Best Skin Exfoliators | As Seen in Vogue
With so many different options available for each step of your skincare routine, it can be hard to know which products are worth your time. Board-certified Dr. Alexandra Bowles dives deep into one key product- skin exfoliators. Hear all of her expert advice and product recommendations, and be sure to check out the full article in Vogue!
What should you look for when buying a face exfoliator?
When choosing a face exfoliator, think of it like matchmaking. You’re pairing your skin’s needs with the right formula. Look for ingredient lists that address your main concerns: salicylic or glycolic acid for oily skin and congestion, lactic acid or fruit enzymes for dryness or sensitivity. If you’re acne-prone, tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide can be helpful, but only with balanced hydration. Texture matters too. Avoid gritty scrubs with jagged particles that can scratch the skin. Start slowly with new exfoliants, especially acids, and let your skin build tolerance before increasing frequency. And don’t forget, daily SPF is non-negotiable to protect your skin’s progress.
What are the benefits of exfoliating?
Exfoliation is like giving your skin a reset. It removes buildup that dulls your complexion and reveals the fresh, healthy cells underneath. This helps products absorb more effectively, pores stay clearer, and breakouts become less frequent. With consistent use, exfoliation can refine rough texture, brighten uneven tone, and even soften the look of fine lines by supporting cell turnover and collagen production. It also encourages a smoother, more even skin surface, which can make makeup apply flawlessly. The real secret is balance: exfoliate regularly enough to keep skin fresh, but gently enough to avoid irritation. Don’t forget to always follow with SPF to maintain those results!
Is it better to exfoliate with scrubs or acids?
Both scrubs (physical exfoliants) and acids (chemical exfoliants) can be effective when used appropriately for your skin type. Physical exfoliants use small particles to manually remove dead skin, which can give an immediate smooth feel, but must be gentle to avoid irritation. It is a common mistake for patients to overuse physical exfoliants and cause more harm than good! Acids like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, often offering a more even, controlled exfoliation. I find chemical exfoliants to be less abrasive and better for consistent use. The best choice comes down to your skin’s tolerance, goals, and preference. Sometimes a combination of both, used at different times, works beautifully.
Can you speak to the ingredients in these exfoliants? How do they work?
Dr. Bowles’ Top Pick: Skinmedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
This cleanser incorporates both AHAs such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid and BHA’s such as salicylic acid to enhance skin texture. It also has soft jojoba spheres to gently exfoliate and minimize skin irritation. This product is my go-to for acne prone skin and anyone looking to improve skin texture and minimize wrinkles.
CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser
This gentle cleanser features salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that can penetrate into pores to help reduce congestion and smooth skin texture. It also contains ceramides to support the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid for hydration, making it a balanced choice for regular use. It’s an especially good option for oily or acne-prone skin types.
Monastery XX Rose Glycolic Gel
This gel blends glycolic acid, a well-studied alpha hydroxy acid, with soothing rose extract to help dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. The result is a brighter, more even-looking complexion with improved skin clarity over time. Because glycolic acid can increase sun sensitivity, I recommend using this at night and pairing it with diligent sunscreen use in the daytime.
Formulated with Icelandic lava particles, this mask provides a natural physical exfoliation that helps buff away dull, dead skin cells. Mineral-rich geothermal seawater adds a skin-conditioning benefit, leaving skin feeling refreshed and soft. I recommend using it sparingly, (once a week is often enough) to avoid over-exfoliation.
This exfoliant combines gentle enzymes and ultra-fine physical particles for a dual-action approach to smoothing skin. It’s designed for daily use, but I always advise listening to your skin. If you notice dryness or irritation, scale back to a few times a week. Its balanced formula makes it versatile for many skin types, though those with very sensitive skin should patch-test first.
SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst
This serum is designed to support healthy skin renewal with a blend of gentle exfoliating acids and antioxidants. By encouraging natural cell turnover, it helps refine skin texture, improve luminosity, and prep the skin to better absorb subsequent treatments. The addition of antioxidant protection makes it especially appealing for those looking to address both early signs of aging and environmental stressors in a single step. I recommend pairing it with a daily SPF to maintain results and protect new skin cells.