. Enzymatic exfoliants or acidic creams that mimic the effects of a chemical peel (performed only in specialized beauty centers) are ideal in these cases.
When to Use an Exfoliant and How Often
The first golden rule of a good exfoliating routine is to not overdo it, respecting the cell regeneration cycles and avoiding skin damage: if done properly, exfoliation promotes tissue oxygenation and brings great benefits to the skin. Generally, it is advisable to use exfoliating products every 7/10 days; any increase in frequency due to specific needs should be done with careful attention to skin reactions (watch for redness or unusual dryness!) to decide whether to stop the treatment or change the product. It is also very important to choose your exfoliant based on your skin type (see above). Exfoliating treatments are recommended year-round, but with some caution during certain periods, like spring and summer: if you have sensitive skin or have just started using face exfoliants, during the warmer seasons, it's best to avoid increasing dosages and consider suspending their use for a while since increased sun exposure can lead to irritations and sun spots. Let's debunk a common myth: gentle exfoliation does not ruin your tan; it only removes dehydrated, dry skin, revealing younger and more radiant layers and enhancing the brightness of your complexion!
50 ml Recommends: The Best Exfoliants
Here are our top 5 best face exfoliants: get inspired!
- Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste. This deep exfoliant is perfect for all skin types, containing quartz, a mineral known for its hardness, which provides precise exfoliation, especially for skin with wrinkles. Lactic acid adds an enzymatic peel effect, making the treatment even more effective. The result? Soft, smooth, and glowing skin. Ideal for normal, dry, or slightly sensitive skin, frequent travelers, those who shave, and for facing cold climates.
- Novexpert L'Exfoliant Expert Masque & Gommage. A fantastic 2-in-1 that combines a biological mask and a face scrub, perfect for all skin types! It's a powerful ally against dark spots, dull, thick, or blemished skin, and the grayish tone of smokers. The jojoba, bamboo, and apricot microbeads gently exfoliate, promoting tissue oxygenation and cell renewal. You'll notice smooth, radiant skin from the first use... Try it to believe it!
- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This liquid exfoliant is a bestseller for a reason: it quickly absorbs, removes dead cells on the surface and deep within, and fights blemishes! It's particularly suitable for combination and oily skin due to its purifying action against blackheads and enlarged pores. In addition to BHA, the main exfoliating acid in this fantastic product, the formula also contains methylpropanediol, which enhances BHA's action and hydrates the skin, and green tea extract, known for its anti-aging and soothing properties. Light and gentle, it leaves the skin smooth, even, and radiant. What else?
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. A super gentle exfoliating powder, perfect for daily use on any skin type. Its unique rice-based formula activates with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid, and rice enzymes for ultra-fine exfoliation of dead cells. The Skin Brightening Complex helps even out skin tone, while a soothing blend of green tea, ginkgo, and colloidal oatmeal provides immediate relief to sensitive skin.
- CBN Crème Exfoliante Bio Purifiante. Part of the basic line of CBN treatments, this exfoliating cream is perfect for those who want to start taking care of their face with high-quality products. The line includes cleansers, purifiers, and makeup removers formulated to respect skin delicacy. This specific exfoliating cream is perfect for thorough and gentle cleaning, ensuring clean and fresh skin.
Face Exfoliate: 50 ml Customer Reviews
We've gathered some reviews from our customers on the exfoliating skincare products they've used. We hope they help you choose your next cosmetic!
- Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant. "I've been using Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant for a few months, and I'm thrilled with the results! My skin has never been so smooth and glowing. I've noticed a significant reduction in signs of aging, and the fresh feeling after each use is priceless. The powder activates easily with water, and my skin looks cleaner and more radiant after each application. Highly recommended!" - Paola, 35 years old.
- Novexpert Velvety Scrub Hydro-Biotic. "I have very sensitive skin, and finding a scrub that doesn't irritate it has always been a challenge. Novexpert Velvety Scrub Hydro-Biotic has been a fantastic discovery! It's incredibly gentle yet effective. After use, my skin is soft and velvety, and I've noticed a significant improvement in its overall texture. Finally, a scrub that works for sensitive skin!" Federico, 41 years old.
- Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser. "The Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser has become my favorite daily treatment. My skin, which was off and uneven, is reborn. After every wash, I notice that my face is brighter and looks healthy. It’s a really effective product for people with congested skin. The exfoliation is gentle but powerful and leaves a feeling of deep cleansing and freshness." Alice, 33 years old.
- St. Barth Gommage Papaya. "St. Barth Gommage Papaya is simply amazing! I have very sensitive skin and this exfoliant is perfect for me. After use, my skin is visibly brighter and softer. Jojoba wax beads gently remove impurities and papaya acids really make a difference. My skin breathes better and has regained its youthful radiance. I love it!" Caterina, 27 years old.
- Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. "I can’t do without Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I have a combination skin and this product has completely transformed my face. The blackheads have decreased and the skin is much more even and smooth. It absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky residue. I also noticed a reduction in redness and imperfections. My skin is radiant and healthy. Must try!" Sofia, 21 years old.
On 50 ml you will find a wide range of excellent products for Skincare: whether you need to anti age and whatever your skin type - dry, oily, sensitive, normal or mature - on 50 ml there is always the perfect product for you! Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Korean Skincare and turn your beauty routine into a pleasant and relaxing ritual! If instead of your passion are the unique and refined fragrances, discover our collection of Niche Perfumes! Subscribe to our Newsletter to stay up to date/ to the latest news! See you soon!
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