The Ultimate Exfoliation Guide for Men

Exfoliation can lead to clearer, more youthful skin when done correctly. Unfortunately, many men approach exfoliating products without understanding how frequency of use and formula ingredients can greatly impact the end result. If you exfoliate the wrong way, you could actually do real damage to your skin and create acne flare ups. If you have never exfoliated, then read now is the perfect time to start feeling the benefits of a simple-to-follow exfoliation practice. We’re here to guide you through the process so you can enjoy the benefits.

Why do I need to exfoliate?

Even if you regularly cleanse and moisturize, your skin may still feel dull. Dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your skin making cleansers, moisturizers and other solutions you’re investing hard-earned money in less effective.

Regular exfoliation of the skin on your face and body helps loosen dead skin cells and remove dirt from your pores to reveal the softer skin underneath. Exfoliation also improves circulation to your skin making you look and feel more alive.

What is the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation?

There are two types of exfoliation–physical and chemical. Forms of physical exfoliation can include a loofa, brush, scrubber, or physical scrub. Some popular exfoliators on drugstore shelves include physical exfoliators that can be harmful to your skin by causing tiny tears that make you more susceptible to acne-causing bacteria. Look for more gentle physical exfoliation ingredients such as pumice or charcoal.

Chemical exfoliators fall into two categories of acids:

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) help break down dead skin cells without allowing your skin to lose moisture. We use two AHA’s in our Pumice Exfoliating Body Scrub–lactic acid and glycolic acid.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) are often used in acne treatment.

Can I exfoliate my face with the same product I use on my body?

The skin on your body is less sensitive than your face which is why our body scrub includes more exfoliating ingredients than our face scrub. Our Reload Exfoliating Rub incorporates into your skincare routine perfectly for gentle, regular exfoliation with the help of a gentle physical exfoliator (charcoal) and chemical exfoliator (lactic acid).

The skin on your body needs a more powerful exfoliator that is still gentle enough to leave skin moisture intact. Our Pumice Exfoliating Body Scrub uses pumice, a powdered form of volcanic rock, as the physical exfoliator and a combination of AHA’s to break down dead skin for a deeper clean.

How frequently should I exfoliate?

We recommend exfoliating one or two times per week. If you have naturally oily skin, you may choose to exfoliate more however over-exfoliation can lead to skin sensitivity so it’s always best to take precaution when introducing any new exfoliators into your routine.

While we love the benefits of a regular exfoliation routine, it’s not for everyone. Please check with your doctor first if you have an existing skin condition or sensitivity to see if exfoliation is right for you.