As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, your skin also experiences a shift in its needs. After a sun-soaked summer, your skin may be left feeling dry, dull, and uneven.
That’s why fall is the perfect time to update your skincare routine, specifically by incorporating exfoliation. Seasonal exfoliation is essential for shedding dead skin cells, improving texture, and preparing your skin for the colder months ahead.
Why Exfoliation is Key in the Fall?
Exfoliation is a critical step in any skincare routine, but it's especially important as the seasons transition. Summer can leave your skin tanned, dry, and burdened with dead skin cells that dull your complexion. While daily cleansers do some surface-level exfoliation, they don’t penetrate deeply enough to remove the layers of dead skin that accumulate over time. Regular exfoliation during fall can address these seasonal changes, restoring your skin’s brightness and smoothness.
What Exfoliation Does for Your Skin
Exfoliation helps maintain a healthy skin barrier by sloughing off dead skin cells from the outermost layer of your skin. This process encourages new cell production, leaving your skin smoother and more radiant. Over time, it can reverse the signs of aging, reduce dryness, and alleviate sensitivity. Exfoliation also clears away dry patches, allowing your other skincare products to penetrate more effectively and deliver their maximum benefits.
Related: The Cleanser That Saved My Skin After 12+ Hours of Wedding Makeup
The Importance of Fall Exfoliation
As fall brings cooler air and lower humidity, the skin tends to become dry and unbalanced. This seasonal shift often results in a buildup of dead skin cells, which can make your complexion look dull and uneven. Exfoliating regularly helps to remove this buildup, revealing fresher, healthier skin beneath. By clearing away dead cells, your skin is better able to absorb moisturizers, serums, and treatments, helping you maintain hydration and elasticity as the weather cools.
Benefits of Exfoliation in Fall
- Brightens the Skin: Regular exfoliation helps fade dark spots, sun damage, and discoloration caused by the harsh summer sun.
- Prevents Breakouts: Exfoliation unclogs pores and reduces the chances of acne and breakouts, which can occur due to dead skin cell buildup.
- Boosts Elasticity and Moisture: Removing dead skin improves elasticity, making your skin more resistant to environmental factors like wind and cold.
- Smooth Texture: Exfoliation helps eliminate rough patches and flaky skin, giving you a more even, youthful texture.
Related: The Magic of Vitamin C: 11 Skincare Benefits You Need to Know
How Often Should You Exfoliate in the Fall?
For most people, exfoliating one to two times per week is enough to keep skin clear and fresh without over-stripping its natural oils. Those with sensitive skin may want to stick to once a week, while those with oilier complexions might benefit from exfoliating up to three times a week. After exfoliating, apply a nourishing mask to replenish your skin with moisture and nutrients.
12 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin: Product Reviews and Recommendations
Selecting the right exfoliant for your skin type is crucial for achieving the best results without irritating. Below are some of the best exfoliators for sensitive skin, including their key ingredients, benefits, and price points.
1. Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment – $85
This lactic acid treatment is a standout for its ability to smooth the skin and reduce signs of sun damage. Its formula includes licorice to brighten dark spots, arnica to soothe irritation, and aloe to hydrate and heal. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but powerful enough to see visible improvements after a few uses.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Sunday Riley >>>> HERE <<<<
2. PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment – $68
Perfect for those with oily or combination skin, this treatment helps control oil production without drying out your skin. Key ingredients like mandelic acid, papain, and rice powder exfoliate the skin, while kaolin clay absorbs excess oil, leaving your complexion balanced and smooth.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at PCA Skin >>>> HERE <<<<
3. Peter Thomas Roth FirmX Exfoliating Peeling Gel – $25 (orig. $48)
This is a gentle, non-abrasive peeling gel that uses pineapple and pomegranate enzymes to exfoliate without causing redness or irritation. It also contains cellulose and glycerin for added hydration, making it perfect for sensitive skin types that need a soft but effective exfoliation.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Peter Thomas Roth >>>> HERE <<<<
4. SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight – $96
A hybrid between an exfoliant and a moisturizer, this overnight treatment works while you sleep to reveal fresher skin in the morning. With glycolic acid and phytic acid, it targets dead skin cells and discoloration. The addition of jojoba oil and sunflower seed oil ensures the skin remains hydrated and soft.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at SkinCeuticals >>>> HERE <<<<
5. Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant – $19
