Dermatologists Swear This $10 Exfoliator Is the Secret to Glowing Skin

The exfoliant you use should be tailored to your skin type. Nazarian says oily or combination skin types can better tolerate physical exfoliants. “Delicate skin or people with other underlying skin conditions such as acne or rosacea tend to do better with chemical exfoliants,” she says. That being said, you can certainly find versions of either that are good for your skin no matter who you are.”

Nazarian also recommends looking for an exfoliant with hydrating ingredients that can help offset any potential irritation from exfoliating. “Another important consideration is the depth of skin you’ll be removing when choosing your chemical exfoliants. Different ingredients can remove varying levels of skin. The ones that are most superficial (such as mandelic) are the most gentle. The deeper you exfoliate, such as with glycolic acid, the more aggressive the chemical peel.” 

Be wary of over-exfoliating, too. According to Nazarian, too much exfoliation will leave your skin red, tender, and hyper-sensitive. However, your skin can become lackluster, rough, and dull if you don’t do it enough. “If you remove the skin faster than it has time to accumulate and ‘over-exfoliate,’ it’ll be very raw and sensitive,” she explains. “Take it slow and remember to use sunscreen often—the removal of the top layers of cells leaves you more sensitive to sunlight, radiation, and burns.”