Are You Using the Best Exfoliator for Your Skin Type?
Considering there are oodles of store-bought and DIY exfoliating scrub options available, finding the perfect face scrub can be a tricky business. You might think just any old scrub will do, but it turns out some exfoliation treatments may actually make your skin worse—so the big question becomes: What goes into choosing the best exfoliator for your skin type?
The removal of dead skin cells is cruicial in boosting the efficacy of topical skin creams, while long-term exfoliation can lead to increased collagen production, leaving you with brighter, younger-looking skin, according to Mary P. Lupo, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans.
Below, Dr. Lupo shares her top 3 tips on finding the best exfoliator for your skin:
1. Choose based on your skin type
If you have dry or sensitive skin, Dr. Lupo recommends sticking to exfoliation options that are less harsh, such as a salicylic acid peel. If your skin is oily, then consider a stronger treatment, such as a motorized brush or scrub that contains exfoliating particles. The scrub will help remove oil, dirt and other debris that can clog your pores further.
2. Choose how often to exfoliate
According to Dr. Lupo, how often you exfoliate depends on both your skin type and the strength of treatment you decide on. If your skin is oily, you may be better off exfoliating as often as once a day, whereas those with dry or sensitive skin should only get their scrub on once or twice a week.
3. Choose your exfoliator du jour carefully
Because of the scroll of exfoliating options out there, it’s unfortunately too easy to stumble across ones that aren’t effective—or safe. Do your homework before you buy, making sure the product comes from a trustworthy company, suggests Dr. Lupo. And if you’re buying your chemical products over-the-counter instead of going to a dermatologist, she recommends choosing products with a low acid concentration that’s no higher than 10 percent glycolic or 2 percent salicylic acid.
Try Our Best Exfoliator Picks
For dry skin:
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel
This bestselling peel delivers spa grade exfoliation, leaving your skin brighter and firmer while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
For sensitive skin:
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
This lotion-like formula provides just enough buffing thanks to tiny bits of apricot seed, while the aloe vera and sunflower seed oil prevent your skin from giving you ‘tude.
For oily skin:
MyChelle Dermaceuticals White Cranberry Cleanser
This exfoliant contains willow bark and SC02 totarol, which helps bring balance to oily and acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, pomegranate protects your skin against environmental aggressors, keeping your skin calm and pores squeaky clean.
For combination skin:
One Love Organics Brand New Day Microderma Scrub + Masque
This exfoliator is made of organic sweet pea flour, pineapple enzymes and kaolin clay to clarify and smooth your skin while removing impurities.
Have you found the best exfoliator for your skin?
Related on Organic Authority
5 Essential Tips to Beautiful and Healthy Skin
6 Makeup Tips and Tricks to Combat ‘Allergy Face’
How to Prevent Wrinkles by Nixing 8 Everyday Habits That Age Your Skin
Woman washing face image via Shutterstock
