Facial exfoliation (a face peel) is a step in skincare that gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and helps it look smoother and fresher. In the peelings category and in toners such as BÁTHORYČKA or DIAMANT you will find a gentle way to add it to your routine, and our Advisor will help you choose the right type for your skin.
What facial exfoliation is and why skin needs it
The skin renews itself constantly: the deeper layers produce new cells, and the older ones gradually travel to the surface, where they naturally flake off. In cosmetics this process is also called exfoliation, and it slows down with age, stress or in drier skin. Dead cells can then build up on the surface, the skin looks dull and the pores clog more easily. Facial exfoliation gently helps this cycle, either mechanically or by a chemical route; you will find the precise definition and the origin of the word in our glossary. Thanks to regular but not excessive repetition, the care that follows is also absorbed better, so the serum and cream get where they are meant to.
Dead cells are not a problem in themselves; they become one only when too many of them accumulate at once. Then sebum mixes with cells and impurities in the pores and the skin looks tired, uneven and sometimes more prone to clogged pores. That is exactly why it is not recommended to exfoliate too often or too aggressively: the goal is not to "scrub" the skin clean, but to give it room to renew itself at its own pace. The mechanism of skin renewal and the effect of exfoliation on its thicker top layer, the stratum corneum, are also described in more detail by studies on skin exfoliation available in the PubMed database.
Mechanical exfoliation: gentle abrasion
Mechanical exfoliation, also called physical exfoliation, works on the principle of gentle physical abrasion. This group includes scrub creams with tiny particles, but also various sponges, brushes or cloths designed for gentle facial cleansing. You will find a closer explanation of the principle in the entry mechanical exfoliation in our glossary. Its advantages are an instant feeling of smoothness right after use and simplicity: you just apply the product to damp skin and massage gently in circular movements, with no waiting for an effect as with chemical variants. Mechanical exfoliation can also be combined with the ordinary cleansing gel or balm you already use in your morning or evening routine, so it needs no special time or separate extra step.
Mechanical exfoliation does not, however, suit every skin type and every situation. On sensitive, irritated or inflamed skin it can feel too harsh and make the condition worse, and it is likewise not recommended to combine it on the same day with retinol or a stronger chemical peel. When choosing the particles, it is better to reach for finer, rounded grains, since coarse and sharp particles can cause microscopic tears in the skin. If your skin is prone to redness, leave mechanical exfoliation out altogether and replace it with a gentler chemical or enzymatic alternative, which we cover in the next section. Be equally careful around the eyes and on the thin skin of the neck, where mechanical facial exfoliation is generally not used at all, because this skin is considerably thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face.
Chemical and enzymatic exfoliation: a gentler route to smooth skin
What is chemical exfoliation?
Chemical facial exfoliation works not with friction but with acids that dissolve the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin, which then release naturally on their own. Popular ingredients include salicylic acid, which dissolves well in the sebum film and therefore suits skin prone to oiliness and clogged pores in particular. You will find it, for example, in the DIAMANT toner, which besides salicylic acid also contains azeloglycine, lavender water and hyaluronic acid, and is applied simply on a cotton pad after cleansing the skin. Chemical exfoliation acts more gently on the surface, but it should not be underestimated: skin can be more sensitive to the sun afterwards, which is why it belongs more in the evening routine.
What is enzymatic exfoliation?
Enzymatic exfoliation uses natural fruit extracts and enzymes that gently break down the protein bonds between dead cells. It is among the gentlest forms of exfoliation and also suits more sensitive skin. An example is the BÁTHORYČKA toner, built on a complex of natural fruit and sugar extracts, blueberry, citrus and sugar cane, complemented by lavender water. This combination acts on the skin more gently than a classic chemical peel with a higher concentration of acids, and so it can be used more often. If you are not sure which type will suit you better, stick to a simple rule: the more sensitive the skin, the gentler and less frequent the form of exfoliation. Both types of toner are applied just as simply on a cotton pad after cleansing the skin, with no rinsing, so they fit easily into an evening ritual alongside your favourite cream or oil.
How often to exfoliate your face according to your skin type
How often you exfoliate depends above all on your skin type and the type of exfoliation you choose. In general, gentler enzymatic and chemical toners can be handled by the skin more often than mechanical abrasion, which needs longer to recover. The following table offers an approximate overview, but it is always best to watch how your own skin reacts to a given type of care, and if in doubt to consult a beautician or dermatologist. If you are only starting with exfoliation, do not go straight to the upper limit of the recommended frequency; rather, add it gradually, once a week, and watch how your skin reacts over the following days. A change of weather, dry air in your home during heating or a new active ingredient in another product can temporarily lower the frequency you need, even if your skin otherwise tolerates exfoliation well.
| Skin type | Recommended frequency | Suitable type of exfoliation |
|---|---|---|
| Normal skin | 1 to 2 times a week | mechanical or chemical |
| Oily skin | 2 times a week | chemical with salicylic acid |
| Combination skin | 1 to 2 times a week | enzymatic, or chemical only on the T-zone |
| Sensitive skin | once every 1 to 2 weeks | enzymatic only, better to skip mechanical |
How to exfoliate your face correctly
The procedure is simple, but it is worth following a few steps in the right order so that your skin gets the most from exfoliation while staying in balance. Skip exfoliation on areas with active irritation, small scars or cracked skin; there your skin needs rest and hydration rather than another stimulus. It is usually done in the evening, so the skin has enough time to regenerate overnight, and in the morning you only wash gently and continue with your usual routine. The order of steps below applies to ordinary application; when combining several products in one routine, always check that the ingredients do not overlap.
- First cleanse your skin gently so it is free of make-up and surface impurities.
- Apply a mechanical exfoliator to damp skin and massage gently in circular movements for about a minute, then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Put a chemical or enzymatic toner on a cotton pad and lightly wipe it over the whole face, with no rinsing.
- Continue with a serum or cream according to what your skin needs; after exfoliation the skin takes them up a little better.
- During the day do not forget sun protection, as skin may be more sensitive to its effects after exfoliation.
What to avoid when exfoliating your face
The most common mistake is overdoing it: more definitely does not mean better. Exfoliating too often or too aggressively disturbs the skin's protective barrier, which can then react with tightness, redness or, on the contrary, increased sebum production. It is also not recommended to combine several types of exfoliation on the same day, for example mechanical abrasion right after a chemical toner, since the skin would get a double load at once. Caution also applies when combining with retinol or other more intensive care, which are better alternated with exfoliation on different days than combined in one routine. If you notice persistent redness, burning or tight skin, skip exfoliation altogether for a few days and first calm your skin with a gentle cream without further active ingredients.
Did you know…
Did you know that mechanical and chemical exfoliation essentially do the same thing, just in different ways, removing dead cells from the surface of the skin?