Do you wonder how it is to have smooth glowing skin? There are different ways on how to exfoliate your face for that bare face, camera ready look.

How to exfoliate face the mechanical or physical way

This method requires physical force to remove deceased skin cells. The mechanical method is widely used but must be done with extra precautions as this can damage your skin.

  • Exfoliating brush – using your favorite facial cleanser, use an exfoliating brush to remove layers of deceased skin cells on your face. An exfoliating brush can also be used on other body parts.
  • Exfoliating scrub – this method can be done by gently rubbing your skin, in a circular motion. Rinse face with warm water afterward.
  • Exfoliating sponge – this is a gentler way of exfoliating your face using soap, water, or body wash.
  • Exfoliating glove – a convenient method if you find it difficult to hold a brush or sponge. Lather exfoliating glove with soap or body wash.

Bottom line: Whatever your preferred exfoliating tool, always do it gently and lightly. Do it in a slow circular motion using water, soap or body wash. Pat dry and end by applying your favorite moisturizer.

How to exfoliate your face using chemical exfoliators

The word chemical may not sound sweet to your ears, but this is gentler and more effective compared to the mechanical way. There are two types of chemical exfoliators:

  • Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) – AHAs are plant and animal derived-acids used in skincare products for exfoliating, anti-aging, and many more. AHAs are water-soluble acids used in beauty and skincare products. The different types of AHAs are tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and hydroxycaprylic acid.

AHA based products work by breaking the deceased cells on your skin by shedding off dull skin. It dissolves the bond that holds the deceased skin cells. The more AHA content, the more exfoliating effects.

Make sure your face is make-up free. Wipe face with clean wipes or wash with water first. Use your favorite AHA based exfoliant and gently apply on your face.

Follow the package description. Lastly, apply face moisturizer as exfoliating tends to dry your skin.

  • Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) – are oil-soluble acids used to penetrate deeper into the skin pores to remove deceased and dull skin cells. BHAs salicylic acid and beta hydroxyl are recommended for people with sensitive skin, oily skin, acne prone skin, and sun damage.

BHAs are not recommended for daily use. Use your preferred BHA face exfoliant on your clean, make-up free face; gently apply on your face in slow, circular motion. Always follow package description especially if it is your first time to use the product. Do not skip applying moisturizer after.

How to exfoliate face based on skin type

For dry and sensitive skin

  • Avoid using mechanical exfoliation like using an exfoliating sponge, brush, or scrub if you have dry skin. Physical exfoliation can cause more drying on your skin and micro tear. Try using the chemical exfoliation instead.

For oily skin

  • The mechanical method works best for oily skin.

For normal skin

  • One can use the mechanical method or chemical method for normal skin condition. You can alternately try the 2 methods or experiment which method works for your facial skin.

How to exfoliate face using home ingredients

Oil and Sugar

  • Prepare 1 cup of white or brown sugar
  • ½ cup of olive oil, sesame seed oil, or any type of oil available
  • In a mixing bowl, put the sugar and oil together. Mix well
  • Apply enough amount of the mixture on your face. In a gentle circular motion, massage face with the mixture
  • Leave it for about 10 minutes
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Apply your favorite moisturizer after

Lemon, baking soda, and honey (optional)

  • Prepare 2 tablespoons of baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Add 1 tablespoon of lemon (if available, but you can skip this part if there’s none)
  • In a bowl, mix baking soda and lemon juice, mix thoroughly until paste consistency is achieved
  • Apply the mixture on your face and neck. Leave on your face for 5 – 10 minutes
  • Wash off with water
  • Then, close skin pores by applying washcloth with cold water or ice
  • Pat dry your face and apply moisturizer

Oatmeal, sugar, honey, and oil

  • Grind 2 tablespoons of oatmeal and add 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of oil (vegetable oil or essential oil)
  • Mix until blended well
  • Wet face with lukewarm water and then apply a small amount of the mixture on your face and neck
  • Leave for about 10 minutes
  • Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry

The above mentioned information is just to give ideas on the different ways to exfoliate the face.

