There are so many things to talk about when it comes to how to exfoliate your face and body properly.
In this detailed post, I will teach you everything I know about how to exfoliate both your face and body to have smooth rejuvenated skin all the time.
I started with learning how to exfoliate my legs because I wanted to get rid and prevent the ingrown hairs caused by my epilator.
Learning everything about body exfoliation, I discovered that I also needed to exfoliate my face.
That it was a key step in a beauty routine.
Although,
Not as crucial as cleansing and wearing sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF every day of the year and choosing the best moisturizer for your skin.
Together, all these, form the pillars of a healthy skincare routine.
They will not solve absolutely every problem that you have but they will help tremendously with basically everything, whether we’re talking about dry skin, oily skin, or acne-prone skin.
Preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is highly interlinked with wearing sunscreen daily and face exfoliation.
And I just made you a summary on what this post on how to exfoliate is going to be about.
If you already know all about how to exfoliate, you can check out my post on the best face exfoliators.
Contents
Exfoliation Definition
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the skin by using either a physical product like scrubs, gloves, brushes, scrubbers or a chemical product that contains AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), or enzymes.
As our body produces new skin cells, the newer ones push the older ones towards the surface of the skin.
It’s called cell turnover.
In young adults, complete cell turnover occurs once every 28-30 days. In elderly adults, it takes considerably longer: 45 to 50 days.
These old cells need to be shed.
However, there’s a catch:
The shedding process slows down with age.
It’s just best to exfoliate as you enter your 20s, figure out what your body and face are comfortable with and which are the best exfoliators for face and for body.
Through exfoliation, we’re speeding up cell turnover, which has a lot of wonderful benefits, we’ll talk about them immediately.
The new skin cells make our skin feel softer, smoother, with not so many lines and wrinkles, we have a fresh brightened look. That’s what a great complexion is all about.
When it comes to our face, the dead skin cells can feel rough if they form dry skin patches.
They dull our look, make our appearance tired and without sparkle and vitality.
They can also block out pores. Clogged pores lead to breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads.
When it comes to our body, dead skin cells make it harder for regrown hairs to break to the surface of the skin, turning and growing underneath the skin instead, which is the definition of ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hairs can appear whether you shave, wax or epilate and the only solution for them it to exfoliate regularly.
The Two Types of Exfoliation: Physical and Chemical
As you can already tell from my heading, there are two types of exfoliation:
- physical exfoliaiton (or mechanical as it’s also called) – named that way because it involves a hard substance (scrubs) or an exfoliation tool (brushes, gloves, back scrubbers etc) that slough off the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin
- chemical exfoliation – named chemical because it penetrates deeper into the skin and the acids or enzymes dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells, which loosens them up and eventually slough off
I want to make something clear: chemical exfoliation might sound scary for some but it is actually the more efficient and the more gentle method of exfoliation.
It also enables all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, to be able to enjoy the benefits of facial exfoliation.
You just need to find the proper exfoliator for your skin type and follow the instructions exactly as they are written on the box.
I will divide this post into two major blocks: how to exfoliate face and how to exfoliate body.
Under each of these two sections, I will talk more about both physical and chemical exfoliation because they’re different when it comes to what you can use for the face and what you can use on the rest of the body.
Taking proper care of our facial skin is much more complex and a more delicate process. Your skin type and problems play a major role in choosing the right skincare products.
The matters of the body are far more simple and straightforward.
The skin of our body is much thicker and it can withstand much more.
Why You Should Exfoliate Your Face and Body
Before jumping right in on the methods of how to exfoliate both the face and the body, let’s see which are the benefits.
If you don’t know about the awesome benefits, you won’t be as eager to spend money and time on adding a new step to your routine.
The benefits of exfoliating our bodies are quite straightforward:
- ingrown hairs prevention
- ingrown hairs removal
- reduce the appearance of keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) – there are special scrubs for KP or you can use a chemical exfoliator for the body
- smooth soft skin, it feels so silky and luxurious
- getting rid of back acne
If you combine exfoliation with a good nourishing body lotion, you will lessen your problems greatly.
