Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells using an exfoliating agent. Skin cells are renewed and replaced in a cycle that lasts about 28 days. When dead cells don’t shed completely, your skin can become clogged and appear dry. Depending on your skin type, the right exfoliator can help improve the look and feel of your skin.

Great for all skin types, the Checks and Balances™ Polishing Face Scrub removes dead skin cells and surface impurities and reduces the appearance of pores. If you're specifically looking for an exfoliator for oily skin, try the GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser, which gently unclogs pores and creates a smoother, visibly brighter skin surface.

Washing your face regularly doesn’t always remove all the dead skin cells, which can leave your complexion looking dull and tired. A gentle face exfoliator such as GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser or Checks and Balances™ Face Scrub helps rid your skin of residual flakes that may be clogging your pores. Additionally, an exfoliating face wash preps your skin for following skincare products, including toners, face serums, face lotion moisturizers and specialty treatments like masks.

To exfoliate your face, prep by gently cleansing your skin. Based on your skin’s needs, select the right exfoliator, such as GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser with smoothing and brightening effects. Gently massage the exfoliator in a circular motion onto wet skin with your fingertips, avoiding the eyes. Don’t use an exfoliator if you have any open wounds on your skin. After about 30 seconds, thoroughly rinse your face with lukewarm water, and use a clean towel to absorb excess water. Finish with a treatment lotion or moisturizer.

How often you exfoliate your face depends on your skin type and chosen exfoliating product. Over-exfoliating can disrupt your skin barrier, leading to dry, irritated looking skin. In general, we recommend exfoliating your skin one to two times a week, but it’s important to pay attention to how your skin responds to a product, which will determine how often you should exfoliate.

Great face scrubs should target dullness, flaky skin, and clogged pores. The GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser is a 2-in-1 product that helps boost skin’s radiance and unclog pores. Panax Ginseng and Caffeine from Coffee Beans refresh and energize the look of skin while revealing smoother, visibly brighter skin. Jojoba Beads and Carnauba Wax deliver a gentle exfoliating effect.

Exfoliants are either chemical or physical, and the best option depends on your skin type and your skin care routine and goals. Physical exfoliation uses small particles, such as mineral beads in the Checks and Balances™ Polishing Face Scrub, to remove dull and dead skin cells and reveal healthier-looking skin. Chemical exfoliation uses AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes to exfoliate within the skin’s surface. The High-Potency Night-A-Mins™ Resurfacing Cream with Fruit Derived AHAs delivers a fruit-derived chemical treatment that helps loosen and slough off dead skin, resulting in smoother and more moisturized skin, as well as boosted natural skin cell turnover. Origins also carries an oil-free version of this cult-favorite night cream, The High-Potency Night-A-Mins™ Oil-Free Resurfacing Cream with Fruit Derived AHAs hydrates and sloughs off dry, dead layers of skin resulting in smooth, renewed skin that is full of vitality.