How to Properly Exfoliate for Radiant, Healthy Skin
June 3, 2023
![]()
Exfoliation is one of the most effective steps that you can incorporate into your skincare routine. Regular exfoliation can unclog pores, smooth out your complexion, and make you glow from head to toe. Here’s everything you need to know about how to exfoliate your face and body:
What Does Exfoliation Do
Exfoliation helps to loosen and remove dead skin cells from the topmost layer of your skin. There are two main types of exfoliation: chemical and physical. In chemical exfoliation, the acidic ingredients in the skincare product dissolve the bonds between the dead skin cells and the rest of your skin, making them easy to wash away. There are multiple types of chemical exfoliation acids available in different concentrations, from the super gentle to the very powerful. In physical exfoliation, a facial brush, scrub, powder, or another product is used to rub away the dead cells through friction. Our Smooth Trails Energizing Face Scrub is a great example of a physical exfoliator!
Why Is Exfoliating Important
Having a proper exfoliation practice improves the look and feel of your skin and also promotes overall skin health. Without regular exfoliation, all of those dead skin cells will pile up on your face, creating a dull complexion and potentially clogging your pores. It’s especially important to incorporate an exfoliator into your routine if you are also using skincare products that promote skin cell turnover, such as retinols.
Benefits Of Exfoliating
Exfoliation offers multiple benefits for your skin’s appearance and health. Here are some reasons why you should be exfoliating your skin on a regular basis:
- Smooths out your complexion
- Minimizes dry patches
- Unclogs your pores
- Reduces breakouts
- Makes pores look less prominent
- Helps skincare products absorb better
- Fades age spots and hyperpigmentation
- Stimulates collagen production
- Contributes to a glowing complexion
How To Exfoliate Your Face
How often you should exfoliate your face depends on your skin type and frequency. If you have very sensitive skin, then you might only be able to exfoliate once per week. If you have pretty oily skin that is not very sensitive, then you might be able to exfoliate two or even three times per week.
If you exfoliate with a facial brush, dab a bit of vegan face wash on it and use that to cleanse your face. If you exfoliate with an energizing face scrub, then do that after your cleanser but before the other steps in your skincare routine since you’ll need to rinse it off. If you exfoliate with a chemical exfoliator, apply the product after washing your face, rinsing it clean, and patting it completely dry.
Be extremely careful using other powerful active ingredients in the same routine that you exfoliate. This can lead to redness and irritation and potentially damage your skincare barrier. Save those actives for nights that you don’t exfoliate to keep your skin happy and healthy.
How To Exfoliate Your Body
There are multiple ways you can exfoliate your body. Some people like to dry brush with a loofah or scrub brush before getting in the shower. Other people prefer to use an exfoliating body wash in the shower for a more gentle experience or a body scrub for stronger exfoliation. You can also get body lotions that have a chemical exfoliating effect and will dissolve the dead skin cells while you wear it. Just be sure not to combine multiple kinds of body exfoliation on the same day so you don’t compromise your skin barrier.
If you haven’t already incorporated exfoliating products into your routine, grab the Smooth Trails Energizing Face Scrub to start your journey toward a smoother complexion! While you’re at it, take our personalized skincare quiz to discover what Fieldtrip skincare products are the perfect fit for your skin’s unique needs.
Reveal your most radiant skin yet with our refreshing exfoliator! Try it today and experience the difference!