The key to exfoliation is finding your sweet spot. You don’t want to do it too frequently or with too abrasive products, as you’ll run the risk of compromising your skin barrier. (A compromised barrier means damaged collagen, increased dryness, and inflammation—so ultimately, you’re back where you started.) However, when done correctly exfoliation can keep skin looking vibrant, improve product penetration, and even spur more collagen production.
When exfoliating the face, chest, or neck, error on the side of caution. These are really delicate areas, so you don’t want to go overboard. Look for gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, and low level glycolic acid. The latter of which has been shown to improve collagen production and dermal thickness2 in the skin.
On the body (like the legs or arms) you can usually opt for something stronger, as the skin is thicker and more durable. You may want to try a body scrub or a body serum with chemical exfoliators.