The benefits of exfoliating your face are many and they are all exactly what each one of us needs, regardless of our skin problems:
- a more even skin tone
- brightened skin
- skincare products will be easily absorbed and be able to penetrate deeper into the skin
- stimulated collagen production for preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles since chemical exfoliators reach the dermis, a benefit also aided by the increased rate of cellular turnover
- a better hydrated skin
- unclogged pores, which reduces the number of breakouts that your skin suffers and also reduces the number of blackheads and whiteheads
- the acids found in chemical exfoliators also have anti-inflammatory properties for soothing irritated skin, another reason for which chemical exfoliation is the method to be considered first when it comes to how to exfoliate your face
We can sum up all those benefits into a few simple words: an overall healthy complexion, which is pretty much what we all want.
The added bonus is preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
How to Exfoliate Face: What to Do & What Not to Do
I want to make something clear.
Well, they will end up being a bunch of things that you need to know but they are important, this is your facial skin we’re talking about.
The first step when it comes to knowing how to exfoliate face is to choose a product that’s for your skin type.
Plus,
Read reviews from people with your skin type to see how they’ve reacted to it, if there have been breakouts or more intense breakouts, if their skin has dried out or if they had any redness or irritation or any other problems.
Each individual’s skin is different and we react differently to the same skin care products but you can still form a pretty good idea from what other people have experienced.
Secondly and this is crucial,
Read the instructions that come with every exfoliator for face, whether it’s chemical or physical.
Each one has instructions and you need to follow them.
If it says to massage the scrub on your face for 30 seconds then, that’s what you do.
Which,
Brings me to the topic of over-exfoliation. It’s an integral part of how to exfoliate face. It has lead to some thinking that facial exfoliation is harmful.
It’s really beneficial but you need to do it right.
Use gentle movements and this applies to physical exfoliators for face.
If you’ve overdone it, one sign is that your face might sting a bit when you apply your moisturizer.
In that case, stop exfoliating for at least a week and let your skin repair itself, it’s really good at that. You just need to cleanse it with a gentle cleanser preferably and hydrate it and wear sunscreen absolutely every day of the year.
A chemical exfoliator is a bit easier to handle.
Read my post on skincare ingredient combinations to avoid to understand why you shouldn’t layer chemical exfoliators with retinol, benzoyl peroxide, or vitamin C. You can use them but at different times of the day or on alternate days but don’t apply them in layers.
How to Exfoliate Face: Exfoliation Steps
In general, there are a few steps to be taken when it comes to how to exfoliate face:
- cleanse your face, a facial exfoliator always needs to be used on clean skin
- facial physical exfoliators: are massaged gently on the skin in circular motions for 30 seconds up to a minute, it depends from scrub to scrub
- facial chemical exfoliators: usually, they’re applied on the face at night one completely dry skin and left on the skin until morning (there are a few exceptions, mostly peeling solutions, which is why it’s good to read everything it says on the box)
- if your beauty routine includes a toner (if you have the budget, get one, it rebalances pH levels and can have all sorts of interesting ingredients beneficial to the skin): apply the toner after using a scrub (physical exfoliation) and apply the toner before a chemical exfoliator, immediately after cleansing
- continue with your usual moisturizer or night cream
- don’t layer on retinol or benzoyl peroxide
How Often Should You Exfoliate Face?
I talked above about reading the instructions for each exfoliator, which will tell you how often you should exfoliate your face.
Generally:
- scrubs are used 2-3 times a week or once a week
- some chemical exfoliators are used daily
- more powerful ones with higher concentration of AHAs are used once a week or 2-3 times a week
- peeling solutions are used once a week, at most twice a week by people who have been using AHAs for years
- people who are just starting to use chemical exfoliators should start off with once, twice a week to give their skin time to adjust and see how it reacts
My advice: even once a week can be good enough, it’s a lot more than none at all.
Chemical Exfoliators for Face: the Best Facial Exfoliation Method
The most important fact:
Chemical exfoliators are more efficient and easier to use. They can also be quite affordable.
They’re called chemical because they break the bonds between dead skin cells, which are then sloughed off.
