How to Exfoliate the Face & Body

What is exfoliation and what are the benefits?

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells, either through mechanically scrubbing them away or through a chemical reaction, from the surface of the skin. There are multiple benefits to exfoliating, including:

• Clears and tightens pores to prevent clogging.
• Brightens dull skin and evens out complexion.
• Reduces blemishes by unclogging pores.
• Removes dead skin cells to promote softer, smoother skin.
• Helps to manage excess oil production, particularly in oily skin types.
• Helps other skincare products better absorb into the skin.
• Supports the skin cell renewal process for more youthful-looking skin.

The different types of exfoliants

Exfoliation can be broadly categorised into two main types: physical exfoliation (or mechanical) and chemical exfoliation. Both types remove dead skin cells but do so in different ways.

What is a chemical exfoliant?

A chemical exfoliant, as the name suggests, exfoliates the skin by triggering a chemical reaction in the skin to break down bonds between dead skin cells and reveal fresher skin. Chemical exfoliants are often incorporated in cleansers, but are also found in serums, lotions and moisturisers. Chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), that differ in how deeply they penetrate the skin. Chemical exfoliation is considered a gentler option to exfoliating and is more suitable to sensitive skin. Some commonly found chemical exfoliants include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid.

What is a physical exfoliant?

Physical exfoliants remove dead skin cells via a physical (or mechanical) process, physically dislodging dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Physical exfoliants come in the form of an abrasive brush or sponge, a textured glove or cloth, or in the form of a facial scrub. Because they use friction to dislodge dead skin cells, they can irritate sensitive skin types, which is why they’re usually recommended for combination or oily skin or on parts of the body where skin is especially thick, like the back of the arms, elbows and knees.

When and how often should you exfoliate?

Frequency of exfoliating will depend on the type of exfoliant you’re using, as well as your skin type and skin concerns.

Dry skin

Dry skin lacks moisture, and certain exfoliants can exacerbate this. To prevent overexfoliation, opt for gentle, chemical exfoliants, like glycolic acid or lactic acid, and always follow with hydrating products to restore moisture. Dry skin types should exfoliate no more than once or twice a week.

Sensitive skin

The best exfoliant for sensitive skin is a mild chemical exfoliator, like glycolic acid or lactic acid, which helps to gently dissolve dead skin without affecting the skin moisture barrier or causing irritation. A physical exfoliant might be okay for occasionally exfoliating the body, but should be avoided on very sensitive face skin. Similar to dry skin, sensitive skin should exfoliate no more than once or twice a week.

Oily skin

If you have an oily skin type or are prone to breakouts, look for exfoliants that deeply penetrate the skin to unclog pores and remove excess sebum. A chemical exfoliant, particularly a beta hydroxy acid like salicylic acid, helps decongest oil-clogged pores for clearer skin. Oily skin is often thicker, so physical exfoliants are also appropriate. You can incorporate chemical exfoliation as often as daily, with a physical exfoliant an additional 2-3 times a week (depending on how your skin reacts).

Combination skin

Combination skin types need to tackle both oily and dry areas of the skin, and need to focus on a balanced approach to exfoliation. You might want to alternate between a gentle chemical exfoliant and a physical exfoliant, but monitor your skin’s reaction to new products. You can exfoliate combination skin 3-4 times a week.

How to exfoliate your face

Exfoliate the face using either chemical or physical exfoliant, but be careful not to overdo physical exfoliation as the face skin is more delicate than the rest of the body. You only need to use one or two exfoliating products in your routine, either in the form of a cleanser or a serum/cream.

• If you have oily skin prone to blemishes the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser is formulated with a potent 2% salicylic acid to clear dead skin cells and manage excess oil production.
• For very oily and blemish-prone skin, the Blemish Control Gel is formulated with an AHA/BHA blend of salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells and tighten pores for clearer, smoother skin.
• For normal or dry skin types, the Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser contains a small concentration of salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and cleanse normal to dry skin.

How to exfoliate the body

The body has thicker skin, so you can exfoliate up to a few times a week, depending on your skin’s texture. You can use a physical exfoliant like a scrub or brush, or a chemical exfoliant, like a cleanser or exfoliating moisturiser. Depending on your lifestyle and skin type, you can incorporate an exfoliant into your body skincare routine every day.

• For cleansing the body, the SA Smoothing Cleanser uses a beta hydroxy acid called salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells as well as excess oil and impurities.
• For very dry, rough skin, the SA Smoothing Cream gently exfoliates without compromising the skin moisture barrier.
• For rough skin on the heels, the Renewing SA Foot Cream exfoliates and deeply nourishes very dry skin on the feet, soothing the skin and improving skin texture.

What is overexfoliating?

Overexfoliation occurs when you have exfoliated too much or used too harsh an exfoliant for your skin. Over-exfoliated skin can manifest as increased sensitivity, redness, irritation and skin flakes. If you notice these signs after exfoliating, stop using your exfoliant until you notice visible improvements. Then, gradually reintroduce the product, being careful not to overuse it. Make sure to use hydrating products after exfoliation to strengthen the skin moisture barrier!

How to hydrate the skin

Hydrating the skin is an essential next step to follow any exfoliant, as even gentle exfoliants can impact the skin moisture barrier. Opt for an exfoliating moisturiser if you want to exfoliate and hydrate, or make sure to follow your exfoliant with a soothing moisturiser, lotion or cream to keep the skin hydrated and happy.