Most of us know to cleanse, moisturize, apply sunscreen and add in an anti-aging serum or two for good measure. But to create a truly well-rounded routine, you can’t forget one additional step: exfoliating.

Why You Need to Exfoliate

If you’re not exfoliating regularly, your skin is not as healthy as it could be. Our bodies naturally turn over skin cells every 28 days or so when we’re young. As we get older, this process slows down to about every 45 days. Skin cells can start piling up at the surface, leading to a dull-, tired- and dry-looking complexion. That’s when exfoliation comes into play!

How to Exfoliate Skin

Exfoliating one to three times a week helps removes impurities, like skin cells, oil, and makeup, to create a brighter, more even skin tone. It also helps prevent redness and inflammation, acne, excess oil and clogged pores. Like we said: when it comes to beautiful skin, you simply can’t afford not to do it.

Exfoliating is Easy and Convenient!

A scrub might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of an exfoliator, but it’s far from your only option. Here are just a few ways to exfoliate that you can easily tailor for your needs and preferences:

Physical Scrub

Physical exfoliators can feel slightly gritty because they use a physical exfoliating agent, like microbeads, jojoba beads or crystals. Body scrubs often use salt or sugar.

Our pick: Clinicians Complex Microdermabrasion Cream

Enzyme Exfoliators

Enzyme exfoliators feature plant actives derived from fruits like sugar cane. These formulas work to gently break down impurities at the skin’s surface.

Our pick: LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild 11%

Chemical Exfoliators

Don’t let the word, “chemical,” deter you—these are some of the most effective exfoliators available. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, phytic acid and malic acid gently dissolves impurities at the skin’s surface.

Our pick: Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm Forte #4

What’s your favorite way to exfoliate? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!