There’s no action that needs to be taken in order to remove the dead skin cells, just apply the product and let it do its work, usually overnight.
You don’t rinse them off in a few minutes.
The interesting thing about facial chemical exfoliators is that they penetrate the dermis, they don’t only act at the epidermis level, as scrubs do.
That’s why they have so many benefits, including preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles besides the expected unclogged pores and lessening the appearance of breakouts.
They’re especially good for sensitive skin.
They won’t make the problems go away completely but they help fighting against them a lot.
If you want professionally done chemical exfoliation, there are chemical peels, which are absolutely fantastic, especially for preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
They also very good for acne, scars, photodamage and pigmentary disorders.
They’re also absolutely outside the budget of a normal person. We can dream about them, that’s free.
There are 3 branches of chemical exfoliation:
- AHAs: glycolic acid and lactic acid
- BHAs: salicylic acid
- enzymes: obtained from fruits (papaya, grapefruit, pineapple etc)
You can get a product that only contains one of the three or you can get a product that contains a mix of of them.
There are a lot of best facial chemical exfoliators on the market but I’m only going to introduce you to 3 or 4 products, just to show you where you can start.
Some are quite affordable, for pretty much everyone who has a bit of money to spend on expanding their beauty routine now that they know how to exfoliate face.
Everything about AHAs
I will just shortly introduce you to glycolic acid and lactic acid.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the smallest of AHAs. It’s also highly soluble in water.
For these reasons, it’s the most efficient of AHAs, able to penetrate deeply and easily into the dermis.
It’s naturally found in sugar cane.
The frequently encountered concentration of 10% is for people just getting started.
If you want to take it easy, use it just once or twice a week in the beginning.
It’s best to start off with a 10% glycolic acid concentration if you are a beginner in how to exfoliate face.
After a few years, you can move up to 20% concentration, which is pretty much the top.
A higher concentration translates to being used 2-3 times a week.
Exfoliating pads with glycolic acid are especially numerous but it’s also found in peeling solutions and serums.
It can greatly help in the fight against acne but it can also help in the fight against the effects of time, which first manifest in the form of fine lines and then deep wrinkles.
Those who use products with glycolic acid boast about a smoother brightened complexion.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid has the same benefits as glycolic acid, there’s no doubt about that.
It’s also great for fighting hyperpigmentation.
However,
It’s less active than glycolic acid, which makes it a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin.
What you Need to Know about BHAs
BHAs are especially good for combination and oily skin since they are oil-soluble but they work for all skin types.
When it comes to BHAs, we’re actually talking about salicylic acid.
It’s especially good as an exfoliator for blackheads and whiteheads but it deeply cleanses the pores so, it can help prevent future breakouts.
It’s also an essential part of my daily routine because I haven’t tried a benzoyl peroxide cream yet since I haven’t developed painful pustules.
Enzymes: What Are They?
Enzyme exfoliation eliminates dead skin cells just like the above acids do.
That’s why they are in the category of chemical exfoliants.
They’re just more gentle than AHAs.
Enzymes work well against breakouts, clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin.
The most frequently used enzymes are obtained from fruits like papaya (papain), grapefruit, and pineapple (bromelain).
1. Exfoliating Pads
There are a lot of facial exfoliating pads on the market.
It’s pretty hard to choose one but I think you’ll be satisfied with my recommendation.
Glycolix Elite Glycolic Acid Treatment Pads, 60 count
These exfoliating pads from Glycolix are pretty much the kind of chemical exfoliator for face that everyone should try.
It’s my joy to talk about them in my post on how to exfoliate.
If I were to quickly describe them, I would say: impressively affordable glycolic acid pads with 3 different glycolic acid concentrations that suit both beginners and experienced users with an addition of ingredients that are know for their anti-aging properties.
They also last a long time, you get 60 pads.
So,
There are actually 3 different Glycolix pads:
- 10% glycolic acid for those who are just starting their journey of how to exfoliate face with chemical exfoliators
- 15% glycolic acid for those who want a bit more action
- and 20% glycolic acid concentration for those who have already been using facial chemical exfoliators for years
These pads are very popular and praised for their ability to clean out clogged pores, to slow down the appearance of breakouts, to even out the skin tone, to brighten up the face, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Your problems won’t disappear entirely but they will be a lot less bothersome and fewer in their occurrence.
