The best face exfoliator

Looking for the best face exfoliator on the planet? Well, we’ve found it.

Introducing: Exfoliating Polish by ZO Skin Health

This product was recommended to us by an RN from a Medical Spa in Southern California. After trying a sample, we’ve already ordered the full size thing. It’s the holy grail of face exfoliators, and is consistently rated 5 stars on other sites.

Why this product is so great

The key ingredient in this exfoliating polish is Ultra-fine magnesium oxide crystals. They aren’t kidding when they say “ultra-fine,” and for good reason. You don’t need to worry about tearing your skin while using this, unlike the larger exfoliating beads found in most other products.

Because the crystals are so tiny and the product is so dense, a little goes a long way. The price tag might feel a little high, but it will last you a while.

How often should you exfoliate?

Most experts advise exfoliating your face two to three times per week, or less if you have really sensitive skin. We use this one twice a week.

Physical vs Chemical exfoliators

In case you didn’t already know, there are two kinds of exfoliators out there: physical and chemical. Both are used for removing dead skin cells and other debris to leave skin fresher and brighter. Physical exfoliators (like this one) use grainy particles to achieve this. When scrubbed against the skin, the particles manually dislodge all the unwanted junk. Chemical exfoliators, on the other hand, don’t involve any scrubbing or abrasion. They loosen the bonds between the dead skin on the surface, allowing it to slough off.

While there are tons of physical exfoliating products out there, most use large particles that “can actually cause micro-tears at the skin’s surface,” according to Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. That’s why it is so important to choose an exfoliator with ultra-fine particles, like the ZO Skin Exfoliating Polish.