{"id":13684,"date":"2022-06-13T18:05:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T01:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=13684"},"modified":"2022-06-27T15:05:34","modified_gmt":"2022-06-27T22:05:34","slug":"dermatologists-favorite-exfoliators-under-75","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/dermatologists-favorite-exfoliators-under-75","title":{"rendered":"The 12 Best Exfoliators for the Face Under $75, According to Derms"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the skin-care steps that can make the biggest difference in skin tone, texture, and overall clarity is exfoliation. In removing the buildup of dead skin cells (and, in turn, allowing products applied after, like serum<\/a> and moisturizer, to better penetrate skin), exfoliators are an easy way to elevate your entire skin-care routine. Depending on your skin goals or concerns, exfoliating treatments can minimize excess oil, fade hyperpigmentation<\/a>, improve the appearance of pores<\/a> and fine lines<\/a>, treat breakouts, nix blackheads<\/a>, and generally soften and smooth skin.<\/p>

That said, there are two methods of exfoliation that work very differently, so it’s important to choose the best formula for your skin type. Physical exfoliators—like face scrubs or brushes—use mechanical forces (think granules or microbeads) to polish skin and buff away dead skin cells. The downside? This can create micro-tears in the skin in the process and lead to over-exfoliation. Chemical exfoliators, on the other hand, use acids<\/a> or fruit enzymes to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to slough off. If used incorrectly or in excess, liquid exfoliants can lead to dryness and cause damage to the skin barrier too.<\/p>

As a result, the best face exfoliators on the market are those that are both effective and gentle, and you can’t go wrong with dermatologist-recommended exfoliators. (Just don‘t forget the SPF: exfoliating can leave skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is key<\/a>.) So, we asked 10 dermatology experts for what they consider to be the best exfoliators for the face—and why they recommend them to their patients. Best of all, their picks all ring in at less than $75. <\/p>