They work for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
The other ingredients that help with those benefits are: witch hazel, retinyl palmitate (like retinol but weaker), vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate), ascorbyl palmitate (a good vitamin C derivative), and Co-Q10.
In the beginning,
Use the pads just 1-2 times a week then you can increase to 3 times a week if there is no irritation or redness.
They recommend using them 1-2 times daily but most users end up using them every other night.
Just run the pad over your face until it gets dry and then proceed with your nightly routine.
2. AHAs Serums
With the AHA serum that I’m going to introduce, I’m actually going to review the most expensive product included in my post.
It’s by far the most expensive exfoliator reviewed in my post on how to exfoliate.
To give you an idea, a Braun Silk Epil 9 epilator is cheaper than this serum.
SkinMedica GlyPro Antioxidant Serum, 1 oz
This SkinMedica GlyPro Antioxidant Serum is an anti-aging serum.
A serum packed with so many ingredients designed for exfoliating the skin, soothing the skin, protecting the skin, and stimulating collagen production.
It’s for those who are willing to spend plenty of money on postponing the appearance of wrinkles.
It’s designed for all skin types, everyone who wants a rejuvenated look can use it.
On the list of ingredients, right after water, we find the AHA – glycolic acid.
There’s no concentration specified but, given the price and the fact that it’s the second ingredient mentioned, I would guess that it’s a pretty good concentration.
It would have been nice to know for sure.
As I already said, the rest of the ingredients are antioxidants and ingredients focused on hydrating and soothing the skin.
Cassia angustifolia seed polysaccharide a powerful antioxidant, green tea leaf extract, pomegranate extract another powerful antioxidant, licorice root extract, aloe leaf extract, hyaluronic acid are just some of the few.
The list is full of extracts of some kind.
The interesting aspect is:
This serum, which is a facial chemical exfoliator, is used in the morning after face washing.
With all those powerful antioxidants I can see why. Antioxidants are extremely famous for protecting our skin against UV rays and pollutants.
You absolutely need to apply sunscreen after since acids increase skin’s sensitivity to UV rays.
You can use it every morning but if you want it to last longer alternate with a vitamin C serum and use it 2-3 times a week.
For a slightly cheaper alternative, check out the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, another highly popular anti-aging chemical exfoliator.
3. Peeling Solutions
It couldn’t be a complete guide on how to exfoliate face without talking about peeling solutions.
Peeling solutions are powerful facial chemical exfoliators that need to be used with care.
One of the best is also really affordable, it can be called cheap actually.
Let’s talk about it so you can understand why I’m saying that peeling solutions need to be taken seriously.
The Ordinary Peeling Solution AHA 30% + BHA 2%, 1 oz
As you can see,
The AHAs, both glycolic acid and lactic acid are included, are in a very high concentration.
The BHA (salicylic acid) is in a normal concentration.
It’s what makes it a powerful efficient facial chemical exfoliator.
I put the emphasize on powerful because there are instructions to be followed:
- cleanse your skin before
- only apply the solution on completely dry skin, after cleansing wait for a few minutes just to make sure
- they recommend leaving it on for no more than 10 minutes but I advise you to start with 3 minutes, 5 at most, and stay within that time frame for many sessions after your first one
- even after a while, you should stop at 7 minutes
- a tingling sensation is normal, a face-on-fire feeling is not
- if it burns too much, rinse it off immediately, acids are water soluble
- rinse with lukewarm water
- apply a nourishing facial cream to sooth the skin
- limit sun exposure even if you’re wearing sunscreen, it’s a product more appropriate for colder months
- don’t shave/wax/epilate your face for a couple of days after
Using it once a week is enough.
It’s an extremely popular and praised product because it tackles everything from breakouts, blackheads, acne scars, lightening dark spots, hyperpigmentation, to fine lines and wrinkles.
There’s also The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, in case you want to start off your how to exfoliate face journey with something milder.
