Exfoliators

Face exfoliator: smoother skin and a more even complexion

A face exfoliator removes dry, built-up cells from the surface of the skin and leaves it smoother and fresher. Here you will find exfoliating powders, creams, oils and warming exfoliators for use once or twice a week.

The range suits anyone who wants to add a step to face care that smooths the skin surface and prepares it for serum and cream. Exfoliators are convenient at home on a weekend when you have taken time for yourself, and on a trip, where care has to fit in a small cosmetics bag.

How to choose a face exfoliator

Choose an exfoliator by your skin type and the result you want. A gentler exfoliator, for example a cream or oil exfoliator, suits sensitive skin, while powder exfoliators that activate with water suit normal and oily skin. Warming exfoliators give a more thorough cleanse.

• Powder exfoliator: mixed with water, leaves the skin smooth and suits most skin types.
• Cream and oil exfoliators: gentle and hydrating, suited to dry and sensitive skin.
• Exfoliating cleansing foam: exfoliates and cleanses in one step.
• Serum with exfoliating actives: for example a glycolic acid serum that helps refine the skin’s surface.

After exfoliating, a hydrating face mask is a good follow-up, preceded by a proper facial cleanser routine.

Exfoliators by type

A powder exfoliator is the most versatile. The Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant comes in a small 13 g pack that fits into a cosmetics bag and travels well. You mix the powder with water in your palm, massage it gently over the face and rinse.

A warming exfoliator is for a more thorough treatment. The Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant warms on the skin with water and suits an evening treatment when you have time to focus on your skin.

If you prefer a simple, quick solution, look at exfoliating pads. Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 gives you 70 exfoliating pore pads that you wipe over the face in a few strokes; it is a popular step in a Korean cosmetics routine.

If you want exfoliating cleansing, the Biotherm Biosource Daily Exfoliating Cleansing gel is a good fit, and a mask and exfoliator in one product is the Clinique City Block charcoal mask and scrub.

A face care routine with exfoliating

Exfoliating fits best into a routine after cleansing and before serum. That way the care products can reach the skin better.

• Step 1: cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
• Step 2: use the face exfoliator once or twice a week, following the product instructions.
• Step 3: apply a serum, for example a hydrating or evening-out one.
• Step 4: finish with a face cream.

The routine does not need to be complicated. If you already have a cleanser, a serum and a cream, add the exfoliator for one evening a week. What matters is that you enjoy using it, because then care becomes a habit. If you want to narrow the choice, start with a powder or pads and add a warming exfoliator or a mask later.

How to use an exfoliator

With a powder exfoliator, pour a small amount of powder into your palm, add a few drops of water and work it into a lather with your fingers. Massage gently in circles over the cheeks, chin, forehead and nose, then rinse with warm water. With a warming exfoliator, wet the skin and massage the product lightly until you feel warmth, then rinse. With exfoliating pads, wipe a pad over clean skin and let the skin breathe before applying a serum.

An exfoliating serum is applied following the pack directions, usually in the evening onto cleansed skin. A hydrating cream then keeps the skin soft and comfortable.

When exfoliating fits

Evening suits exfoliating, when the day is over, make-up is off and you are in no hurry. In the morning it suits those who want smoother skin before make-up. Before a special event it is also a good step: smooth skin takes up serum and cream more evenly, and make-up sits on it more softly.

Exfoliating is also a small moment for yourself. Put out a warm towel, clean pyjamas and quiet music, and a simple routine becomes the best part of the evening.

Exfoliating all year round

In summer, when the skin meets more sun and salty water, an exfoliator helps keep the surface fresh and even. In autumn and winter, when dry air makes skin dull, an exfoliator gives the complexion new energy and prepares the skin for a richer cream. In spring it is a good way to give the skin a new start after winter.

Choosing by skin type

Normal skin: a powder exfoliator is simple and convenient, since it activates with water and leaves the skin smooth. Oily and combination skin: exfoliating pads and exfoliating gels keep the surface clean and even. Dry skin: cream and oil exfoliators care in a hydrating way. Sensitive skin: a gentler exfoliator, for example a cream or oil exfoliator, suits best.

For mature skin, an exfoliator that evens out the surface and supports smoothness, followed by a richer cream, is a good fit. Young skin usually needs only a simple powder or an exfoliating cleanser.

Popular brands

The exfoliators are from Dermalogica, Elizabeth Arden, Clinique, Biotherm, Medicube and Collistar. The Elizabeth Arden range includes the Visible Difference exfoliating foam, which cleanses and exfoliates in one step.

For yourself and as a gift

A face exfoliator is a small but lovely gift: it suits a friend who enjoys a home spa day, or someone who loves trying new care products. Give an exfoliator together with a hydrating mask, and the recipient gets a ready-made care evening. For yourself too, it is good to set aside one evening a week, put on music and give your skin a little celebration.

Also see our face care products as a whole if you want to refresh your routine.

Frequently asked questions