Exfoliator

Is it normal for an exfoliator to be irritating?

Facial exfoliators remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which is essential for revealing renewed skin. However, this should not cause redness or irritation. The key is to choose the type of exfoliator that best suits your skin. Korean exfoliators for sensitive skin

What are the best exfoliators for sensitive and oily skin?

A Korean facial exfoliator suited for sensitive skin should be formulated with the optimal concentrations and types of acids that make it feel pleasant on the skin — it’s not supposed to make your skin sting or itch. An excellent way to exfoliate sensitive or dry skin is using a toner that offers both restoring and exfoliating benefits.

• Pha Peeling Gel from Benton
• Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish from Klairs
• Pink Clay & Rose Pore Cleansing Mask from Ondo Beauty 36.5
If you're looking for a facial exfoliator for oily skin, products that target open pores are the best at preventing the appearance of blackheads.
• Bha Blackhead Power Liquid from Cosrx
• Collagen Milky Peeling Scrub from Mizon

Should I choose a chemical or physical exfoliator?

The age-old debate: should you use a chemical or physical exfoliator? In Korea, skincare is taken seriously and choosing the right type of exfoliator is a key part of the Korean skincare routine. Do you have questions? We’ll answer them here. Physical exfoliators are the 'tried and true' kind, which feature physical particles that lift off dead skin when rubbed onto the face, effectively exfoliating the skin. Physical exfoliation is generally recommended for oily to normal skin types, as it can potentially irritate sensitive skin. However, there are next-generation Korean physical exfoliators that allow you to enjoy the scrubbing experience without harming your skin. Physical exfoliators for sensitive skin:

• Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish from Klairs
• My Soft Grain Scrub from Sioris

Chemical exfoliators provide deep cleansing without the friction, as they penetrate the skin without causing irritation. The best approach is to alternate between both types of exfoliator, depending on the needs of your skin. If you have sensitive skin, it's best to use a chemical exfoliator with PHA. If blackheads become a problem, it's important to include an exfoliator with BHA or salicylic acid into your regimen.

Korean exfoliating pads for oily skin

Other great options for exfoliating oily skin, which also work well for combination skin types, are handy cotton pads or discs infused with ingredients that act as both cleansers and exfoliators. These pre-soaked pads often contain antiseptic ingredients, such as propolis, as well as moisturising ingredients to help reduce excess oil production. They may also contain exfoliating actives like salicylic acid. Types of exfoliators

• Physical
• Chemical
• Pads

What's the role of exfoliation in a facial routine?

Exfoliation is a key step in the Korean facial routine if you want to achieve radiant skin, prevent the appearance of pimples, visibly reduce pores and control excess sebum in oily skin. Therefore, it's an essential step in your daily routine if you're targeting specific skin issues such as:

• Pores and acne
• Skin brightening and pigmentation