Beauty Buffs

The Best Exfoliators for Perfectly Polished Skin

I don't want no scrubs...no wait I do, I DO! In all seriousness, as a veteran of the skincare profession, I find that a lot of my clients simply forget to include an exfoliator in their skincare routine. How I get my skin so smooth and clear is a question I get quite a lot. Exfoliation is the answer people. Not exfoliating is not an option. I have come to the conclusion that 99% of people out there simply aren't using an exfoliator, even those who are religious about their skincare routines tend to forget about this one very important product which, when used consistently and properly, is the answer to most skincare woes. Dull, uneven skin? Exfoliate. Fine lines and wrinkles? Exfoliate. Enlarged Pores? Exfoliate. Hyperpigmentation? Exfoliate. Breakouts? EXFOLIATE! You get the idea.

Exfoliating can transform your skin from ho-hum to ooh la la in a matter of seconds by way of accelerating cell turnover. In layman's terms, this simply means that all of those old, dead skin cells sitting on top of your face are removed to reveal the shiny, new cells underneath, making your skin look and feel like a baby's bottom. Removing those dull surface cells also helps facilitate product absorption and you definitely want to get your money's worth out of those expensive products sitting on your bathroom counter. Think about it, if your skin is covered in a layer of old, dry skin your products are going to just sit on top. By exfoliating, those creams and serums will penetrate deeper into the skin delivering the active ingredients to your new cells, allowing the product to do what it is really supposed to do. Not getting results from your treatment products? Try adding an exfoliator into your routine and marvel at the difference.

There are two main types of exfoliators. The first is a physical exfoliator, which simply means a product containing small beads or granules that, when applied manually, abrade the surface of the skin removing build-up and old cells. The second is chemical exfoliation, aka a peel. This type uses different kinds of acids to eat away and dissolve the cells versus manually buffing them off. I like and use both types on my own skin. There is a wide variety of the two out there to purchase, finding good ones can be hard. Here's the thing, there's a fine line between exfoliating thoroughly and over-exfoliating. Some products out there are way too harsh whereas some aren't aggressive enough. Lucky for you, my face has served as the guinea pig to countless types and brands over the years. Only a choice few are good enough for me to recommend to my clients and to you. Behold my list of skin-sloughing superstars sure to leave your skin soft, smooth, and shining like a diamond.

Zo Skin Health Exfoliating Polish

Zo Skin Health Exfoliating Polish $67 www.zoskinhealth.com

This aquamarine-colored gem of a scrub is very effective. I consider it to be a no-frills exfoliating polish. This formula's ingredient list is short, containing magnesium crystals and a straight forward blend of Vitamins A, C, and E which deliver overall antioxidant protection to the skin. I will say that it is easy to overdo it, operator error is a possibility with this one. You'll want to apply it all over wet skin and gently, and with light pressure, massage in small circular motions avoiding the sensitive skin of the eye area. This should only take a minute unless you seriously want to sandblast your skin. I recommend this one for all skin types but those with sensitive skin will want to use an extra-gentle hand when using this product. Those using Retin-A, or any topical or oral steroids will want to choose a less abrasive product. I opt for this scrub once a week or once every other week when I feel like my skin is in need of an extra good sloughing.

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub $31 www.skinceuticals.com

I refer to this one as my "goldilocks" scrub. I have used this exfoliator by SkinCeuticals for many many years and always have a tube on hand. It is a perfect balance of exfoliation and hydration, which is rare in this type of product. My skin is on the normal/sensitive side and tends to feel dry and tight following most exfoliators. I always feel the need to pile on the moisturizer afterward. This is not the case with this product. My skin is soft, smooth, and bright after using it, without any drying effect. I LOVE this one. Although suitable for all skin types, due to this dual-action effect, it is absolutely perfect for dry, mature, and aging skin. Hydrated silica, a naturally occurring mineral, works as the exfoliating agent in this scrub, and vegetable-derived glycerin and aloe help lock in moisture. Massage in a gentle circular motion over wet skin. It is actually gentle enough to use daily but incorporating it into your skincare routine 2-3 times per week is sufficient to yield youthful, glowing results. So fresh and so clean clean.

