Benefits Of Exfoliating Dry Skin
There are many benefits of exfoliating dry skin. The following are some of them.
1. Unclogs pores: Exfoliation helps remove dead, dry skin, dirt and grime, impurities, and excess oil from the skins layers. This helps unclog pores and prevents blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, and acne.
2. Better penetration: Unclogged pores and clean skin can open the pores and allow skincare products to penetrate the pores and nourish them.
3. Even skin tone: Frequent exfoliation helps reduce dark spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin texture. Exfoliators contain skin brightening and lightening ingredients that make the skin tone brighter.
4. Boosts circulation: Exfoliating the skin improves blood circulation. It facilitates lymphatic drainage, which aids in internal cleansing and provides oxygen-rich blood to the skin, thereby helping you achieve glowing skin.
5. Eliminates dead cells: Exfoliation eliminates dead cells and unclogs pores, boosting cell regeneration, giving you a more youthful appearance.
6. Stimulates collagen production: Collagen helps maintain the skins consistency and texture, making it appear younger and tighter. It improves skin elasticity and thereby reduces aging signs.
Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant
This exfoliator/mask hybrid offers an unprecedented deep clean. Taking only five minutes out of your grooming routine, so no more effort than using a traditional scrub, it efficiently helps to resurface the skin and replenishes it with a boost of moisture. It’s infused with exfoliating bamboo powder, which primes the epidermis for optimal hydration, sunflower seeds, jojoba ester and amino acids to help strengthen the skins moisture barrier and antioxidant-rich snow mushroom , which can hold 450 times its own weight in water. Super-gentle and supported by soothing and refreshing cucumber extract, the cream-textured solution is also gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Easily applied by massaging onto a clean face and neck, until the spheres disappear, leave it on for three to five minutes before rinsing. You can indulge and leave on for longer but only as a treat, every so often. £55 for 50ml. At Selfridges.selfridges.com
Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub
This all-natural exfoliator, which is actually made with pieces of real fruit, is best for normal to oily skin types. A formula with a cult-like following within the New York-based apothecary-inspired brands back catalogue, it can be used one of two ways: like a regular scrub or left on for one or two minutes prior to buffing as an energy-boosting quick fix of goodness. It combines fruit enzymes papain to gently dissolve dry skin and bromelain , which effectively breaks down dead surface skin cells, for a naturally exfoliating effect. It’s bound by easily absorbed, vitamin-rich sesame oil, which is hydrating and has emollient properties. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves a refreshing afterglow and uses finely ground scrub grains so isnt too harsh. £26 for 110ml.kiehls.co.uk
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When To Use A Facial Exfoliator
Aiming for two to three times a week, according to Peredo, exfoliation is best used after the skin is cleansed and does not have any makeup or dirt on it. Likewise, she recommends exfoliating before you apply your moisturizer or serum to replenish any moisture that was lost during the exfoliation.
Specifically, you should whip out this formula If you feel like your skin is looking sallow or you have some areas of dry skin that you would like to smoothen,Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Mariwalla Dermatology, told The Post.
Not to mention, its good to exfoliate as the seasons change.
Best Chemical Exfoliator Drugstore

Pixi Glow Tonic, $29This award-winning cult tonic may have a cheeky name, but theres nothing playful about this 5% glycolic formula that deeply cleanses, gently exfoliates, and promotes a radiant, glowing complexion. Its alcohol-free, so you dont have to worry about dryness. The addition of aloe vera provides soothing hydration, while red ginseng naturally energizes your skin.
Bioderma Sebium Exfoliating Gel, $15A French pharmacy favorite, this power product contains both mechanical and chemical exfoliants. Gentle microbeads and glycolic and salicylic acids effectively remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. Antioxidants, laminaria, and vitamin E leave the skin soothed and radiant.
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The Best Drugstore Face Washes And Cleansers You Can Buy In 2022
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Believe it or not, radiant skin doesn’t necessarily require an elaborate, 12-step skincare routine. Sure, it’s fun to experiment with new trends in skin care like face masks and serums, but are they really the key to keeping your skin healthy? Dermatologists will often tell you that’s not the case, and that with skin care, it’s best to stick with the basics. The Cleveland Clinic’s Shilpi Khetarpal, M.D. says she tells her patients that their “priority should be cleansing, daily sunscreen and daily moisturizing” . Celebrity esthetician Nicole Caroline even told the New York Post that she considers face wash “one of the most important parts of your skincare regimen.”
Skin care is not one-size-fits-all, and with so many options on the market it can be difficult to choose which face wash is right for you. Fear not, because we’ve compiled a list based on expert and customer reviews of the best drugstore face washes, for all skin types.
Best Overall: M3 Naturals Activated Charcoal Scrub
The M3 Naturals Activated Charcoal Scrub contains Dead Sea salts to cleanse impurities from your skin. The scrub is infused with collagen and stem cells to increase skin cell longevity and provide anti-aging benefits. It removes unwanted toxins, dirt, pollution, and bacteria from the pores and helps balance the pH level of the skin. It helps reduce pore size, acne, blackheads, cellulite, stretch marks, and scars. It is cruelty-free. This exfoliating scrub leaves the skin feeling moisturized and fresh.
