We all exfoliate. (I hope.) It’s an essential step in your skincare routine, because of the way it coolly and conveniently breaks down the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together.  

Without it you’re encouraging build-up to sit on the skin’s surface. Likely to manifest as dullness, texture, and clogged pores. So doing it regularly is not only going to encourage shiny new skin cells to make an appearance, it’ll ensure all other products in your routine work harder too.  

Every skin type is going to benefit from exfoliation, but the results are reliant on the product you pick up. It has to be a perfect match. There’s physical, chemical, and enzymatic formulas. And we have a whole cohort of exfoliators that fall under each category.  

Physical Exfoliants 

What are they: Products that manually remove dead skin cells by buffing the surface with gritty particles. 

Who are they for: Those with normal, oily, combo, or thickened skin. 

Try this: Alpha-H Micro Super Scrub 

Chemical Exfoliants 

What are they: Products that incorporate chemical acids to dissolve the glue that binds dead skin cells.  

Who are they for: Those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.  

Try this: Alpha-H Liquid Gold (+ Vitamin C) or Midnight Reboot Serum.  

Enzyme Exfoliants 

What are they: Products that utilise natural enzymes as the catalyst for breaking down dead skin cells.

Who are they for: Those with sensitive, or compromised skin. And absolute beginners. 

Try this: Illuminating Enzyme Polish.   

When To Use Your Exfoliant   

After cleansing. Before serums. All exfoliants work best on a fresh face.   

Whether you’ve wound up with a physical, chemical, or enzymatic formula in your arsenal, it is best to start slow. Bring it into your evening routine just 1-2 nights per week until you build tolerance. This is how you will effectively avoid stripping the skin or aggravating your barrier.  

Note! Not all active ingredients work well together. Be mindful. Follow instructions.  

Exfoliating Mistakes To Avoid  

Don’t over-exfoliate. See how your skin feels after just 1-2 applications. Going too hard too soon will damage the skin barrier, leading to redness, dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.  

Don’t double-down. Pairing a physical exfoliant with a chemical exfoliant, or a physical exfoliant with an enzymatic exfoliant, does not yield greater results or increased glow. Pick one product and be consistent.  

Don’t forget your SPF. Regular exfoliation makes your skin more susceptible to UV damage, so make sure you are applying sunscreen every day.