A more expensive alternative to this peeling solution from the Ordinary is the Eminence Organic Skin Care Firm Skin Acai Exfoliating Peel.
The Eminence is designed for those who only look for anti-wrinkles products but it works perfectly for all skin types, including those acne-prone.
4. Moisturizer with AHAs
I’m pretty sure that you weren’t expecting a moisturizer to be, at the same time, a chemical exfoliator for face.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer, 1.7 oz
At least you only have to buy a single product that can be used twice daily like any normal moisturizer.
The bad news is that the price more than reflects that this is a 2-in-1 product.
The exfoliation part is handled by both glycolic and lactic acids.
There are no concentrations mentioned.
Moreover,
There are also enzymes to remove dead skin cells: pumpkin, pineapple, and papaya enzymes.
This moisturizer takes on its exfoliation role with glowing success.
For the hydrating part, the star of the show is hyaluronic acid.
Also,
Napol cactus fruit extract prevents any irritation that might be caused by the acids.
A fantastic skincare product that lets you put on moisturizer that deeply exfoliates the skin at the same time but the high price keeps it out of reach for most people.
Physical Exfoliators for Face: Facial Scrubs
When we’re talking about physical exfoliators for face, we’re mainly referring to facial scrubs.
Chemical exfoliators are definitely more abundant but there are some good scrubs, too.
The whole secret is to be gentle when massaging it into the skin, to use it for the recommended time by the manufacturer, and for the amount of times per week that it specifies.
They usually contain tiny grains of sugar, salt, coffee, or jojoba beads.
There is also another category that is called microdermabrasion facial scrubs and those utilize professional grade crystals for removing dead skin cells and leaving behind a glowing appearance.
This type of microdermabrasion facial scrubs are quite few and even fewer are really good. Translation: they’re very expensive.
If you want to know just how expensive, check out the price for the Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish. At least, you should only use it 1-2 times a week.
Most facial scrubs these days are actually a combination of tiny particles or crystals and glycolic/lactic acid and/or enzymes.
They’re a mix.
Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub, 3.4 oz
I chose the Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub because it’s not only a very good facial scrub but it’s also pretty affordable and it comes in a nice quantity.
It’s also gentle.
Perfect for all skin types.
I wanted to include a scrub that a vast array of people could enjoy.
It’s also extremely easy to use.
You just need to massage it gently into the skin for 30 seconds, rinse with lukewarm water, and you’re done.
It can be used 1-3 times a week.
Simply put, it’s one of the best facial scrubs for a smoother radiant complexion.
The exfoliation is done by finely ground Ecuadorian ivory palm seeds and for nourishing the skin and unclogging the pores, this scrub has ingredients like ginger, ginkgo, green tea, aloe, and coconut fruit extract.
How to Exfoliate Body
Things are simple when it comes to how to exfoliate your body.
There’s not much chance of over-exfoliation, with the exception of dry brushing.
Besides that,
You can use all body exfoliators daily, both physical and chemical ones. Or, at least, as often as you have the time.
Physical exfoliators are mostly used after taking a shower, massaging the skin with them for a few minutes, and then rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Each one comes with instructions.
Chemical exfoliators are usually used at night, they are left on the skin to act, to break down the bonds between dead skin cells throughout the night, never rinsed off immediately after applying them.
You can moisturize after, whether you’re using a physical exfoliator or you layer on the body lotion on the chemical one.
When it comes to chemical exfoliators, the first thing you have to do is to read the instructions and follow them.
The powerful ones that can lead to dried dead skin cells, will advise you to wash your hands immediately after applying them on your body.
Physical Exfoliators for Body: Body Scrubs, Exfoliating Gloves, Dry Brushing, and Back Scrubbers
When it comes to physical exfoliators for body, there’s a pretty wide array to choose from.
Everyone can be satisfied and all are pretty affordable.
You’ll be easily able to tell which one would be the best for you.
1. Body Scrubs
If you don’t have serious ingrown hairs, just some tiny black points at the surface of the skin that aren’t even visible until you get really close to the skin, a body scrub could be perfect for you.
It smells amazing, the price is not that expensive although they do run out fast, and it’s great for daily usage.
