Exfoliating isn’t just a bonus step in your skincare routine, instead, it’s sometimes essential. Think of it as the reset button for your skin. It clears out the dead skin cells that dull your glow, unclogs pores, and helps your products work better. And with the right exfoliator for your skin type, you’ll see smoother texture, brighter tone, and fewer breakouts. But there’s more than one way to exfoliate, and doing it wrong can do more harm than good.
So let’s break down what exfoliation really does, how to do exfoliate properly, and which products are worth your shelf space.
What Exactly Does Exfoliating Do?
Your skin naturally renews itself every few weeks. New skin cells are created in the deeper layers and work their way up to the surface. But not all dead skin cells shed cleanly on their own. When they stick around too long, they can clog pores, cause breakouts, and make your skin look dry, rough, or dull.
Exfoliating speeds up this process. It removes the dead layer sitting on top of your skin, revealing fresh, smooth skin underneath. Bonus: when you exfoliate regularly, your serums and moisturizers can actually penetrate and perform better.
Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliants
There are two main types of exfoliators: chemical and physical.
Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants use active ingredients like acids or enzymes to loosen and dissolve dead skin cells. They’re generally gentler than scrubs, especially when formulated well. Here's a breakdown of the main types:
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Like glycolic and lactic acid. These work on the surface of the skin, making them perfect for dry or dull skin. AHAs improve tone, texture, and fine lines.
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): Like salicylic acid. These go deeper into pores and dissolve oil, which makes them ideal for acne-prone or oily skin.
- PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids): Milder than AHAs, PHAs are ideal for sensitive skin. They offer exfoliation plus hydration and are less likely to cause irritation.
A great example is the Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Peeling Jumbo Pad. Infused with green tomato extract and PHAs, these extra-large pads gently exfoliate dead cells and tighten the look of pores without drying out your skin. The formula is calming, hydrating, and convenient. It’s great for regular use, especially if you’re prone to irritation.
- AHA + BHA Combos: Some products combine both for a more complete exfoliation. They tackle surface roughness and deeper congestion at once.
The AXIS-Y Spot The Difference Blemish Treatment is a great example. This serum blends AHAs and BHAs to clear clogged pores and smooth texture. It’s made specifically for acne-prone and sensitive skin, with soothing ingredients like centella asiatica and tea tree extract to calm inflammation while treating breakouts. It's a spot treatment that works without over-drying.
More gentle yet effective chemical exfoliators include:
- Round Lab Dokdo 1025 Peeling Gel: Uses deep sea water and gentle acids to exfoliate without upsetting sensitive skin.
-
Dr.G Brightening Peeling Gel: A gommage-type formula that exfoliate dead skin by physically rolling it off with minimal irritation. It’s great for sensitive skin looking for instant results.
Physical Exfoliants
Physical exfoliants use small particles to manually scrub away dead skin. They work fast and give that instantly smooth finish, but they can be too harsh if used too often or if the formula isn’t well made.
That said, not all physical exfoliants are bad. The key is gentleness and frequency.
One product that nails this balance are the Arencia Mochi Cleansers. Its a daily cleanser with soft, cushiony texture that subtly exfoliate with ingredients like fermented grains and rice. You’re getting a mild scrub as part of your cleansing routine, which is ideal for keeping your skin smooth without ever overdoing it.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
The right frequency depends on your skin type and the product:
- Oily or acne-prone skin: not more than 2–3 times a week with BHA or AHA/BHA products like AXIS-Y.
- Dry or sensitive skin: not more than 1–2 times a week with PHAs or very mild gels like Dr.G or Sungboon Editor pads.
- Normal/combination skin: maximum 2–3 times a week, mixing between chemical and physical exfoliators.
Daily exfoliation is only safe with ultra-mild products, like Arencia Mochi Cleanser, which offers gentle polish without irritation. Over-exfoliating can cause redness, breakouts, or a compromised skin barrier, so listen to your skin carefully!
Tailoring Your Routine by Skin Type
Here’s how to match exfoliants to your skin type:
- Sensitive skin: Stick to PHAs or enzyme-based peels. Use products like Sungboon Editor Pads or Dr.G Peeling Gel. Avoid gritty scrubs or high-percentage acids.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Go for BHAs or blends. Try AXIS-Y Spot The Difference or Round Lab Dokdo Peeling Gel to manage breakouts and congestion.
- Dry skin: AHAs like lactic acid can smooth texture and hydrate. Pair with a nourishing moisturizer after. But if your skin is dry and not flaky, sometimes you don’t really need to exfoliate that much. Just using a gentle product like the Arencia Mochi Cleanser a few times per week may be enough to maintain smoothness without over-stripping your skin. Less can definitely be more here.
- Combination skin: Alternate between chemical and physical exfoliants. Use a treatment gel one night, and the Arencia Mochi Cleanser on your off days for balance.
Don’t Forget: Lips Need Exfoliation Too
Your lips flake, dry out, and trap dead skin just like your face. Regular exfoliation keeps them soft, smooth, and ready for balm or lipstick.
Try the Tocobo Lemon Sugar Lip Scrub. It’s packed with fine sugar crystals for a safe, effective buff and smells fresh and citrusy. Plus, it’s got nourishing oils to hydrate as it exfoliates. Use it once or twice a week especially in colder months. It can work wonders, especially if you wear lipstick or other lip products afterward, helping everything go on smoother and look better.
Final Takeaway: Exfoliate Smart
Exfoliating isn’t optional but a must. Just keep in mind that it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. The key is choosing the right formula for your skin, using it at the right frequency, and not overdoing it. When done right, exfoliating transforms your routine. Products absorb better. Breakouts are minimized. Skin looks smoother, fresher, more alive.
To recap:
- Use chemical exfoliants like Round Lab Dokdo, Dr.G, or AXIS-Y to target specific issues.
- Go for PHA-based pads like Sungboon Editor for sensitive skin.
- Keep skin smooth daily with Arencia Mochi Cleanser.
- Don’t skip your lips! Tocobo Lemon Sugar Scrub has you covered.
Exfoliate properly, and you’ll see the difference — not just in how your skin feels, but in how it glows
