Face washes that exfoliate the skin are a type of facial cleanser designed to help you maintain youthful and healthy skin. The issues with your skin that need to be addressed and your skin’s tolerance for exfoliation will help you decide which product to use. Let’s dig into it.

What exactly is exfoliating face wash?

An exfoliating face wash is a two-in-one product that removes dead skin cells while also gently cleansing the skin. Unlike facial scrubs, which should only be used once or twice a week, an exfoliating face wash is designed to be gentler and used on a daily basis. They are also designed to address specific skin issues and skin types.

How does it work?

There are two methods for exfoliating your skin. Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids, unglue and dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells to your skin’s surface. Physical exfoliators remove dead skin cells from the face by abrading them with small, rough, or smooth particles. Sugar, seeds, and crushed nut shells are common physical exfoliators. Exfoliating face washes can provide either physical or chemical exfoliation or both.

Benefits

Using an exfoliating face wash eliminates the need to buy a separate product or set aside time outside your regular skincare routine to use a face scrub. Exfoliating daily reduces the risk of debris clogging pores, lowering your chances of developing black and whiteheads due to clogged pores.

Certain skin types are more sensitive to exfoliation than others. As a result, choosing a product that will not strip your skin of its natural protective barrier and cause irritation is critical.

Acne-prone and oily skin

Face washes that dry out excess sebum (the oil produced by your skin)  can benefit people with oily or acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid is a lipophilic beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that dissolves in oil and effectively unclogs pores. It chemically exfoliates the skin while removing excess oil. As an anti-inflammatory, it can help to reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne lesions.

Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), penetrates deeply into the skin. It prevents acne from getting worse and helps clear up existing breakouts by exfoliating and breaking down sebum.

While niacinamide is not an exfoliant, it is a face wash ingredient that can help oily skin. It is a vitamin B derivative that helps clear up acne while smoothing the skin and reducing fine lines. Physical exfoliants should be avoided if you have severe or cystic acne or if you have active breakouts, as they can aggravate inflammation. Instead, only use chemical exfoliants.

Dry skin

If you have dry skin, you may accidentally dehydrate it with a strong product. Dry skin types should use an exfoliating face wash with nourishing and hydrating ingredients. Look for hyaluronic acid-containing products, which occur naturally in the skin and aid in the retention of elasticity and moisture. This ingredient will assist in counteracting the drying effect of exfoliating chemicals and granules.

Vitamin E is another effective ingredient for dry skin. Because vitamin E has been shown to smooth the skin, it is an effective face wash ingredient for people with rough, dry skin. Plant oils like almond and apricot oil, as well as shea butter, can help to hydrate dry skin. These oils reduce swelling and free radical damage, and they help restore the skin’s protective barrier.

Combination skin

A salicylic acid-containing facial wash may be beneficial if your combination skin is prone to breakouts. To avoid exacerbating the drier parts of your face, you can target the product specifically to areas of oiliness. Use products designed for dry or normal skin types on combination skin. Choose an oil-free exfoliating face wash that contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that contributes to  maintaining your skin’s health by protecting it from free radicals and stimulating collagen production.

Skin sensitivity

When you have sensitive skin, finding the right product may take some trial and error to determine what type of exfoliation your skin can tolerate. Choose a product with lactic acid or papaya extract, which are both very mild exfoliants if your skin is sensitive to alpha hydroxy acids. If chemical exfoliants are ineffective, opt for a product containing only a gentle physical exfoliant, such as jojoba pearls. Avoid coarse particles like sugar or crushed nut shells. Always choose fragrance- and paraben-free, hypoallergenic products to reduce the risk of irritation.

How to use a facial exfoliant correctly

An exfoliating facial cleanser can be used on a daily basis as part of a simple, effective skincare routine. Apply it to your skin once a day if you have dry or sensitive skin and twice a day if your skin is oily.   If your skin feels greasy in the morning, cleanse it again, or simply splash water on it if it is dry.

Make your own exfoliating face wash

Making your own exfoliating cleanser is a great way to save money and get the same, if not better, results than buying a store-bought alternative. Creating your own custom face wash allows you to select specific all-natural ingredients that are appropriate for your skin type. People with sensitive skin, who often have trouble finding skin-safe products, may benefit greatly from making their own face wash.

Recipe for homemade exfoliating face wash

Jojoba pearls are used in this face wash recipe to gently exfoliate the skin. These pearls are small, spherical beads made from hydrogenated jojoba oil. Because they are not water soluble, they will not degrade when combined with the liquid ingredients. With the help of aloesin, found in aloe vera, you can lighten your skin and give your face a more radiant look.

Jojoba oil is extremely moisturizing while remaining non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog pores and can be used on all skin types. It is also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. If you have blemishes, adding tea tree oil to this recipe will help your skin. Acne lesions can be reduced by using tea tree oil. Because it is antibacterial and astringent, it can reduce oiliness while also fighting acne-causing bacteria in your skin.

Ingredients:

1. Half a cup of aloe vera gel
2. Castille soap, 1/2 cup
3. jojoba oil, 1/3 cup
4. One tablespoon vegetable glycerin
5. 10 drops of tea tree essential oil (option for acne-prone skin)
6. Three tablespoons jojoba pearls

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients (except the jojoba pearls) in a blender for a few seconds.
2. Include jojoba pearls.
3. Transfer the mixture into a pump dispenser-equipped container using a funnel.
4. Shake well before applying two pumps to wet fingers.
5. Make a lather with your fingers and slowly massage it over your face, avoiding the eye area.
6. After rinsing with warm water, apply a moisturizer.
7. Keep refrigerated for up to one month.

Conclusion

Using a cleanser that exfoliates the skin is both an efficient and cost-effective way to save time and money in the morning. They work to remove dirt and dead skin cells in a single step, leaving behind skin that is smoother, more radiant, and appears to be younger. In this article, we covered the most common skin types and how you can find the best exfoliating cleanser that suits you best.