You can use a scrub daily without any worries.
How do you use body scrubs?
At night, once you’re done with your shower, massage the scrub on your legs, you don’t need to be rough and you only need a couple of minutes to be done. Then, rinse with lukewarm water.
Moisturize after for an even softer skin.
Exfoliating your body daily goes a long way in preventing ingrown hairs and keeping your skin looking soft.
The best body scrubs are those with sugar, salt, or coffee.
You can also make your own body scrub at home, there are plenty of DIY recipes. They only require a few ingredients that most likely you already have in your kitchen.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub, 18 oz
I’ve discovered this body scrub years ago and I still think it’s one of the best.
It’s a sugar body scrub with different variations, there are many versions of it with different smells.
The quantity and the price are unbeatable, especially if you get it on sale.
You pretty much don’t see body scrubs that weigh 18 oz.
Besides sugar, the rest of the ingredients include organic shea butter and a lot of oils (sunflower seed, avocado, sweet almond, macadamia seed, and orange).
You don’t need to hydrate after using the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub.
They also have a more expensive version of it, the Tree Hut Sugar Body Scrub Vitamin C.
2. Exfoliating Gloves
Exfoliating gloves are gentle on the body, too.
They’re also pretty affordable, most of them.
The idea is to wash them really well after each exfoliation, some are machine washable and always leave them out to dry.
They’re also really efficient and very easy to use, it’s a very nice massage that you can give yourself for a few minutes.
I’d advise you to use your glove on the legs at least once every 2-3 days. Daily would be preferable since they’re not at all harsh on the skin but it depends on how much time or energy you have.
Use them after taking a shower when the skin is soft and the dead skin cells are easily sloughed off.
Moisturize after, especially those with dry skin.
EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Gloves
These exfoliating gloves are not cheap, you can get body scrubs for half the price of one pair of these gloves.
But they last a long time if you take time to rinse them properly and let them dry completely to prevent any funny smell or mold.
They’re also machine washable.
There are also 3 types of EvridWear exfoliating gloves:
- white for light exfoliating
- blue for moderate
- gray for heavy exfoliating
If you have really sensitive skin, you should naturally choose the white pair.
They’re 100% nylon fiber.
If you feel that the gloves by themselves are not enough, even the gray ones, spread body scrub on your body and then massage it into the skin with the glove.
3. Dry Brushing
This is definitely not a method for everyone but if your skin is really tough, you can definitely try it.
I’m pretty sure you’re going to like how your skin feels afterward.
The skin will feel smoother and have a healthy look.
My boyfriend is definitely a fan since his skin can practically withstand anything.
Dry brushing is not for people who have sensitive skin, excessive dry skin, have sunburns or suffer from skin conditions.
I found it very painful and I wouldn’t even think about trying it again but I have really dry sensitive skin that takes a long time to recover.
Scrubs and gloves and chemical exfoliators are much better for people like me.
How does dry brushing work?
Just like it sounds, you simply run a natural bristled brush over dry skin. The brush is also dry.
It’s very cheap and easily available.
Move it upward on your limbs and in circular motions on your back, chest, and abdomen.
Swipe it just a few times, it can cause micro-tears since this is not a gentle physical exfoliator for the body.
Afterward, jump in the shower but don’t run your water too hot, it will sting.
Use a nourishing body lotion after for a glowing look.
You can dry brush your body 2-3 times a week or even once a week if you’re only doing it for the soft luxurious feeling.
After each use, rinse the brush and let it dry.
Metene Shower Brush
This body brush tries to please everyone because it has two sides.
There’s a natural bristle brush on one side which is good for those who want to feel the brush on their skin removing the dead skin cells.
And there’s a soft nylon brush on the other side for those with more sensitive skin.
It can be used on both dry and wet.
No matter how you use it, dry or wet, once you’re done, you have to wash it and hang it to dry.
The design is really nice with a long wooden handle that also features a non-slip rubber patch at the handle for a better grip.
This body brush looks nice, has a good price, and it does exactly what a brush is supposed to do.
4. Back Scrubbers
Men and women are prone to getting breakouts on their backs or bacne, as it’s also called.
