Exfoliation 101: The Different Types & How to Choose What’s Right for You

Exfoliation is often seen as the magic step that instantly leaves your skin smoother, brighter, and more even. And while that’s true — not all exfoliation is created equal. Choosing the wrong type (or using it too often) can leave your skin irritated, sensitive, or even inflamed.

At skins., we believe exfoliation should be personalized. Here’s a breakdown of the different types, how they work, and how to find the best one for your skin.

Why We Exfoliate

Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 28–40 days. But with age, stress, and buildup, this cycle slows down — leading to dullness, breakouts, uneven texture, and clogged pores. Exfoliation helps speed up that process, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath.

The 3 Main Types of Exfoliation

1. Physical Exfoliation (Manual)

This involves using something gritty or textured to manually scrub away dead skin cells — like scrubs, brushes, or cleansing pads.

Pros:

• Instant smoothness

• Can feel satisfying when done right

Cons:

• Can cause microtears if too harsh
• Not ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin

Best for:
Body exfoliation, oily skin types (with care), or occasional use. At skins., we don’t recommend rough scrubs for the face.

2. Chemical Exfoliation (Acids)

Chemical exfoliants use active ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and PHAs to dissolve dead skin cells without scrubbing.

• AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid): Best for dullness, dryness, pigmentation.
• BHAs (like salicylic acid): Great for oily, acne-prone skin.
• PHAs: A gentler option for sensitive skin.

Pros:

• Deeper, more even exfoliation
• No physical scrubbing required
• Can address specific skin concerns (acne, texture, tone)

Cons:

• Can cause irritation if overused
• Sun sensitivity increases — SPF is a must

Best for:
Most skin types — as long as it's introduced gradually and guided by a professional.

3. Enzymatic Exfoliation (Natural Enzymes)

These are ultra-gentle exfoliants derived from fruits (like papaya, pumpkin, or pineapple). They digest the “glue” holding dead skin cells together.

Pros:

• Very gentle
• Perfect for sensitive or reactive skin
• Can be used more frequently without irritation

Cons:

• Results are more subtle
• May not be enough for acne-prone or thickened skin

Best for:
Sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, or anyone new to exfoliation.

Professional Exfoliation at skins.

While at-home exfoliants can help maintain your glow, in-clinic treatments go deeper and are tailored to your exact needs. Here are a few we offer:

• Dermaplaning: Gently removes peach fuzz + dead cells for instant smoothness and glow.
• Chemical Peels: Customized peels for pigmentation, texture, or breakouts.
• Procell Microchanneling: Combines exfoliation with collagen stimulation.
• Glacial Skin: Exfoliates while instantly calming inflammation and redness.

We never use a “one-type-fits-all” approach — your skin deserves more than that.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Less is more. Over-exfoliation can lead to sensitivity, breakouts, and inflammation.

• Dry or sensitive skin: 1x per week
• Oily or acne-prone skin: 2–3x per week (with the right product)
• Professional treatments: Every 4–6 weeks depending on your skin goals

Final Thoughts

Exfoliation is a powerful tool — but only when done right. The key is knowing what your skin needs, when it needs it, and how to support it in between. At skins., we take the guesswork out and build the right exfoliation plan for your unique skin.

Ready to Glow, the Right Way?

Book a consultation and let our team guide you toward the right exfoliation treatment for your skin goals.