Tawni Bannister / Byrdie

In This Article

There are general rules of thumb when it comes to skincare.

One of those is using anexfoliatorto keep our skin radiant, clear, and smooth.

Read on for what they said.

Close up of a swatch of an exfoliant on the back of a hand

Tawni Bannister / Byrdie

Meet the Experts

What Are Exfoliators?

Physical exfoliants use granules to buff away dead skin cellsthink of them like very,verygentle sandpaper.

“You’re lucky enough to be able to use any exfoliator of your choice,” Verallo-Rowell says.

Certain types can causemicro-tearsin the skin and lead to irritation.

If your primary concern is oiliness, opt for a cleanser withAHAs.

“Chemical exfoliators can penetrate the skin deeper to improve the appearance of fine lines,” Loving says.

Products that combine AHA and BHA acids will be your best bet.

Sensitive Skin: None

Sensitive skintypes should avoid chemical exfoliation and most physical exfoliators.

Loving says light powders, like rice and oatmeal, are the safest option.