Exfoliating means removing dead cells from the surface of your skin. Your skin renews itself constantly from below, and the oldest cells at the top die and fall away on their own — but not always completely. What's left behind can block pores and build up into rough patches.
An exfoliant gives that process a hand.
Mechanical and Chemical Exfoliation
There are two approaches.
Mechanical exfoliation physically dislodges dead cells. Brushes, cloths and scrubs containing a fine abrasive all work this way. Our Activated Charcoal Face Scrub uses jojoba beads — smooth spheres made from jojoba wax, which lift dead cells without the scratching you get from ground shells or stones.
Chemical exfoliation uses acids or enzymes to loosen the bonds holding dead cells to the skin, so they release without abrasion. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids work this way.
Neither is better in the abstract. Mechanical is immediate and easy to control. Chemical is gentler on the surface but easier to overdo.
Men, Shaving and Exfoliation
If you shave, you already exfoliate. A blade dragged across the skin takes the top layer of dead cells along with the stubble — which is why freshly shaved skin feels smoother than skin that has simply been washed.
That covers the parts of your face you shave. It does nothing for your forehead, your nose, or the skin under a beard — which is exactly where dead skin, oil and flaking tend to collect.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
Once a week is enough for most people, and it is what we recommend with our face scrub. Exfoliating daily strips the skin faster than it can rebuild, leaving it dry, tight and irritated. More is not better.
Follow with a moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp.
Exfoliating FAQs
What does exfoliating actually do?
It removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, which would otherwise build up, block pores and leave the skin feeling rough.
How often should you exfoliate your face?
About once a week for most skin. Daily exfoliation tends to leave skin dry and irritated.
Do you exfoliate before or after shaving?
Shaving is itself a mechanical exfoliant, so doing both in one session can leave skin sore. Use a scrub on a day you are not shaving, or well before you shave rather than straight after.
Should you moisturise after exfoliating?
Yes. Exfoliating leaves fresh skin exposed. Apply a moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp.
Do men need to exfoliate if they shave?
Shaving exfoliates only where you shave. The forehead, nose and the skin beneath a beard get none of that benefit.
What are jojoba beads?
Smooth spherical beads made from jojoba wax. They exfoliate without the sharp edges of ground nut shells or crushed stone.
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