These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial

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A good cleanser is the cornerstone to any beauty routine. Dermatologists say washing your face of makeup, dirt, and other pollutants at the end of the day is an absolute must to keep skin healthy and glowing. But the experts say there's another product that can make your complexion glow even brighter: a face exfoliator.

Exfoliants rejuvenate and brighten skin, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. "Regular exfoliation gets rid of dry, flaky skin, plus helps with any sun damage or skin discoloration, revealing newer, more glowy skin," she says.

There are two main types of exfoliants, she says: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants rely on rubbing or scrubbing, whether from granules and microbeads or special towels and mechanical brushes. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, contain acids—AHA or gylcolic acid, for example—that react with the skin to clear pores and slough off any dead cells from the surface.

In general, both are perfectly safe to use on a regular basis—especially if you have normal to super oily skin—but it's worth noting that "coarse physical exfoliants can be irritating for those with sensitive skin," says Jaliman. If you're prone to redness or have a condition like rosacea or eczema, look for a gentle physical exfoliator or a chemical exfoliant containing gentler acids like lactic acid, she explains. To help guide your search, we asked dermatologists to recommend the best face exfoliators for every skin type, from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone. Here, a list of the products they say will leave you with glowing skin.

Daily Milkfoliant Exfoliator

"Though many exfoliants can be too harsh for sensitive skin, this gentle formula contains oat bran extract bran to calm the skin," says Jaliman. It's gentle enough to use daily, offering glowing results every time.

Jojoba Pearls Daily Hydra-Exfoliant

If you have oily skin, try a scrub—also called a physical exfoliator—with fine granules or micro-spheres, says Jaliman. This powerful formula contains round biodegradable jojoba pearls, fruit enzymes, and salicylic acid to target congested, dull, and textured skin.

Enhance Brightening Complex

A dynamic combination of azelaic and glycolic acids help kiss dead skin cells goodbye. As an added benefit, "the formula also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help kill the bacteria that causes acne, leaving pores cleaner," says Jaliman.

Detox in a Jar Exfoliating Treatment Mask

Revive dull-looking skin with this clay-based purifying mask. The potent—but not harsh—formula contains blueberry extract, lactic acid, and turmeric root to clear pores and give you a natural glow.

Exfoliating Skin Perfector

A blend of three skincare acids—alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA)—work together to create smoother, softer skin. "It's a great choice for anyone with inflamed or angry red acne-prone skin," says Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

Acne Proofing Daily Facial Scrub

Another quality pick for anyone with acne-prone skin—at a great drugstore price. "It's gentle enough to avoid stripping or irritating the skin, but contains salicylic acid to fight acne and promote cell turnover," says Jaliman.

Skin Perfecting 2 Percent BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

"This chemical exfoliant works for all skin types," says Jaliman. It has a concentration of 2 percent salicylic acid that gently exfoliates your skin and unclogs your pores. It also contains green tea to soothe skin and fight inflammation.

Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask

"This clay-based, non-comedogenic formula dissolves dead skin and absorbs oil, making it the perfect exfoliator for oily skin," says Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. Its main ingredient, Umbrian clay, removes toxins, cleans, and minimizes shine without over-drying or clogging pores.

Two in One Poreless Power Liquid

Apply this K-beauty favorite after cleansing to help unclog and remove debris from pores, says Sonia Batra, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. It also contains inflammation quelling ingredients like willow bark and allantoin to help soothe any residual redness.

Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

"These chemical exfoliating peel pads go a long way in regards to anti-aging," says Chimento. A single pad has five different AHAs and BHAs, as well as vitamins and minerals to nourish skin while keeping it balanced, smooth, and radiant.

Clarifying Facial Wash and Scrub

"Choosing an exfoliating product that is too aggressive can cause discoloration or dyspigmentation—especially in those with darker complexions," says Erum Ilyas. With that in mind, she recommends this one. It contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, along with other enzymatic exfoliants, but is not too harsh.

Face Cream Plus AHA 15

"Though some exfoliators can exacerbate any problems with dry skin, this one is gentle enough to use daily, thanks to a combination of exfoliating glycolic acid and hydrating seed oil," says Batra.

Resurfacing Moisture Mask

In addition to being an effective exfoliant, this mask also stimulates the production of natural ceramides, plus contains hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and prevent loss. What's more, "lactic acid, avocado butter, and fatty acids replenish the skin with nourishing minerals and vitamins to improve skin's elasticity and texture, reduce wrinkles, and treat hyperpigmentation," says Chimento.

ExfoliKate® Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment

"In just two minutes, this dual-action treatment unclogs pores and removes dead surface cells to leave skin cleaner, smoother, and brighter," says Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

Anti-Aging Triple-Acid Peel

"For a deeper treatment, try this potent triple acid peel," says Chimento. The glycolic and hydroxy acid work together to help give the skin a smoother, cleaner, and more even tone without leaving it excessively dry.

Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Hawaiian Facial Scrub

"With both papaya and pineapple enzymes, this product gently dissolves the bonds between the dead cells to reveal fresh glowy skin," says Shainhouse. It also soothes skin with aloe and glycerin to keep it looking calm and dewy.

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

"Five separate acids—lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, and salicylic acid—gently remove surface cells to unclog pores and reveal smoother, glowing skin," says Shainhouse.

Bioactive 8 Berry Fruit Enzyme Mask

"A gentle exfoliating mask that uses bioactive berry enzymes to remove dead skin cells, plus contains a host of antioxidants that help brighten your complexion," says Batra.

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask

A cult favorite that contains a powerful 25 percent AHA blend to exfoliate and encourage cell turnover. As a result, it does wonders for dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving skin as smooth and soft as, well, a baby's.

Retexturing Activator Replenishing Serum

Prone to dry skin? "This serum gently but effectively exfoliates without causing dryness or irritation," says Jerome Potozkin, a board-certified dermatologist in California.

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