You need to be extra cautious with what to use as facial skin tends to be sensitive.

It is still best to ask for the professional’s advice. Talk to your dermatologist which works for you best and how often you need to exfoliate.

How can I exfoliate my face at home?

What is a good exfoliator for your face?

Is it good to exfoliate your face everyday?

What happens if you never exfoliate?

Mechanical Exfoliation
  1. Using a clean brush or your favorite scrub, move in small, gentle, circular strokes around your face, says Shah.
  2. Keep your movements light.
  3. Rinse with lukewarm water so your freshly exfoliated face isn’t irritated by hot water.
  4. Pat face dry and apply moisturizer.

Does exfoliating cause pimples?

Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better. Once or twice a week is great, but everyday exfoliation is even better. Clinique Derm Pro Dr. Michelle Henry gives us her top five reasons to exfoliate daily.

How can I exfoliate my acne prone skin naturally?

Lack of exfoliation leads to build up of deceased skin cells, and could result into dry, dull, patchy, flaky skin, clogged pores, with uneven skin tone. CTM schedule is famous among us all and we tend to follow it regularly. But how many of us forget that in order to get fresh, radiant skin we must exfoliate regularly!

Does exfoliating darken skin?

One sign of over exfoliating is skin hypersensitivity. This can cause irritation, breakouts, and even a stinging feeling when you apply products.

How often should I exfoliate?

Face Scrub For Acne–Prone And Oily Skin
  1. Mix three tablespoons of raw organic honey with one tablespoon of freshly ground cinnamon powder.
  2. Mix well to make a fine smooth paste.
  3. Using a brush, apply this evenly over your face.
  4. After a few hours, wash your face with your regular cleanser and follow with a moisturiser.

Should I exfoliate in the morning or at night?

Repeated over-exfoliation, manipulation, friction and skin tampering can slow down the healing process, introduce bacteria, and cause epidermal cells on and around blemishes to thicken, darken, and get larger as the body struggles to defend itself from constant “self-assault”.

How long should I exfoliate my face?

Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly.

What is the best thing to use to exfoliate?

Rouleau says the best time to use a scrub is in the morning. Overnight you’ve loosened up deceased skin cells with your glycolic acid or retinol products, making the morning a perfect time to brush them off.

Can I use a toothbrush to exfoliate my face?

Gently massage the product onto the skin for as long as your specific product recommends, usually from 30 seconds to a full minute.

How can I exfoliate my face without scrubs?

What to use to exfoliate
  • Exfoliating brush. This is usually a bristle brush used on the face or body to remove layers of deceased skin cells.
  • Exfoliation sponge. These are a gentler way to exfoliate skin.
  • Exfoliating glove. If you find brushes or sponges difficult to grip, you can use a glove.
  • Exfoliating scrub.

Do you exfoliate before or after cleansing?

You can use a toothbrush to exfoliate the skin as well by following a slightly tweaked version of the same instructions used for treating the lips. If you’re looking to exfoliate the skin on your face, it’s best to start with wet skin and very soft bristles.

Do you moisturize after exfoliating?

So, here I bring some alternatives.
  1. Honey. Honey is one among those natural ingredients that can help to remove deceased cells from the skin.
  2. Exfoliating gloves. This time give your gloves a try!
  3. Sponge. Sponge also works as a great exfoliant.
  4. Body peels.
  5. Exfoliating body lotion.
  6. Dry brushing.
  7. Rolling exfoliators.

Do I use toner after exfoliating?

By cleansing first you help removing dirt, sweat and make up off skin’s surface. You are then working with a clean base to then exfoliate away deceased skin cells that can pile up on skin’s surface. Exfoliating can soften your skin and allows a fresh layer of skin cells to emerge as deceased skin cells are washed away.

Should I wash my face after exfoliating?

After every exfoliating session (scrub or peel), it’s so important to moisturize. This hydrates and heals the skin—after all, it just went through a lot.