You can really take your pick between chemical or physical exfoliation, says Gohara, though she recommends a little bit of both. She suggests using a retinoid nightly; not only is it an effective exfoliator, but it also packs a hefty anti-aging punch. Our pick: Differin Gel, $11.29. If you want a little extra boost, add an electric cleansing brush, like Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush, $50, into the mix a few times per week, she adds. Pair it with your normal cleanser and let it do the work for you, gently buffing off dead skin cells.
Dry skin is the trickiest to exfoliate, since you obviously don't want to do anything that will further dry it out. The side effects of chemical exfoliants are typically dryness and irritation, notes Gohara, which is why she advises sticking with mechanical options. Her recommendation: A creamy exfoliating cleanser used no more than three times per week.
Try: Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliating Creme Cleanser, $29. Most importantly, be gentle! Like, really gentle. "There's no need to go crazy with excess pressure and rubbing. Lightly massage the scrub across your entire face in a circular motion two to three times and you're good to go," advises Gohara. Follow up with a hyaluronic-acid based serum or a hydrating mask to help immediately add back any moisture that may have been lost. Try the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask, $4.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, oily skin can take much more exfoliation. As long as you're not sensitive, go ahead and opt for a daily method; both Gohara and Schultz like glycolic acid pads. "Glycolic acid is gentle enough to use every day, but still strong enough to be effective," says Schultz. The liquid on the pads is also light enough that it won't clog pores, like a glycolic lotion or cream could for someone with oily skin, he adds. Try his BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz Advanced 10% Exfoliating Pads, $63.
Use a little combo platter of products. One option: A singular product that contains both chemical and mechanical exfoliants so that you get the best of both worlds. Avene Gentle Purifying Scrub, $18, fits the bill. Or, combine some of the options above: "Use a glycolic acid pad on areas that get oily, like around your nose or on the T-zone, daily, and a physical scrub around the perimeter of your face a few times per week," says Gohara.
As to be expected, you'll want to proceed with caution. So cautiously, in fact, that it's a good move to avoid exfoliating products all together, according to Gohara. Instead, wash your face with a creamy, non-soap cleanser like Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser, $10, adding a cotton washcloth into the mix only once per week. Lightly rubbing that across your skin will be enough to exfoliate without perpetuating any further irritation, she says. Really want to use a product? Schultz points out that lactic acid is the gentlest chemical option; test it on a quarter-size spot in front of your ears for a few days and make sure your skin doesn't react to it before using on your full face.
