Exfoliants: The Glow-Getters

There are two main types:

• Physical exfoliants – Think scrubs with a bit of grit. They manually slough off dead skin for instant smoothness.
• Chemical exfoliants – These use acids like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic to gently dissolve dead skin cells and boost cell turnover.

Some people are intimidated by exfoliation, worried about irritation or overdoing it. But when used appropriately, exfoliants can be your skin’s best friend—revealing smoother texture, improving tone, and even helping your other products absorb better.

Most skin types benefit from some form of gentle exfoliation a few times a week. The key is choosing the right formula for your skin type and not overdoing it. Remember this: exfoliation is like seasoning—essential, but a little goes a long way. Overdo it, and you’ll disrupt your skin barrier, leading to irritation, breakouts, or that tight, squeaky feeling that screams “help me.”

Physical Exfoliants: Scrub Smart, Not Hard

Sometimes you just want that polished, ultra-clean feeling. These deliver.

• ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish – ~$68
  This is luxury grit. Polished, radiant skin in under a minute. The best clean you’ll ever feel.
• Après Skin & Wellness Lustré – Because obviously.
  Refined, effective, and oh-so-glowy. This one’s all about luxury meets results.
• SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub – ~$35
  A great derm-grade option at a more approachable price point.

Chemical Exfoliants: Let Science Do The Smoothing

These work beneath the surface for a deeper, more transformative glow.

• ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads – ~$63
  Daily swipe for smoother, brighter skin.
• ZO Skin Health Oil-Control Pads – ~$75
  Perfect for oily or acne-prone skin. Stronger, but effective.
• Après Skin & Wellness Clarité Resurfacing Pads – $35
  Science-backed glow is always the goal. Formulated to refine without stripping.
• SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Peel Pads – ~$70
  A once-a-week resurfacing treatment with retinoid + AHA magic.
• RFA Skincare Mandelic Pads / Lux Pads – ~$49–99
  Mandelic for gentle, daily use; Lux for a weekly power treatment.
• Peter Thomas Roth Complexion Correction Pads – ~$48
  A solid, budget-friendly alternative that still delivers results.