By: Chrissy Carrano, National Skincare Trainer at Heyday Skincare
Exfoliation is one of the best ways to refresh your skin, boost your glow, and help your favorite products work even better. But with so many options (and so much advice floating around), it can be tricky to know where to start — or when to stop. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is Exfoliation, Exactly?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Our skin naturally sheds these cells, but sometimes it needs a little help. When dead skin builds up, it can make your complexion look dull, clog pores, and even block your serums and moisturizers from absorbing properly. A good exfoliation routine clears the way for fresh, healthy skin to shine through.
The Two Main Types of Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation uses small grains, brushes, or tools to manually sweep away dead skin. Think scrubs or exfoliating brushes. These can feel satisfying, but they should always be used gently — too much pressure or harsh particles can cause irritation or micro-tears in the skin. Breaking out? Skip the brushes and tools, or make sure to swap them out often to keep bacteria from spreading and sticking around. Pro tip: When using physical exfoliants, treat your skin like the surface of a balloon you don’t want to pop.
Chemical exfoliation uses active ingredients to dissolve the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily.
The Most Popular Exfoliants
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids. These are water-soluble and great for brightening and smoothing the surface — ideal for dry, dull, or sun-damaged skin.
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) like salicylic acid. These are oil-soluble, meaning they can penetrate pores to clear out excess oil and debris — making them a go-to for acne-prone or oily skin types
Both types can deliver that fresh-faced glow but work in slightly different ways. Some products even combine them for a balanced effect.
How to Exfoliate the Right Way
Start slow: 1-2 times per week is a safe starting point for most skin types. If your skin feels smooth and looks brighter — great! If it feels tight, stings, or looks red, that’s your sign to ease up.
A few tips:
1. Avoid layering multiple exfoliants at once (like using a scrub and an acid peel in the same session) unless advised by your Skin Therapist.
2. Always follow up with hydrating, soothing products — think calming serums and moisturizers.
3. And yes, sunscreen is non-negotiable. Exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun.
Exfoliation vs. Retinol
Let’s clear something up: retinol, a form of vitamin A, and a popular skincare ingredient known for its anti-aging and acne-fighting properties. It isn’t an exfoliant, but it can make your skin behave like it is. Retinol (and its stronger cousins like prescription retinoids) works by speeding up your skin’s natural cell turnover process. This helps with fine lines, dark spots, and breakouts — but in those early weeks, it can also cause peeling, flaking, and sensitivity that feels a lot like over-exfoliation.
The Key Difference Between Exfoliants And Retinol
Exfoliants remove dead skin cells sitting on the surface. Retinol works deeper, encouraging new, fresh skin cells to come to the surface faster. Both are powerful tools, but they can be a little too intense if used together too often, especially when your skin is adjusting.
Start slow: 1-2 nights a week is a great starting point. Give your skin time to build tolerance before increasing frequency.
Skip exfoliation: Doubling up can leave your skin feeling stressed and sensitive. Ever been told to hit pause on retinol a few days before a facial? That’s because it keeps doing its thing under the surface for 3-5 days after you apply it.
Moisturize well: Retinol can be drying. Layer it with a good moisturizer to buffer from potential irritation.
Always use SPF: Retinol makes your skin more sun-sensitive, so sunscreen is a must. Every. Single. Day.
How to Avoid Over-Exfoliation
More isn’t always better. Overdoing it can strip your skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, and redness. If you notice flaking, stinging, or a tight, uncomfortable feeling, hit pause on exfoliation and focus on calming and repairing your skin.
Bottom Line
Exfoliation is a powerful step in your routine — when done mindfully. Choose the type that fits your skin’s needs, start slow, and listen to your skin (and your skin therapist). With the right balance, you’ll be on your way to that healthy, radiant glow.
How to Elevate Your Exfoliation Routine & Amplify Your Glow
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About The Author
With over 10 years in the treatment room and 5+ years leading education at Heyday, Chrissy Carrano is passionate about guiding Skin Therapists to find their unique path and confidence in the industry. Through hands-on training and mentorship, she helps STs grow their skills, deepen their knowledge, and bring out the best in both themselves and their clients.
Chrissy's Recommended Exfoliants from Heyday Skincare
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician, dermatologist, or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare routine, diet, or wellness practices. At times, we may recommend products or services from other brands. These recommendations are based solely on our belief in their value, we do not receive compensation or commissions from the sale of these items.