In theory, exfoliating your skin is a no-brainer: lift up a layer of dead skin cells, get a smoother and brighter complexion, and that's that.
While the basics are simple, there are a few things everyone should know before exfoliating. First, this is definitely a "less is more" situation. Though it can be tempting to aggressively scrub, buff, and acid-peel your face every day, it's not ideal for your skin. Excessive exfoliation can weaken your skin's barrier, which in turn triggers issues such as hypersensitivity, acne, and redness. Better to start slowly — we're talking once a week, building up to two or three times — and see what keeps your skin happy.
Ready to exfoliate your skin? Here's what you need to know in preparation, along with some choice clean skin-care products from e.l.f. Cosmetics [1] to help you show respect to your bank account and your complexion at the same time.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Mint Melt Minty Fresh Cooling Cleanser
Before exfoliating, it's important to cleanse your skin to remove oil, dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and whatever else is sitting on top of your skin. This way, you'll have a more effective exfoliation session while keeping your pores clear at the same time. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Mint Melt Minty Fresh Cooling Cleanser [2] ($8) is a nice option because it leaves skin feeling calm, refreshed, and ready for what's next.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Superbrighten Peel Pads
OK, so there are basically two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical scrubs use granules to slough off dead skin, while chemical exfoliants rely on ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes to break the bonds between skin cells. For the latter, expect to feel a slight tingling (not burning!) sensation while the ingredients do their work. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Superbrighten Peel Pads [3] ($10) contain glycolic acid and fruit extracts to get the job done in just a few swipes.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant
Contrary to common belief, exfoliating doesn't have to be harsh or intense. Especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it's better to take a more delicate approach to lifting up all of those dead skin cells. That means bypassing physical scrubs and, instead, looking for botanical ingredients that naturally encourage exfoliation. For instance, papaya extract — found in the e.l.f. Cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant [4] ($10) — reveals fresh skin without irritation of any sort. This formula also has an unusually cool texture; as you massage it into skin, it balls up and takes unnecessary flakes and cells away with it.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Exfoliator
To comfort rough, chapped lips and prepare them for lip color, exfoliating is key. The e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Exfoliator [5] ($4) uses sugar to buff away dry flakes, while shea butter and avocado, grape, and jojoba oils keep lips conditioned and smooth.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Exfoliating Scrub
The skin on your body deserves a good exfoliation, too. Here, a physical scrub is a great choice because you can easily control how intense you want your exfoliation to be. So when elbows and knees look a bit dry, flaky, or ashy, reach for a grittier formula such as the e.l.f. Cosmetics Exfoliating Scrub [6] ($5), which has walnut-shell powder and apricot extract to buff and brighten all the rough parts.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance Free
After exfoliating, avoid creams or serums that further exfoliate the skin. They'll do that whole "too much exfoliation" thing that we're trying to avoid, remember? For now, skip ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or fruit enzymes. Instead, give skin a deep drink of moisture with a gentle cream like the e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream Fragrance Free [7] ($12). It feels wonderful on all skin types, but it's especially kind to sensitive skin.