Physical exfoliation is an essential step in any facial skincare routine. This simple skincare process will give you smoother, healthier, and more youthful-looking facial skin just by exfoliating your face regularly.
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| Img source: FreePik |
In this guide, we will discuss the most crucial question: Why and when should you choose the physical exfoliation type to exfoliate your face?
And you will explore the best physical exfoliation methods for the face by different types of physical facial exfoliators, and you will learn how to choose the best physical facial exfoliator for your facial skin type.
But let's start with a quick definition of what exfoliating face means.
What Is Exfoliation Of The Face?
Face exfoliating means removing dead skin cells from the facial skin surface to reveal a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion.
We can exfoliate the face using two different types of exfoliation:
- Physical face exfoliation, this type uses means or tools such as scrubs, sponges, or brushes.
- Chemical face exfoliation, this type uses ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA in skincare) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
- You can know more about: Chemical vs Physical Exfoliation: The Differences & What to Choose?
Why choose physical facial exfoliation over chemical?
While both face exfoliation types are effective. But in some cases, physical exfoliation is a better solution than chemical, and we will know these cases below. Additionally, some people don't like to use chemical exfoliators on their facial skin every time.
When to choose physical exfoliation for the face:
Here are the cases when physical exfoliation can be the best solution for exfoliating the face:
- When you prefer the physical sensation of exfoliating: Physical exfoliators can give you this sensation.
- When you want an instant result on your face: A physical facial exfoliator can give you an instant result as you can physically see the dead skin cells removed.
- When dealing with rough, flaky skin on the face: Physical exfoliation can be very effective in this case. Choosing the right physical facial exfoliator can remove dead skin cells and smooth rough texture.
- When dealing with clogged pores on the face: Physical exfoliation can remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that can clog pores, making it a good choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
- When dealing with uneven skin tone on the face: Physical facial exfoliators can help even out skin tone by removing dead skin cells that can make the facial skin look dull.
- When dealing with dry skin on the face: A physical facial exfoliator can help slough off dry, flaky skin and stimulate new cell growth, leaving the facial skin looking and feeling hydrated.
- When dealing with sun damage: Physical exfoliators can help remove sun-damaged skin cells, revealing fresh new facial skin underneath.
To deal with these cases above, choosing physical exfoliation face can be the best solution for effectively removing dead skin cells and improving skin texture, tone, and hydration.
What is the best physical facial exfoliator & how to choose one?
The answer to this question is highly personal, as the best physical facial exfoliator for each person depends on their skin type and the specific skin concerns they wish to address.
For example, if you have sensitive skin, you should look for a physical facial exfoliator specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Because this will help make sure that the exfoliator is gentle on your skin and effectively addresses any specific skin concerns you have.
So, The best physical facial exfoliator is the right one for your facial skin needs, and the key to finding the right physical exfoliator for your face is to identify your skin type first.
And you can determine this by observing your skin's oiliness, dryness, and sensitivity levels.
Knowing your skin type allows you to choose a physical facial exfoliator specifically formulated for your facial skin rather than a general exfoliator.
How do I know my skin type to choose the right physical facial exfoliator?
As mentioned above, identifying your skin type is essential to choosing the right physical exfoliator for your face. You can easily determine what type of skin you have by following these five simple steps:
Your guide to knowing and determining your skin type:
- Step 1: Thoroughly cleanse your face: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove all makeup, dirt, and oil.
- Step 2: Wait an hour after cleansing your face to allow your skin to return to its natural state before moving on to the next step.
- Step 3: Observe your skin: Look for any oiliness or dryness, and touch your face to see if it feels tight or sensitive.
- Step 4: Keep track of changes: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to different products and environmental factors such as weather, stress, and diet.
- Step 5: Consult a dermatologist: If you're not sure about your skin type, you can always consult a dermatologist, who can give you a professional evaluation and recommend the best physical facial exfoliator for your skin type.
Get your perfect facial exfoliator: Matching Your Skin Type
To help you make the best decision, we have compiled a list of the top five physical facial exfoliators, each designed specifically for different skin types.
Each of these options is considered appropriate and excellent for a specific skin type, as outlined below:
- Face Scrubs: Suitable for Oily Skin, Combination Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Aging Skin, and Sun-Damaged Skin.
- Face Sponges: Suitable for Oily Skin, Dry Skin, and Sensitive Skin.
- Face Brushes: Suitable for Combination Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, and Sun-Damaged skin.
- Face Mitts/Gloves: Suitable for Dry Skin.
