Exfoliation: The Smoother
Goal: Remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
How to Exfoliate (Chemical Liquid)
- Cleanse: Wash face and pat dry.
- Apply: Pour a little liquid on a cotton pad or your fingers.
- Swipe: Wipe gently across the face, focusing on the nose and chin.
- Do not rinse: Most chemical exfoliants (toners/BHA/AHA) are meant to stay on.
How to Exfoliate (Physical Scrub)
- Dampen: Make sure skin is wet.
- Massage: Use light pressure. Do not scrub hard. Imagine you are rubbing a balloon and do not want to pop it.
- Rinse: Wash off thoroughly.
Pro Tip
Only exfoliate 1 or 2 times a week. Over-exfoliating ruins your skin barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Physical uses grains (sugar or beads) to scrub. Chemical uses acids to dissolve the glue holding dead skin cells.
Dermatologists usually prefer chemical exfoliants because they are gentler and more even.
No. Daily exfoliation will make your skin red, raw, and likely to break out.
Before. It helps prevent ingrown hairs.
AHA (like glycolic acid) is good for surface dry skin. BHA (like salicylic acid) goes into the pore to help with acne.
Acids cause a slight tingle. If it burns or turns very red, wash it off immediately.
Wear sunscreen. Freshly exfoliated skin burns very easily.
Do not use a physical scrub on pimples; it will tear them open. Use a chemical BHA instead.
It is risky. Using both can cause extreme irritation. Alternate nights.
No. Apply moisturizer immediately to restore hydration.