What's the Best Way to Exfoliate Skin?

Vigorous exfoliation is completely unnecessary. Using a gentle cleanser and a cotton washcloth is all you need for your skin. Exfoliation causes irritation and also drives bacteria and fungus into the skin to cause complications later. Loofah sponges should be outlawed. They are a bacteria hotel and their guests are waiting to dive down into your pores every time you use them. Once again, I recommend cleansing with a gentle nondetergent cleanser such as Vanicream Cleansing Bar, which has no... more

For body exfoliation, there are many "fruit acid" lotions available over the counter.  Generally they contain glycolic or lactic acid.  The concentrations are stronger for the body, and more gentle for facial skin.  Any of the prescription retinoid creams (such as Retin A) will create some exfoliation as well.  You don't want to over-exfoliate and irritate the skin, so start slowly as work up as your skin tolerates it.

My preferred methods of exfoliation are light peels and microdermabrasion. At-home exfoliation should be performed one to two times weekly, while a medical exfoliation should be performed monthly. Exfoliation is a natural process that is normally performed by enzymes naturally found in the skin. Unfortunately, as we age our skin loses the hydration needed to activate these exfoliating enzymes. That explains why a five-year-old child doesn’t require exfoliators and moisturizers, but... more