The first step towards preventing back acne is getting an exfoliating back scrubber.
Once you’re done with your shower and you’ve used your back scrubber, you can also apply a chemical body lotion with either AHAs or BHA (salicylic acid).
I recommend the Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA.
Back scrubbers are designed just for the back with handles and a length that makes them perfect for this part of the body.
They’re also pretty affordable and have two sides: one for a deeper exfoliation and the other for a more delicate exfoliation.
So, they work great for all skin types.
Or you can use a body bath brush but I recommend checking out back scrubbers first, they’re more easy to use and more versatile with their two sides.
If you choose the right one, the price can be really affordable.
Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber
This is one of the most affordable back scrubbers.
And one of the most popular, from what I’ve seen.
One side is for a deeper exfoliation with a textured, loofah-like surface.
The other side is softer, it’s a smooth microfiber surface.
The length and the handles makes it easy to use and offer coverage for the entire back, no spots missed and no straining to cover the entire area.
After use, wash it and let it dry, it dries quickly.
You can wash it in the washing machine, you don’t have to change it regularly, just make sure to keep it clean and dry and you can use it for years.
Some reviewers have stated that it’s too soft. Since I have sensitive skin, not even a body scrub feels too soft to me so, I just have to imagine what that must be like.
If you fall into the category of people with awesome skin that doesn’t like soft exfoliation, you’d be better off with a body brush, like the one above.
Chemical Exfoliators for Body: The Most Effective Method
Chemical exfoliation might be great for those who have had ingrown hairs for a long time, who have problems that cannot be fixed with a glove or a scrub.
It’s a product that contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid (BHA).
Chemical exfoliation works best for people with serious ingrown hairs because it dissolves dead skin cells.
Sometimes, that also leads to dry skin so you should moisturize daily.
It’s completely normal, don’t be scared.
If you’re using a good powerful chemical exfoliator for the body, it might dry out the skin, which will reveal the ingrown hairs that are growing under the skin.
It’s nothing to worry about.
You can use a scrub in the morning to remove the dried skin and moisturize for a glowing look.
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution, 8 oz
The Tend Skin Solution is still one of the most affordable chemical exfoliators for both ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
It’s not only for the body, it can be used by men before and after shaving, too.
Yes, you can apply it before shaving to prevent ingrown hairs and after shaving for a skin free of razor bumps, it soothes the skin.
The skin must be completely dry before applying the Tend Skin Solution.
It works before and after waxing and epilation, too.
Before waxing because it can make it easier to wax and after waxing and epilation because it helps reduce redness.
You can wait for a few days, up to a week after you’ve waxed/epilated before you start your daily application of Tend (at night is the most convenient), which should continue until you have to remove the hairs from the root again.
Once the Tend Skin Solution has been applied, you still need to moisturize.
This is a chemical exfoliator, hydrating the skin plays a huge part in maintaining it healthy.
Apply a moisturizer/body lotion after 5-10 seconds, let the Tend penetrate the skin.
And it can be used daily. Twice daily if you want constant smooth skin.
It can be used on the entire body, including bikini line, and face.
But that’s not all.
Tend can be used as a facial cleanser or a toner. It can even remove makeup. And it claims to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with regular use.
For that price and quantity, that’s a lot of benefits.
The main ingredient is acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), which is not the same as salicylic acid.
Another impressive chemical exfoliator for the face and body that can be used daily is the PFB Vanish but it’s considerably more expensive so, I chose the Tend Skin Care Solution for this post on how to exfoliate.
The Pfb Vanish is definitely more complex. Besides acetylsalicylic acid, it also contains willow bark extract, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and camphor oil.
If the Tend doesn’t work, you can try the Pfb Vanish next.
You should try the more affordable option first because it’s really good.
Obviously, those allergic to aspirin shouldn’t use either of these two chemical exfoliators for body.
With all these many words that I’ve written on the subject of how to exfoliate your face and body, I just wanted to emphasize how beneficial exfoliation is and, even if you only have the budget or the time for a once a week exfoliation, it’s still good enough, it can be perfect.