- Exfoliating Face Pads: Suitable for Sensitive Skin, Aging Skin.
Best five physical facial exfoliators:
After determining your skin type, you can choose the appropriate facial exfoliator from the list below, which includes the top five physical facial exfoliators, to help you achieve a healthy, glowing complexion.
And here is a list of the best physical facial exfoliators available on the market, with some of the best products for these exfoliators taken from Amazon's Highly Rated and Trusted Products, curated by thousands of satisfied Amazon customers.
You can also find these exfoliators on Amazon.
- Face Scrub: A Physical facial exfoliator that uses small granules or beads to scrape dead skin cells to improve the facial skin texture and tone. It comes in different formulas, including those made with natural ingredients like sugar or coffee, to cater to different facial skin types.
- Face Sponges: these are a popular addition to any skincare routine because they offer a gentle face exfoliation and deep cleansing experience. Face sponges can consist of natural materials like a sea sponge which is a sustainable option, while synthetic sponges offer a longer-lasting solution. This cleaning and face-scrubbing tool is perfect for removing impurities and leaving your skin fresh and rejuvenated. Whether you have sensitive skin or want to add an extra step to your routine, face sponges are an effective and easy way to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
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| Buf-Puf Gentle Facial Sponge, Source: Amazon |
- Face Brushes: A popular physical facial exfoliator. They come in different shapes and sizes, with either natural or synthetic bristles. One of the advantages of face brushes is that they are gentle and effective, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin. Face brushes are a convenient and effective way to exfoliate your face manually to remove dead skin cells, oil, and dirt by brushing the facial skin.
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| Face Cleansing & Exfoliating Brush Electric by Olay, Source: Amazon |
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| 2 Pack Soft Bristle Facial Cleansing & Exfoliating Brush, Source: Amazon |
- Face Mitts/Gloves: A physical facial exfoliator worn on the hand to manually remove dead skin cells, oil, and dirt from the face. They can consist of natural or synthetic materials and comes in various textures, from gentle to more abrasive. Mitts or Gloves can be effective for different facial skin types, but they need to replace regularly to maintain hygiene and effectiveness.
- Exfoliating Face Pads: A physical exfoliator made of either textured, abrasive material or soft, flexible silicone for cleansing and relaxing your face muscles and inducing blood circulation. It also stimulates pores, removing excess sebum and dead skin effectively. Silicone pads offer a gentle face exfoliation option, while textured pads provide a more intense cleansing experience.
How to exfoliate face using physical facial exfoliator:
Once you've found the best physical facial exfoliator for your skin type, it's necessary to know when and how to use it properly to get the best results and avoid any side effects.
Here's a simple eight-step guide to help you effectively use your specific physical facial exfoliator:
- Determine the right time: Choose the right time to exfoliate your face. In general, it's best to exfoliate in the evening after removing makeup and cleansing your skin.
- Cleanse your skin: Before you begin, make sure your skin is clean and free of any makeup or impurities.
- Moisturize: Apply a light moisturizer to dry areas of the face, such as the cheeks and under the eyes, to prevent irritation.
- Wet your skin: Wet your face with warm water to open pores and facilitate exfoliation.
- Apply the exfoliator: If you're using a creamy exfoliator like a facial scrub, start with a small amount and add more as needed, and apply the exfoliator to your face in gentle circular motions, avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth. And for physical exfoliators like brushes, pads, or sponges, it's better to wet the tool before use and then gently apply it to your face in circular motions, avoiding the delicate skin around the eyes and mouth.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of the exfoliator.
- Pat dry: Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Finish with a moisturizer: Apply a nourishing moisturizer to hydrate your skin and protect it from further damage.
Tips and tricks for safe and effective facial physical exfoliation:
Physical exfoliation can be a great way to slough off dead skin cells, unclog pores, and rejuvenate the skin.
But it's necessary to avoid over-exfoliate, which can cause irritation, dryness, and redness. And to ensure that your physical exfoliation routine is both safe and effective, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Start gently: When using a physical exfoliator for the first time, start with a light touch. Gradually increase the pressure as you become more familiar with the tool. This will help prevent irritation and redness.
- Avoid open wounds: If you have open wounds or cuts on your face, it's best to avoid physical exfoliation altogether. This can cause further irritation and delay healing.
- Limit frequency: To avoid over-exfoliating, limit your physical exfoliation routine to once or twice a week. Over-exfoliating can lead to dryness, irritation, and redness.
By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy the benefits of physical exfoliation while keeping your facial skin safe and healthy.
