How Exfoliating My Skin Changed My Life

You know how there's that one certified life-altering moment in everyone’s life? For me, it was the first time I used an exfoliator. It was a balmy summer evening and having just finished Salman Rushdie’s Quichotte, I was imagining life as Sam DuChamp, his Indian-born writer protagonist (a guy can dream, now) when my fingers casually brushed against my cheeks. It hit me—I might stand a chance at becoming a fine writer like DuChamp, but I wouldn’t stand a chance at having skin as fine as the words I hoped to write. It was then that I decided to make possible the improbable.

The first step was looking for a solution on the internet. After sifting through my fair share of blog posts and listicles, I had almost given up on this pursuit of excellence, when I discovered that my whole life had been a lie. There’s more to skincare than cleansing, toning and moisturising.

You May Also Like: Does Oil Gritting Actually Remove Blackheads?

You’ve also got to exfoliate regularly if you want blemish-free, blackhead-free—essentially every kind of problem-free skin. I was quick to jump on the bandwagon and promptly got myself one. The year was 2019 and the exfoliator was Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub. A few weeks in, I was hooked. Next up, I tried the Forest Essentials Nourishing Facial Scrub because I wanted something a little more natural, too. I’ve come to use and love many exfoliators, and my skin hasn’t looked back.

Exfoliating did in six weeks what years of cleansing-toning-moisturising couldn’t. Not only did it help make my skin cleaner and clearer, but also helped manage excessive oil production. I’m a proper exfoliation fiend now. It’s changed my skin and my life. I now go around town with skin that’s clearer than the water in the Maldives.

You May Also Like: An Expert-Approved, Fuss-Free Skincare Routine for Men

Most skincare conversations tend to focus more on moisturising and treating your skin with the right ingredients (retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides and what have you), and while they’re all essential, we also need to talk about the need for deep cleaning. The amount of dirt, sebum and grime that gets collected in our pores doesn’t always get out that easily. An exfoliator works at improving your skin with a much deeper cleanse than a simple face wash or cleanser. If you’ve ever wondered why your skin is not at its best despite all efforts, you most likely have not been exfoliating, or not doing it enough. Exfoliators are of two kinds—the chemical ones use AHAs and BHAs that dissolve dead skin cells, whereas physical exfoliators or ‘scrubs’ help scrub off the same from your face. They’re both just as good—you need to stick to the one that works for you.

Use it about twice or thrice a week—preferably in the evening—and you’ll know what I’m going on about. Scrubs and exfoliants could make your skin more susceptible to damage by harmful UV rays, so stepping out when it’s sunny isn’t advisable—unless you’ve slathered yourself in sunscreen.

You May Also Like: DIY Skincare Routines: Taking Care Of Your Skin Doesn't Have To Be Complicated

Recommended Face Exfoliators

I’m hoping I’ve given you enough reasons to start exfoliating. Like with any new thing, start slow and go with the flow. For those who aren’t convinced, well—may the force be with you.

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub

Ideal for daily use and works well for all skin types

Dr Barbara Sturm Facial Scrub

An absolute winner for those with sensitive skin

L’Occitane Cade Daily Exfoliating Face Cleanser

The Cade wood essential oil in this one is a potent antioxidant

Forest Essentials Nourishing Facial Scrub

This Ayurveda-backed scrub also moisturises your skin

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Users swear by this classic that has rice-powder enzymes that help slough away dead skin