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9 Ways to Exfoliate Your Skin Without a Scrub

Experts offer tips and product recommendations for smoother, brighter skin.
9 Ways to Exfoliate Your Skin Without a Scrub Expert Recommendations
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A lot of steps go into gorgeous skin: cleansing, moisturizing, and habitually wearing sunscreen all play an important part. But for head-turning, next-level radiant skin, exfoliation needs to be part of your skin-care equation. "Exfoliating the face and body is incredibly important, as it rids the skin of buildup and dead skin cells," board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel tells Allure. "Exfoliating leaves your skin looking brighter, smoother, and healthier."

All of us could benefit from a more even texture and complexion, and incorporating exfoliation into your routine is the key to getting there. And in addition to lessening the look of dullness and roughness, the act of sloughing skin can also help keep it clear and less likely to break out. "Exfoliators help cleanse skin, remove impurities, and prevent blackhead and whitehead formation," says board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling.?

But much like Goldilocks and her porridge, it can take some trial and error to find the exfoliating regiment that's right for you. "I advise patients to exfoliate regularly, from once a week for everyone to once or twice a day if you have issues such as acne, rough elbows, dry skin," says board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo. (We have a guide for deciding how often might work best for you, of course.)?

Once you have the frequency figured out, it's time to hone in on the product and technique ?— but despite how popular they are, you're not limited to just scrubs, with their physically exfoliating little particles. Depending on your skin concerns, you might be more of the once-weekly glycolic acid peel type, the nightly dry brushing type, or somewhere in between. It can feel overwhelming to figure out where to start, which is why we asked dermatologists to help us narrow down all the options.?

Ahead, find their expert picks for cleansers, body lotions, serums, and more ways to exfoliate away those old skin cells and reveal the glow underneath.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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    Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush

    Dry brushing is where exfoliation meets alternative medicine, and even a bit of meditation. Work in light, circular motions, beginning at your feet and moving upward. Used properly, a brush "exfoliates the body, softening skin to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, as well as increasing circulation to rid the skin of dead cells," explains Sobel. Look for a brush with soft, short bristles — like the Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush — so it's not irritating. (That would defeat the whole purpose.)?

    $45 (Shop Now)

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    Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Overnight Leave-On Peel

    Not only does regular exfoliation help skin look youthful and radiant, peels will make your moisturizers and skin treatments more effective. This affordable overnight version from Garnier uses glycolic acid and vitamin C to increase cell turnover while you sleep. The Clearly Brighter Overnight Leave-On Peel will also help minimize dark spots, so this is a great pick for anyone dealing with the skin's leftover signs of acne.

    $17 (Shop Now)

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    Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

    Cleanser can serve as a gentle exfoliant, working to refresh skin even without the harsh scrubs and polluting microbeads of our teen years' face wash. "This cleanser is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and also contains vitamin E, which has moisturizing and healing benefits," Sperling says about Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser.

    $22 (Shop Now)

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    Pixi Overnight Glow Serum

    One of Allure editors' favorite affordable face serums, this drugstore find consists of a hearty 10 percent exfoliating glycolic acid alongside nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber. Start working Pixi Overnight Glow Serum into your evening routine every two or three days before ramping it up to a nighttime staple as needed.

    $24 (Shop Now)

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    CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin

    This salicylic body lotion isn't for everyone, but if it's for you, it's really for you. Ciraldo recommends CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin for keratosis pilaris patients, who will find that it "lessens the goosebump-like clumps of dry skin and helps areas of dry skin like rough elbows look more healthy and attractive."

    $15 (Shop Now)

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    Dr. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads

    An at-home peel can sound intimidating, but these soft-textured Micro Peel Peptide Pads from Dr. Loretta take all the guesswork out of DIY exfoliation. According to Loretta Ciraldo herself, the pads were formulated "with moisture-replenishing, firming peptides and skin-soothing herbal extracts to effectively exfoliate as they replenish healthy hydration levels." All that goodness comes without any of the telltale signs of over-exfoliation, like redness or visible peeling.?

    Another option we love: Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads, which combine peptides with phytic and salicylic acids.

    $60 for 60 pads (Shop Now)

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    Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA

    The acids found in body peels not only leave skin supple, but they also work wonders on breakouts and ingrown hairs by clearing out clogged up pores and hair follicles. Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA "exfoliates built-up layers of dead skin to reveal radiant, smooth skin from the neck down," says Sobel. Use it before a beach weekend or self-tanner application for the smoothest legs you've had all summer.

    $28 (Shop Now)

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    Sobel Skin RX 30% Glycolic Acid Peel

    This workhorse at-home peel is formulated with a potent percentage of glycolic acid. At least one Allure editor swears by its skin smoothing and clearing effects. According to Sobel himself, Sobel Skin RX 30% Glycolic Acid Peel should reveal a brighter complexion almost instantly, and minimize fine lines, pores, and melasma over time. Since the formula is so strong, Sobel recommends using this peel once weekly to start.?

    If you'd like to ease into glycolic acid at a lower percentage, consider Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel, which features 14 percent glycolic acid and throws in a little retinol for good measure.

    $46 (Shop Now)

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    The Body Shop Exfoliating Bath Gloves

    For the relaxing feel of physical exfoliation, it doesn't get more soothing or simple than these $5 gloves. Use The Body Shop Exfoliating Bath Gloves in the shower along with your regular body wash or soap, and the textured material will help scrub away dead skin and send you on a mini bathtime retreat.

    $5 (Shop Now)

Keywordsexfoliantpeelsdry brushalpha hydroxy acidexfoliationglycolic aciddermatologistsdermatologistgarnierElemiscleanserKiehl'sHoward SobelDr. LorettaPixiCeraVesalicylic acid