The scrub contains activated charcoal, Dead Sea salts, collagen, fruit stem cell, coconut oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and spinach. Activated charcoal traps chemicals and prevents them from being absorbed into the skin. Dead Sea salts are mineral-rich and can reduce skin issues, like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Collagen helps rejuvenate the skin and repair damaged skin tissues. It also protects the skin from free radicals. Fruit stem cells are rich in antioxidants, and they increase cell turnover and collagen production. Coconut oil is a great emollient and moisturizes the skin. Aloe vera is also a good emollient and has antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Jojoba oil contains vitamins B and E and minerals. Spinach also helps hydrate the skin.
Ingredients
Pros
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Glossier Exfoliating Skin Perfector
Glossier Solution is not a physical scrub. Solution uses a 10% blend of skincare acids to unglue dead skin and sweep it away. It is made with three acid groups: Alpha Hydroxy Acid , Beta Hydroxy Acid , and Polyhydroxy Acid that help improve the appearance of blemishes, visible redness, and enlarged pores.
Skinmedica Aha/bha Exfoliating Cleanser $47 To $48
SkinMedicas AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser improves skin texture and tone and is gentle on the skin, Peredo highlights. Its formulated with salicylic acid, so those with acne can use it.
Its also formulated with lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid and malic acid, making it great for all skin types.
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Best Drugstore Face Exfoliator: The Bottom Line
The skin renews itself every 28 days, so dead skin cells are shed naturally. However, circumstances such as skin type or condition, climate, indoor heating, air conditioning, stress, medication, and health can slow down the usual desquamation phase.
When this happens, dead skin cells harbor on the surface. Not only will your complexion look dull and lackluster, but your serums and moisturizers cant penetrate the skin, so you may feel as though theyre not working. In reality, its the layer of dead skin thats standing in their way. This is why regular exfoliation is a vital part of your skincare routine.
There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical . While the former is the gritty, scrub-like formula you may be more familiar with, chemical exfoliators are typically more effective. They can also help with additional skin concerns aside from dissolving dead cells.
The main difference between drugstore, department store, and prescription exfoliators is the form in which they come. Many conventional exfoliators are what we call physical exfoliants. Physical exfoliators are exfoliators that have beads, walnut shells, or sand.
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Paulas Choice Clear Extra Strength Exfoliator
This is a powerful leave-on exfoliant containing salicylic acid. It minimizes pores, clears breakouts, unclogs pores, and fade red marks from past breakouts. It has 2% salicylic acid that fights the stubborn acne leaving your skin smoother, clearer, and more even.
The exfoliant eliminates bacteria, dirt, and oil from pores thus reducing cane and redness. This cleanser clears all dead skin cells and decreases the appearance of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, breakouts, and fine lines. This is a pore minimizer formula that gets absorbed quickly into your skin without drying your skin and ripping it off its natural oils.
Key Features:
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Dr Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser
If you want in on the gentle exfoliation enzyme cleansers can provide, consider Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser, which contains the enzymes subtilisin and lipase. It comes as a powder, and you add water to it to create an exfoliating paste. Powder skin-care products are more eco-friendly in general, and adding water activates the enzymes.
Best Exfoliator For Acne

Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Gel Scrub, $8.99This popular Neutrogena exfoliator gently yet effectively exfoliates and removes impurities while salicylic acid targets breakouts. The formula features proprietary Barriercare cleansing technology to ensure the skin remains soft and balanced versus stripped of its natural oils. It works best on oily and acne-prone skin types.
Burts Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub, $9.99With the help of jojoba beads and fruit enzymes, Burts Bees Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub gently exfoliates dead skin cells, prevents future breakouts, and refines the appearance of pores. This scrub also features Salix nigra bark extract, which helps soothe the skin and aid in cell regeneration. A compound called salicin provides exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce the appearance of pores and wrinkles, even out skin tone, and increase skin firmness.
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Best Exfoliators For Dry Skin
Paulas Choice brings you its Skin Perfecting skin exfoliant, made of 2% BHA liquid salicylic acid. The gentle formula is non-abrasive and can remove blackheads, control enlarged pores, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, remove dead skin cells, even out the skin tone, and reduce stress and aging signs. This facial exfoliant is a hydrating blend that cleanses the skin, evens the skin tone, and activates cells, thereby improving blood circulation. It does not contain parabens or harmful chemicals. Take a look at this video link to get more information on the exfoliant.
The Majestic Pure coconut milk body scrub is formulated to promote healthy skin. The exfoliator contains anti-cellulite properties that help reduce stretch marks, eczema, acne, and varicose veins. This natural beauty recipe is a well-balanced combination of nutrients, fats, and minerals with high protein content.
It helps reduce dryness and flaking, rejuvenates damaged skin, and minimizes wrinkles and aging signs while softening and nourishing the skin. The body scrub is free of animal testing and has a pleasant fragrance.
