Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells using an exfoliating agent. Skin usually sheds dead cells about every 30 days. When dead cells don’t shed completely, your skin can become clogged and dry. Depending on your skin type, the right exfoliator can help improve the look and feel of your skin.

Exfoliation for dry, flaky skin entails the use of products that penetrate the skin's surface, promoting natural cell turnover and greater moisturization. Origin’s Modern Friction™ Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion infused with skin-smoothing Rice Starch has a creamy texture that’s a suitable exfoliator for dry skin. Great for all skin types, the Checks and Balances™ Polishing Face Scrub removes dead skin cells and surface impurities and reduces the appearance of pores. If you're specifically looking for an exfoliator for oily skin, try the GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser, which gently unclogs pores and creates a smoother, brighter skin surface.

To exfoliate your face, prep by gently cleansing your skin. Based on your skin’s needs, select the right exfoliator, such as GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser with smoothing and brightening effects. Gently massage the exfoliator in a circular motion onto wet skin with your fingertips, avoiding the eyes. Don’t use an exfoliator if you have any open wounds on your skin. After about 30 seconds, thoroughly rinse your face with lukewarm water, and use a clean towel to absorb excess water. Finish with a treatment lotion or moisturizer.

How often you exfoliate your face depends on your skin type and chosen exfoliating product. Over-exfoliating can disrupt your skin barrier, leading to dry, irritated skin. In general, we recommend exfoliating your skin one to two times a week, but it’s important to pay attention to how your skin responds to a product, which will determine how often you should exfoliate.

Great face scrubs should target dullness, flaky skin, and clogged pores. The GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser is a 2-in-1 product that helps boost skin’s radiance and unclogs pores. Panax Ginseng and Caffeine from Coffee Beans refresh and energize while revealing smoother, brighter skin. Jojoba Beads and Carnauba Wax deliver a gentle exfoliating effect. Another one of our recommendations is Modern Friction™ Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion, thanks to its creamy, cushiony texture created with Rice Starch, which helps refine and illuminate dry skin.

Exfoliants are either chemical or physical, and the best option depends on your skin type and your skin care routine and goals. Physical exfoliation uses small particles, such as mineral beads in the Checks and Balances™ Polishing Face Scrub, to remove dull and dead skin cells and reveal healthier-looking skin.

Chemical exfoliation uses AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes to exfoliate within the skin’s surface. The High-Potency Night-A-Mins™ Resurfacing Cream with Fruit Derived AHAs delivers a fruit-derived chemical treatment that helps loosen and slough off dead skin, resulting in smoother and more moisturized skin, as well as boosted natural skin cell turnover.