Woman looking at the mirror while washing her face.

Cleansing and toning are most likely part of your routine by now. But do you also know how to exfoliate the face? It’s an extra step to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads, and without these impurities, you’ll be left with smooth, glowing skin. If you’re about to add exfoliation to your routine, learn the right way to do it, so you don’t end up damaging your complexion. Read on:

What is Exfoliation and Why Do You Need It Anyway?

Exfoliation is simply the skincare step of ridding the outermost layer of the skin of old or dead skin cells. Every 30 days or so, the skin regularly and naturally sheds these dead skin cells, but sometimes, they don’t completely come off. If that happens, your pores get clogged and you might end up with patchy complexion. The best preventive measure is regular exfoliation.

How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?

Three times a week is enough, according to beauty experts. But if you have sensitive skin, cut it down to one or twice a week. Take note that as it creates tiny cracks. This could eventually lead to inflammation or skin dehydration. So think twice before you do more than your skin could handle!

What are the Steps on How to Exfoliate the Face?

You can’t just use any face exfoliator or tool, so put down that scouring pad in your kitchen sponge, which does a great job at buffing out stubborn dirt! Your plan of attack should always entail avoiding exfoliants that offer abrasion.

Decide between the two ways to exfoliate:

Physical (a.k.a. mechanical)

Make small circular motions with a gentle scrub or use an exfoliating tool.

Chemical exfoliation

Use a good cotton pad and a skincare product loaded with actives.

What are Some of the Exfoliating Products for the Face?

Take note: no product guarantees the smooth and clear complexion of your dreams, unless you use it on a regular basis. If you’re looking for an exfoliating product that may help you deal with acne, you may want to try POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Pore Clear Facial Scrub, which has Clay-BHA to control oil and absorb impurities while gently exfoliating the skin's surface. Alternate with POND'S Bright Ultimate Acne Control Facial Foam for gentle cleansing.

It’s not always easy to achieve smooth and glowing skin. But, it’s not impossible, especially now that you know how to exfoliate the face properly. Make sure you're meticulous in choosing products and you’re consistent in your routine. Give your skin some TLC and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.