Best Green Tea Ex Foliator: Teami Matcha Green Tea Face Scrub
The Teami Matcha Green Tea Face Scrub is gentle and non-abrasive. It exfoliates the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It contains matcha green tea extract, lemon grass, and sugar. The matcha green tea extracts help fight acne, reduce the size of pores and blemishes, and purify the skin from within. Sugar stimulates new skin generation and improves the complexion. Lemongrass cleanses the skin deeply, removing dirt, dust, and greasy residue. It also unclogs the pores.
This scrub removes makeup residue and dead skin cells, leaving the skin looking cleaner. It also reduces wrinkles and fine lines, brightens the skin, and hydrates it. It is non-greasy and can be used by men and women. The scrub is vegan-friendly, 75% organic, non-GMO, and free of chemicals and artificial fragrances. It helps reduce spots, skin imperfections, large pores, and blemishes and balance the skin tone and pH level. It can also be used as a body scrub.
Apply the scrub on damp skin and massage it in circular motions. It turns into a creamy lather, and the oils get absorbed into the skin. The skin is left hydrated, smooth, bright, and even-toned. Use it twice or four times a week for best results.
Ingredients
Sucrose , Glycerin , Aqua , Organic Camellia Sinensis , Sorbitol, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Prunus Dulcis , Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Green Tea & Lemongrass Botanical Essence, Chromium Oxide.
Pros
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Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash
This Foaming Glycolic Wash from NeoStrata cleanses and exfoliates at the same time. It helps restore a clear and radiant complexion. Its formulated with 18% glycolic acid that gently removes impurities, unclogs pores and supports healthy dermal cell renewal. Grapefruit extracts offer rich antioxidants that promote healthy skin and a refreshed feel.
Green People Exfoliating Face Scrub
Founded in 1997, British organic lifestyle brand Green People has grown to be respected as one of the most trusted names in clean and eco-conscious beauty. Offering a specific grooming range that is dedicated to mens skincare needs, its exfoliating face wash and scrub, made from 90 per cent certified-organic ingredients, gives radiance back without stripping or drying the skin, which can lead to irritation. Powered by a winning combination of bamboo extract and cranberry powder to help buff away dead skin cells, the vegan-friendly formulation is reinforced by antimicrobial grapefruit, deeply nourishing organic shea butter, bentonite clay, clove oil , grapefruit and orange peel oil to soothe irritation and breakouts. Despite being a very concentrated solution , it is actually gentle enough to use as much as three times per week and is recommended for sensitive skin. £15 for 100ml.greenpeople.co.uk
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The Best Drugstore Exfoliator
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Triumph & Disaster Rock & Roll Suicide Face Scrub
Infused with volcanic ash and absorbent green clay, this unique product in a handy screw-top tub container , helps to slough away unwanted dead skin cells and sebum. An instant-fix for lacklustre and dull-looking complexions that are in desperate need of a little TLC, it is also a secret weapon in the battle to prevent the formation of unsightly blackheads. £19.70 for 145g. At
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Humane Clarifying Toner Bha Facial Exfoliant
Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, Humane Clarifying Toner BHA Facial Exfoliant is a daily leave-on facial exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells gently, clears clogged pores, and removes oil and debris to keep blackheads and blemishes at bay.
The exfoliant is infused with green tea extract that offers anti-oxidant protection and calms the skin. Green tea extract combined with salicylic acid boosts collagen production, which fills in fine lines and wrinkles.
Regular use of this exfoliant removes dead skin cells and reduces the appearances of wrinkles and fine lines. Use it for a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Key Features:
Tree Hut Vanilla & Honey Oatmeal Scrub

No matter your skin type, exfoliating can cause dryness if you dont keep up with your moisturizer afterward. However, this Tree Hut Vanilla & Honey Oatmeal Scrub will definitely help. Infused with organic shea butter, vanilla, and honey, it will leave your skin hydrated, satisfied, and smelling absolutely heavenly.
12 of 14 Image Credits: The Body Shop
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Best Face Exfoliators For Mature Skin
Exfoliating your skin at any age brings about its unique share of benefits. Young women exfoliate their skin to provide a good scrub down to help prevent blemishes and create a healthy looking glow.
As we get older, thankfully we typically dont have to deal with acne, but we do have to deal with other issues like dull looking skin and clogged pores. Not all face exfoliators are created equal and those that work well for younger skin will not serve mature womens skin.
Lets take a look at the best face exfoliators for mature skin, what they do, and why you should exfoliate regularly.
Why Use An Exfoliator
As we age, our skin tends to start looking dull. We know that accumulated dead cells on the surface of our skin is a major factor for the lack of brightness. Exfoliating can help restore fresh looking skin.
As your face exfoliator removes the dead layer of skin cells and other types of buildup, it leaves your face refreshed and feeling like new. You will notice that your skin absorbs your moisturizer better after you have exfoliated, therefore using the nutrients better and going deeper into your skin, making your moisturizer more effective.
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