Gross But Awesome: My #1 Product for Shedding Dead, Dull Skin Cells

When you don't treat dry, dead skin, it can lead to some annoying problems. I'm talking clogged pores, breakouts, dull skin, and a flaky or rough texture. Doesn't sound great, right? The thing is, this can be easily avoidable and fixed.

Enter exfoliation. It can refresh dull skin, leaving your face looking smooth and glowy. It's especially important as you get older because it will help stimulate new cell growth. The good news and bad news about all of this is that there are so many different types of exfoliators out there. So you've got variety, but deciding on one might take some time.

There are mechanical exfoliants, like scrubs, that will slough off dead skin when you gently massage them into your skin. And then there are chemical exfoliants, which usually contain acids like alpha hydroxy (glycolic and lactic), beta hydroxy (salicylic), and polyhydroxy.

best-chemical-exfoliators-293145-1620694519474-main

(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

I used to be strictly a mechanical exfoliant gal, reaching for the physical scrubs to deal with dry and dull skin. But I found that some of the products I was using were a bit too rough on my skin, leading to irritation, redness, and even more dryness. And that would turn me off exfoliating on a regular basis, which would lead to dull skin. It was quite the cycle.

I was intimidated by chemical exfoliants at first because the word "chemical" sounded a bit too intense for me, especially since my skin tends to be dry and sensitive. But that all changed when I spoke to dermatologists who said that some chemical exfoliators can be gentler than their mechanical counterparts. I tried a couple of chemical exfoliators to see which one would work best for my skin and I haven't looked back since. They left my skin smoother, glowier, and healthier-looking.

best-chemical-exfoliators-293145-1620694542077-main

(Image credit: @allisonmcnamara)

The key to using a chemical exfoliant is choosing one that works best for your specific skin type. That way you won't experience any irritation or dryness, and it's most effective for your skin. Sensitive and dry skin types would do best with PHAs, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. Acne-prone skin can benefit from salicylic or glycolic acids.

Want to give it a try? Take a look at some options below.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.