Dermatologists Swear This $10 Exfoliator Is the Secret to Glowing Skin

Harper Rose3 weeks agoLast Updated: 29 October 2024

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Dermatologists Swear This $10 Exfoliator Is the Secret to Glowing Skin

I think the skincare end goal for nearly everyone is to have a healthy, glowing, and smooth complexion. I’ll also be the first person to admit that I’ve spent a lot of time and money finding products that will help me achieve said glow. The way I see it, it’s an investment in myself and my health. My wallet may not love me for it, but it will pay off in the long run. The only hitch is that there are so many paths to so-called “good” skin, and the one you take depends on your skin type. The products you use for your oily skin might not work the same for your friend with dry skin. However, if there’s one skincare product we should all invest in, it’s a good exfoliant.

Choosing the right exfoliant can be tricky, but you’ll want to focus on your particular skin needs. Exfoliating is a great way to help slough off dead skin cells to reveal smooth skin and encourage skin renewal. If you have oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, it might help to exfoliate more often. However, sensitive and dry skin types might be better off limiting their usage to once a week or less. The bottom line is everyone should keep an exfoliating product on hand, no matter their skin type. Even if you’re skeptical, keep reading. We’re sharing the best options you can snag at the drugstore, plus some advice from board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD.

Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliants

First, let’s talk about the difference between chemical and physical exfoliants. “Chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants have similar goals: to remove surface skin cells,” says Nazarian. “But they use different mechanisms to do that, and that’s what sets them apart from each other. Physical exfoliants use mechanical mechanisms to slough dead surface skin cells—’physically’ removing the skin. This includes brushes, exfoliating beads, dermaplaning, etc. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use ingredients that cause the loosening of bonds between skin cells, dissolving them to slough the cells off. The reasoning is similar: remove dead skin cells and enhance cell turnover to uncover newer, fresher, healthier skin cells, often leading to smoother, brighter skin. Thick layers of dead skin cells can accumulate on the skin, dulling its appearance and preventing all the good topicals from absorbing.”

What to look for in an exfoliant

The exfoliant you use should be tailored to your skin type. Nazarian says oily or combination skin types can better tolerate physical exfoliants. “Delicate skin or people with other underlying skin conditions such as acne or rosacea tend to do better with chemical exfoliants,” she says. That being said, you can certainly find versions of either that are good for your skin no matter who you are.”

Nazarian also recommends looking for an exfoliant with hydrating ingredients that can help offset any potential irritation from exfoliating. “Another important consideration is the depth of skin you’ll be removing when choosing your chemical exfoliants. Different ingredients can remove varying levels of skin. The ones that are most superficial (such as mandelic) are the most gentle. The deeper you exfoliate, such as with glycolic acid, the more aggressive the chemical peel.”

Be wary of over-exfoliating, too. According to Nazarian, too much exfoliation will leave your skin red, tender, and hyper-sensitive. However, your skin can become lackluster, rough, and dull if you don’t do it enough. “If you remove the skin faster than it has time to accumulate and ‘over-exfoliate,’ it’ll be very raw and sensitive,” she explains. “Take it slow and remember to use sunscreen often—the removal of the top layers of cells leaves you more sensitive to sunlight, radiation, and burns.”