This powder-to-foam exfoliant is extremely gentle and formulated with coconut milk, oat bran extract, and papaya enzymes to slough away dead skin cells without irritation. It also contains hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acid to hydrate and exfoliate at the same time, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Dermalogica USA >>>> HERE <<<<
6. Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub – $34
This sugar scrub instantly clears clogged pores and removes dead skin cells, thanks to the inclusion of probiotic extracts, sugar, and papaya enzymes. It also features pineapple enzymes to brighten and smooth the skin’s texture, making it an effective but gentle option for sensitive skin.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at TULA Skincare >>>> HERE <<<<
7. Eminence Organic Skin Care Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant – $36 (orig. $48)
Known for its all-natural ingredients, this exfoliant uses lactic acid, strawberry extract, and chickpea flour to gently remove impurities while rhubarb extract helps to brighten and smooth the complexion. This product leaves skin soft and smooth without over-drying.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Eminence Organic >>>> HERE <<<<
8. Peach & Lily Glass Skin Face Polisher – $78 (orig. $96)
This gentle yet effective exfoliator can be used daily. Formulated with salicylic acid, ginseng, and allantoin, it helps improve skin texture while reducing breakouts and inflammation. Rice bran and corn starch also work to polish the skin, leaving it looking radiant and clear.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Peach And Lily >>>> HERE <<<<
9. Bliss Jelly Glow Peel – $10 (orig. $15)
A budget-friendly option, this peel uses pineapple and papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate dead skin cells. It also contains coconut fruit extract and niacinamide, which help hydrate and soothe irritated skin. Ideal for those who want a gentle exfoliator without breaking the bank.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Blissworld >>>> HERE <<<<
10. Banila Co. Clean it Zero Brightening Peeling Gel Scrub – $19
This brightening scrub is formulated with mandarin orange peel extract, cellulose, and tangerine fruit extract, which work together to counteract dry patches and leave skin glowing. Its gentle formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin types who need effective exfoliation without irritation.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Banila.co >>>> HERE <<<<
11. Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub – $12-$18
A great option for those with extremely sensitive skin, this ultra-gentle scrub contains glycerin, vitamin B5, and vitamin E to nourish and hydrate while exfoliating. It’s suitable for daily use and can help maintain smooth, soft skin without over-drying.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Cetaphil >>>> HERE <<<<
12. Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Daily Facial Scrub – $7 (orig. $9)
Affordable and effective, this daily scrub contains salicylic acid and cellulose to exfoliate and unclog pores. Glycerin ensures that your skin stays hydrated, making it a solid choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Check out other available hot promo coupons at Neutrogena >>>> HERE <<<<
Which Exfoliant Is Right for You?
Choosing the right exfoliant depends on your skin type and specific concerns. If you have sensitive skin, look for products with mild acids like lactic acid or mandelic acid, as well as soothing ingredients like aloe and glycerin. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid or enzyme-based exfoliants can help keep pores clear without irritation. For those with dry or mature skin, look for hydrating exfoliants with ingredients like coconut milk or jojoba oil.
How to Incorporate Exfoliation into Your Fall Skincare Routine
- Cleanse First: Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup.
- Exfoliate: Apply your chosen exfoliator in gentle, circular motions, focusing on areas prone to dryness or congestion.
- Rinse and Pat Dry: After exfoliating, rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Hydrate: Follow up with a hydrating serum or face mask to replenish moisture. This step is crucial after exfoliation as your skin will be more receptive to moisture.
- Moisturize: Finish with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and supple.
Related: Glamour in a Bottle: 8 Top Tom Ford Makeup Products to Try
Next Steps for Your Fall Skincare
To find the best exfoliant for your skin type, consider taking Eminence's skincare quiz or booking a consultation with a skincare professional. By understanding your skin's needs and using the right products, you can enjoy glowing, healthy skin all season long.
Seasonal exfoliation is essential for maintaining radiant, smooth skin as the weather cools. It helps to clear away the buildup of dead skin cells, improves texture, and prepares your skin to absorb moisture and nutrients more effectively. By incorporating one of the best exfoliators for sensitive skin into your routine, you can enhance your fall skincare regimen and enjoy a glowing complexion well into winter.
