5 Expert Tips for Exfoliating Without Disrupting Your Skin Barrier

The right exfoliation routine can be a powerful tool for promoting smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin. But when overused or not used correctly, exfoliants can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, which may result in redness, flaking, or irritation. Not sure which type of exfoliant will bring you closer to your skin goals, without disrupting this important protective barrier? In this skincare guide, we’re covering the basics on how often to exfoliate your face, which ingredients to look for, and expert tips from Dr. Tiffany Clay on how to exfoliate gently and effectively.

• Exfoliating regularly can help improve the overall appearance of your skin by removing dead skin cells and promoting skin cell turnover.
• Exfoliants target many common skin concerns, such as rough and bumpy skin (also known as keratosis pilaris), uneven texture, acne, wrinkles, and the scaling often associated with psoriasis.
• There are two main methods of exfoliation used in CeraVe products: chemical exfoliation (such as salicylic acid) and physical exfoliation (such as jojoba beads).
• Over-exfoliating or exfoliating incorrectly can disrupt the skin barrier and result in redness, flaking, or irritation. Always follow the label’s instructions closely, and seek the help of a dermatologist when needed.

What is exfoliation?

Although exfoliating can be very beneficial, it can cause disruptions in the skin barrier if it’s not done properly, according to an online article published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.2 For this reason, when crafting an exfoliation routine, Dr. Clay advises choosing an exfoliation method based on your skin type and skin’s needs. Here are some of the primary distinctions to consider when deciding between the two main types of exfoliation: chemical and physical.

How do I exfoliate without disrupting my skin barrier?

The skin barrier is the protective outermost layer of your skin. It functions as the main gatekeeper between your skin and the external environment, making it essential in protecting your skin against environmental stressors and moisture loss. That’s why, in order to reap the full benefits of exfoliation and enjoy healthy-looking skin, it’s crucial to protect your skin’s natural barrier with the right products, application, and methods. Below, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Clay shares her expert advice on how to gently and effectively exfoliate without disrupting your skin barrier.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Exfoliation Method for Your Skin

Although exfoliating can be very beneficial, it can cause disruptions in the skin barrier if it’s not done properly, according to an online article published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.2 For this reason, when crafting an exfoliation routine, Dr. Clay advises choosing an exfoliation method based on your skin type and skin’s needs. Here are some of the primary distinctions to consider when deciding between the two main types of exfoliation: chemical and physical.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Exfoliating Ingredients

When choosing a chemical exfoliant for your skincare routine, you’ll want to ensure that you’re choosing the ideal exfoliating ingredients for your skin type and goals. “Look for exfoliating ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, and retinol,” says Dr. Clay. To help you get started, here’s a helpful summary of CeraVe’s three chemical exfoliants below.

Tip 3: Look for Exfoliating Products With Hydrating and Skin Barrier-Reinforcing Ingredients

“While you’re exfoliating, it’s important that you [also] restore the skin barrier,” says Dr. Clay. For this reason, Dr. Clay recommends choosing exfoliating products that contain ceramides to help maintain and restore the skin barrier, like CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin. Ceramides are like the “glue” between your skin cells. Research shows that these lipids make up about 50% of your skin barrier, and that they play a key role in keeping moisture in and external elements out.1 You’ll find three skin-identical ceramides in all of CeraVe’s products to help keep your skin barrier intact and healthy when exfoliating. Additionally, hydrating and nourishing your skin are also essential when exfoliating, according to Dr. Clay. Look for exfoliating products that are formulated to be gentle enough for daily use, with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Products with these ingredients can help hydrate and calm your skin when used as part of your daily skincare routine.

Tip 4: Be Gentle With Your Skin

Dr. Clay recommends starting slowly when beginning an exfoliation routine and, if you’re going to use a physical exfoliant, to take extra care with gentle application and avoid over-scrubbing your skin. And finally, she says it’s crucial not to forget about sun protection in any skincare routine, especially if you're exfoliating. This is because certain exfoliants—such as glycolic acid—may cause increased photosensitivity and elevate your risk of sun damage. “You want to make sure that you are using a broad-spectrum sunscreen each and every day,” says Dr. Clay, who recommends using a non-comedogenic facial sunscreen like CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint. This daily tinted sunscreen for the face helps protect your skin while delivering a healthy glow (without any white cast). Apply this product liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every 2 hours (or as needed) when spending extended amounts of time outdoors.

Tip 5: Seek the Help of a Dermatologist When Needed

Since exfoliation is not recommended for people with certain skin conditions, such as rosacea, the advice of a qualified dermatologist may be required in some cases. It’s best to stop using exfoliating products if your skin becomes red, irritated, or inflamed, and seek the guidance of your dermatologist for the best possible advice. A board-certified dermatologist can help answer any of your exfoliation questions and help you decide which CeraVe products are right for your skin’s needs. To learn more about the chemical exfoliants used in CeraVe’s skincare products, check out our guide on the differences between AHAs and BHAs.