10 Things You Need To Know Before You Exfoliate Your Face

Some of us think we're too sensitive for a scrub. And if you're acne-prone, a peel just seems insane. But exfoliation can benefit every skin type. In addition to revealing fresh skin cells, exfoliating removes dead cells from pores, making them appear smaller. Makeup also looks better; it's like sanding a wall before you paint. The other major perk: Removing the buildup enhances your skin's ability to absorb everything else, from acne medicine to anti-aging serum.

1. MY SKIN'S DRY. WILL EXFOLIATING STRIP IT?

Not necessarily. In fact, flakes can inhibit the full penetration of moisturizer. In addition, oil can get trapped and cause tiny, pimple-like bumps. Your best bet: gentle super food based exfoliators.

2. BUT I'M OILY AND ACNE-PRONE! WILL I BREAK OUT?

Stay away from rough physical scrubs, which can contribute to breakouts. Our Rice & Beans Super Food Organic Exfoliating Scrub “glow bean” inspired facial exfoliant is an excellent all natural facial scrub that can help in removing impurities, dirt, contaminants and excess oil from the skin. Blended with rice based enzyme powder to balance the natural oils in skin to remove grime and penetrate oil to break down pore-clogging dead skin cells.

3. I'M WAY TOO SENSITIVE … RIGHT?

Gritty scrubs are definitely off-limits, but most people can benefit from a mild, short-contact exfoliating product. Consider a cleanser or toner rich in fruit or plant enzymes, twice a week, to deep clean gently.

4. WHAT SHOULD I DO FOR MY NORMAL SKIN?

Normal usually means combo — an oily T-zone and dry cheeks — which can benefit from the Goldilocks of exfoliators: Vanilla Bean Latte Super Food Organic Exfoliating Scrub a good source of essential oils, vitamins, and minerals, and especially B vitamins, and can help improve the look of your skin tone.

5. SHOULD I EXFOLIATE IN THE MORNING OR NIGHT?

Either is fine, but if you use treatments at night like retinol, you may want to exfoliate before bed, as your skin will be more receptive once dead surface cells have been removed.

6. WHAT IF I HAVE A BAD REACTION?

Use a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream on the area to reduce inflammation. And switch to a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, until skin calms down.

7. CAN'T I JUST USE MY BODY SCRUB?

No. Body scrubs often have harsher, larger granules, made to even out the thicker, tougher skin below the neck.

8. SHOULD I AVOID MY EYE AREA?

Some exfoliators are specifically made for the delicate eye tissue. Always check the label, and never use a scrub.

9. ARE MICROBEADS BAD FOR THE PLANET?

The plastic pellets, often found in scrubs, go down the drain and can eventually pollute rivers, lakes, and oceans. In December, President Barack Obama signed a bill into law that bans the manufacture of cosmetic products containing micro-beads as of July 2017. Many major companies, such as Unilever, Procter and Gamble, Johnson and Johnson, and L'Oréal, have already eliminated or are in the process of phasing out the beads, opting for biodegradable, natural alternatives, such as rice, wax, and bamboo extracts.

10. CAN I GET A DERM-GRADE PEEL AT HOME?

The pros often use super-potent formulas, which require medical supervision. A close alternative: use a peel pad system. The cumulative effects can create a surface similar to a low-grade medical peel over time.