What is an exfoliator?

What is an exfoliator?

Josephine Wackett (Skincare specialist - Principal, Steiner Beauty Training) gives expert video advice on: How do I know my own skin type?; Is it worth spending money on expensive products? and more...

An exfoliator is a product which helps to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, stale makeup, dust and dirt and grime which hasn't been thoroughly cleansed away with the cleanser. It may be slightly abrasive so that's when it's removed it's rubbed off, and that works as a friction to remove the dead cells. Or it may be a much smoother product which is better for a dryer skin, where there's no abrasion, no roughness, and no granules in it. But an exfoliator, whatever type, is for removing dead cells from the surface of the skin because they don't all get shed regularly on their own. It's much cleaner and smoother for the skin to have them helpfully removed.