Exfoliation | April 15 2025

What is exfoliation & the benefits of exfoliating for skin?

Falling temperatures and indoor heating can exacerbate dry skin, causing patches of flaky skin and a dull complexion. An increase in hydration may be required, but you may be lacking regular exfoliation in your daily regimen. No matter the season, exfoliation is an important step in maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Here's a short ZO® guide to exfoliation, both physical and chemical, and how it contributes to a healthy, glowing complexion.

What is exfoliation?

Exfoliation is a natural part of your skin's renewal cycle. Dead surface cells are constantly shedding to reveal the new skin underneath. As skin ages or becomes compromised, natural functions begin to slow down. Without exfoliation, dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities can make skin look dull, congest pores, and cause breakouts.

Adding a chemical or physical exfoliant to your skincare routine will help keep your skin clear, glowing, and functioning properly.

Physical exfoliation vs. chemical exfoliation

There are three different types of exfoliants available: physical, chemical, or a hybrid of both.

Physical exfoliators

Physical exfoliators, sometimes referred to as mechanical exfoliators, usually contain small, naturally derived particles like jojoba beads, silica, or sugar that need to be gently massaged into the skin to buff away dead skin cells.

Regularly using physical exfoliators has the added benefit of increasing blood circulation to wake up the skin and continue improving skin functions.

When choosing a physical exfoliator, make sure to avoid harsh particles that can cause micro tears in your skin. ZO's Exfoliating Polish is suitable for all skin types and contains ultra-fine magnesium-oxide crystals that gently sweep away dead skin cells without being abrasive.

Chemical exfoliators

Chemical exfoliators usually contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acids, or fruit enzymes. These ingredients are beneficial for most skin types, and are a gentler alternative to physical exfoliants, which can sometimes be irritating for those with sensitive skin. Instead of relying on a mechanical motion, chemical exfoliators loosen more stubborn dead skin cells to allow them to slough off the skin.

At ZO®, you can find chemical exfoliation in our Exfoliation Accelerator, which contains a glycolic and lactic acid blend.

People with oily or blemish-prone skin types can add Dual Action Scrub into their daily routine from our Getting Skin Ready® collection.

As its name suggests, Dual Action Scrub provides both physical and chemical exfoliation with jojoba beads and salicylic acid. Follow it up with Complexion Renewal Pads or Oil Control Pads to further encourage exfoliation with salicylic acid, which is a proven treatment that targets congested skin + blemishes.

Why is exfoliating important?

There are numerous benefits of exfoliating the skin:

• Enhanced cellular turnover: Exfoliation promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, revealing fresher, healthier skin layers for a more radiant complexion.
• Improved skin texture: By removing rough, uneven skin, exfoliating creates a smoother surface, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Optimized product penetration: Exfoliating allows serums, hydrators, and other targeted skincare treatments to penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits.
• Reduced pore congestions: Exfoliation helps to unclog pores, minimizing blemishes to promote clearer skin.
• Stimulation of collagen production: Some forms of exfoliation can stimulate collagen production, which contributes to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
• Diminished discoloration: Regular exfoliation can help fade dark spots, reduce redness, and even out skin tone.

How to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare regimen

To maximize the benefits of exfoliating products, you must use them correctly.

If you're concerned about breakouts or discoloration, use gentle, chemical exfoliants daily or as often as your skin can tolerate them. Over time, these ingredients will help smooth, soften, decongest, and visibly brighten skin.

Mechanical exfoliants can be used at least two to three times a week to buff away dead skin cells. They're especially helpful when using ingredients such as retinol that increase cellular turnover to improve skin tone.

You may notice some dryness and flaking when incorporating a high-potency retinol like Retinol Skin Brightener 1% into your daily routine. Using an Exfoliating Polish two to three times a week can gently sweep away flaking skin to keep your complexion looking bright + smooth. This allows your other topical products to absorb more effectively to deliver hydration or other skin-soothing ingredients.

Exfoliation accelerator

This retinol-based solution is clinically proven to rapidly improve the appearance of uneven skin tone for a brighter, clearer + smoother complexion. Anticipated reactions, such as redness, flaking, dryness, or tightness, are completely normal and signs that the product is working.

Introduce exfoliating into your skincare routine with ZO Skin Health

Exfoliation is a great way to support skin renewal and achieve a glowing, healthy complexion. To learn more about incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regimen, talk to a ZO® Authorized Partner near you. Alternatively, don't hesitate to contact one of our Skin Health Specialists today.