Ok so let’s talk about exfoliation because tbh I see SO many people either skipping it completely or doing it way wrong. And I get it, the skincare industry makes everything sound complicated so they can sell you $80 products. Spoiler alert: you don’t need to spend that much. Like, at all.
Exfoliation is basically just removing the dead skin cells chilling on the surface of your face. These dead cells make your skin look dull, can clog your pores (hello breakouts), and honestly just get in the way of your other skincare products actually working. When you exfoliate properly, your skin looks brighter, feels smoother, and your serums and moisturizers can actually penetrate instead of just sitting on top of a layer of dead skin. Pretty simple concept, right?
Here’s the thing tho: you don’t need to exfoliate every single day. That’s actually a fast track to irritated, angry skin. For most people, 2-3 times a week is plenty. If you have sensitive skin, maybe start with once a week and see how it goes.
The Two Types of Exfoliation (and Which One’s Right for You)
There are basically two ways to exfoliate: physical and chemical. And ngl, the names sound scarier than they actually are.
Physical exfoliation is what most people think of when they hear exfoliation. It’s using something with texture to physically scrub away dead skin cells. Think scrubs with little granules, cleansing brushes, or those silicone face scrubbers. The key here is being GENTLE. You’re not trying to sand your face down to the bone, ok? Light pressure, small circular motions, and you’re good.
Chemical exfoliation sounds intimidating but it’s actually super effective and often gentler than scrubbing your face. These use acids (I know, also sounds scary) to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together so they just… come off. The main ones you’ll see are:
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like glycolic acid and lactic acid. These are water-soluble and work on the surface of your skin. Great for dullness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines.
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) mainly salicylic acid. This one is oil-soluble so it can actually get INTO your pores. Perfect for oily, acne-prone skin and blackheads.
Which type should you use? Depends on your skin tbh. If you’re dealing with oily skin and clogged pores, BHA is your friend. Dry or dull skin? Go for an AHA. Sensitive skin? Start with a gentle physical exfoliant or a low-percentage chemical one and see how your skin reacts before going harder.
Drugstore Products That Actually Work (Without Emptying Your Wallet)
This is where I get annoyed because SO many skincare influencers push these expensive products like you need to spend $50+ on an exfoliator. Nope. Here are some drugstore options that genuinely work:
For Chemical Exfoliation:
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – around $9 and it’s fantastic. Use it a few times a week at night.
- CeraVe SA Cleanser – has salicylic acid, super gentle, like $12-15. Good for everyday use if you have oily skin.
- Stridex Maximum Strength Pads (red box) – literally like $5 for 55 pads. BHA in a convenient pad form. Old school but it works.
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% – about $7, gentler than glycolic if you’re new to acids.
- Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – ok this one’s like $35 but it lasts FOREVER and it’s genuinely amazing for acne-prone skin. Worth the splurge imo.
For Physical Exfoliation:
- St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub and Mask – NOT the apricot one (we’ll get to that), but the oatmeal one is gentle and like $5.
- A plain silicone face scrubber – you can get these for like $3-5 at Target or Amazon. Use with your regular cleanser.
- Acure Brightening Facial Scrub – around $10, has sea kelp and french green clay, gentle enough for most skin types.
Notice how everything on this list is under $15? That’s because expensive doesn’t equal better. A $9 bottle of glycolic acid from The Ordinary has the same active ingredient as a $90 one from some fancy brand. The formulation might be slightly different but your skin doesn’t care about pretty packaging.
Products to Avoid (Yes I’m Calling Them Out)
Look, some products are just bad news for your skin. Here’s what to skip:
Harsh physical scrubs with jagged particles. I hate to say it but the famous St. Ives Apricot Scrub is too harsh for most faces. Those walnut shell pieces can cause micro-tears in your skin. It’s fine for your body but keep it away from your face.
Anything with alcohol as a main ingredient. Alcohol can be SO drying and strip your skin of natural oils. Your skin needs some oil to stay healthy. If “alcohol” or “SD alcohol” is in the first few ingredients, skip it.
Products with artificial fragrances. These are irritating for a lot of people and serve zero purpose for your skin. They’re literally just there to make the product smell nice. Not worth the potential irritation.
Overpriced “luxury” exfoliators. I’m sorry but if you’re paying $70 for an exfoliator, you’re paying for marketing, not results. The active ingredients are the same as the drugstore versions.
How Often Should You Actually Exfoliate?
This is where a lot of people mess up. More is NOT better when it comes to exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can wreck your skin barrier, make you break out more, cause redness, dryness, and sensitivity. It’s not cute.
General guidelines:
- Normal skin: 2-3 times per week
- Oily skin: 2-3 times per week, can sometimes do more with gentle chemical exfoliants
- Dry skin: 1-2 times per week max
- Sensitive skin: Start with once a week and see how it goes
- Acne-prone skin: 2-3 times with BHA, but don’t combine with other actives on the same night
Also, don’t mix multiple exfoliating products at once. Like, don’t use a scrub AND an acid in the same routine. That’s a recipe for irritation. Pick one method and stick with it.
The Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Exfoliate at night so your skin can recover while you sleep
- Always follow up with moisturizer
- Wear SPF the next day (exfoliation makes your skin more sensitive to sun)
- Patch test new products before putting them all over your face
- Be gentle with physical exfoliants
- Listen to your skin and back off if it’s irritated
DON’T:
- Exfoliate every day (unless it’s a super gentle daily product and your skin can handle it)
- Use physical and chemical exfoliants at the same time
- Scrub hard thinking it’ll work better
- Use exfoliants on broken or sunburned skin
- Forget sunscreen the next day
- Fall for expensive products thinking they work better
Real Talk
Exfoliation is honestly one of those steps that can make a real difference in how your skin looks. But you don’t need to overcomplicate it or spend a fortune. Grab a $9 bottle of glycolic acid or a $5 pack of Stridex pads, use it a few times a week, moisturize after, and wear your sunscreen. That’s literally it.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d say try The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% if you’re new to chemical exfoliation (it’s gentle and cheap), or get a simple silicone face scrubber to use with your regular cleanser if you prefer physical exfoliation.
Your skin will look better, your other products will work better, and you’ll still have money left over for snacks. Everyone wins.
Jordan