Huda Beauty Yo Glo Enzyme Scrub

Huda Beauty Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub $39 www.hudabeauty.com

I absolutely adore this scrub by Huda Beauty. I faithfully use it once or twice a week. This may be the most satisfying scrub to use on my list. This peeling scrub is gentle yet super effective at removing the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This scrub uses pineapple and papaya enzymes along with AHA's and BHA's that will leave your skin glowing and smooth. The reason why I say it is the most satisfying is that when you put this on your skin and begin moving it around in circular motions, you can literally see the dead skin starting to peel off. When you are done using it, your face will be covered in white clumps. So gross but so cool at the same time. Those with sensitive skin can use twice a week and all other skin types can feel free to scrub away daily, it's that gentle. Use this on dry clean skin. Simply rinse with warm water and you're ready to glow.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial

Drunk Elephant T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial $80 www.drunkelephant.com

A good friend told me about this product a couple of years ago. It straddles the line between a chemical exfoliator and a mask. As the name implies, this product will give you deliciously baby-soft skin in about 20 minutes. Coming to the party with a whopping 25% AHA blend of 5 different acids, including glycolic and salicylic, this peel refines the look of pores and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles for a noticeably smooth, soft complexion. This gem of an exfoliator is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive. Very effective for those with acne-prone skin. Enzymatic action and brightening are delivered via a blend of antioxidant-rich matcha, milk thistle, and apple. Although it can be used once a week, due to the application time, I use this product about once a month. Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin, leave on for 20 minutes, follow up with a light moisturizer, and baby you're good to go.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment $85 www.katesomerville.com

This exfoliator by Kate Somerville is a mix of a scrub and a peel. It is, as the name implies, intensely resurfacing. A cool thing about this one is that the amount of resurfacing can be customized by merely adjusting how long you leave the product on your skin. It is suitable for all skin types, however, if you have sensitive or rosacea type skin I would opt for a more gentle scrub. Silica acts as the manual exfoliating agent while a mix of AHA and BHA acids along with pumpkin, pineapple, and papaya enzymes chemically resurfaces your skin. You do not want to use this more than twice a week as you can easily overdo it. I like to apply it in the shower, as the steam helps the natural fruit enzymes activate even more. Apply to clean, wet skin massaging in a light circular motion for 30 seconds, leave on for up to 2 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Your skin may be slightly pink and flushed immediately after use, but who cares, you'll be glowing!

Tatcha The Rice Polish: Gentle Foaming Enzyme Powder

Tatcha The Rice Polish: Gentle Foaming Enzyme Powder $65 www.tatcha.com

Where are all my sensitive girls at? If you have very sensitive skin, even rosacea-prone skin, and you normally stay away from exfoliators like the plague, trust me you can use this one. Now, this water-activated enzymatic exfoliator made from Japanese rice bran is not going to intensely resurface your skin like some of the other products on my list. It will, however, gently remove dead skin cells to give you pretty, polished skin without any irritation or redness. This is a non-abrasive enzyme-based exfoliator, so you won't feel any beads or grit to it whatsoever. It comes in the form of a powder that, once mixed with water, creates a luxuriously foaming lather. Licorice root as well as Tatcha's Hadasei-3 trio of anti-aging Japanese superfoods make an appearance on this soothing scrubs ingredient list. You really can use this every day, it's that gentle. Pro tip: I like to use it to create a beautiful smooth canvas prior to makeup application.

Natura Bisse Diamond Glyco Extreme Peel

Natura Bisse Diamond Glyco Extreme Peel $285 www.naturabisse.com

Last on my list, but certainly not least, is this decadent peel by luxury skincare brand Natura Bisse. Coming in hot and expensive, it is indulgent indeed. I was introduced to this brand while working at a high-end spa in downtown Charleston. As far as the fancy price tag, it is definitely worth it if you can afford it. I splurge on this about once a year when I'm feeling frisky, or drunk shopping online after a few too many cocktails. All kidding aside, this stuff is amazing. Described by the company as "a scientific masterpiece; a triple enzymatic exfoliation system with 5 AHAs that produces miraculous renewal and rejuvenation", this product definitely produces dramatic results. For that price tag, you better prove it and Natura Bisse certainly has with this product. The diamond peel will leave your skin luminous, to say the least. Active ingredients in this product reduce the look of dark spots, refine pores, and miraculously provide a temporary lifting effect, without inducing any redness. I was honestly shocked at how firm and smooth my skin felt after using this product for the first time. Apply to your t-zone first, then the rest of your face, followed by the neck and decollete. Leave on for 15 minutes and remove with warm water. I reserve this pricey product for when I am feeling particularly indulgent or a few days before a party or big event.

I've been sure to include a product for everyone on this list of my top facial exfoliators. Normal, dry, aging, combination, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone, there is something here for you. Give a couple of them a try, they are sure to knock your cells off! You'll be perfectly and pleasantly polished in no time. Questions? Send me a message or comment below!