Four dermatologists and an esthetician recommend Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, a rice-based powder that you mix with water to form a paste and blends both physical and chemical exfoliation, as the best scrub for most of us.
For most skin types, Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL recommends daily chemical exfoliation, and then incorporating mechanical exfoliation into your regimen about once a week.
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This brand began with a bar of soap and is now one of the best known mass market skincare brands in the world, selling everything from face wash to moisturizers to sunscreen and more. Neutrogena is even considered to be the “#1 dermatologist-recommended skin care brand”.
Try a physical exfoliator with super-fine particles (like a microdermabrasion scrub) and aim to work in chemical exfoliation as well. “Chemical exfoliators can penetrate skin deeper to improve the appearance of fine lines,” Loving says. Products that pack a combination of AHA and BHA acids will be your best bet.
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
Whether your acne is mild or more severe, regular exfoliation will smooth and soften the skin and brighten your complexion. It also helps reduce breakouts by keeping the pores from becoming clogged with the pus of dead cells and sebum (skin oil).
“Regular exfoliation is key to a glowing complexion,” explains NYC board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. “Physical and chemical exfoliation help to brighten the complexion by sloughing off the old dead skin cells and revealing the fresh new cells underneath.
Exfoliation is important for dry or flaky skin. Avoid mechanical exfoliation on dry skin, because the process is drying and it can lead to microtears. AHAs are effective for dry skin. Glycolic acid will help remove dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin and encourage healthy skin turnover.
After exfoliating, make sure you thoroughly rinse away the product and any dead skin cells and then pat your skin dry with a clean towel. ”Apply a moisturizer or shea butter following your [exfoliating] and shower/soak to help your skin retain moisture and look radiant,” advises Burns.
Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of the PFRANKMD, says azelaic acid is a more gentle exfoliant than other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids.
“Full body exfoliation is great from the mid-20s on, simply because it eliminates dead skin buildup, which can occur that early, depending on genetic makeup,” Dr. Jegasothy says.
The products may contain a known carcinogen.
The recalls for the Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens were initiated after it was discovered that the products may contain benzene, a known carcinogen that has been linked to the development of leukemia.
So it should come as no surprise that Neutrogena® is recommended by dermatologists 2X more than any other skincare brand. Read on for expert skincare advice from Dermatologists: Sensitive Skin. Anti-Aging.
Unlike the Cerave cleanser that is better used in your AM routine, the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser can be used in both your AM & PM routines. Whether you want a quick easy cleanse or you want to combine it with your cleansing oil for your deep cleanse, the Neutrogena cleanser is perfect.
Ultimately, using a cleanser before an exfoliator will likely be better for most people. This allows you to clean away more dirt and debris than the other method on average. However, be aware that it does come with a little more skin sensitivity.
Your skin needs moisture, especially after you exfoliate. Using a super-hydrating facial moisturizer after you exfoliate helps replenish any moisture loss from exfoliating.
A cleanser cleans your skin, removing impurities and dust. On the other hand, an exfoliator removes the dead cells trapped on your skin's surface to reveal younger and healthier inner skin layer.