What Are the Benefits of an Exfoliating Face Wash?

What Is an Exfoliating Face Wash?

An exfoliating face wash is a type of facial cleanser that contains one or more exfoliants in its formula. These skincare products are considered facial cleansers first and foremost—this means that their primary purpose is to break down and remove dirt, sweat, makeup, and other impurities. But they also provide the added benefit of mild exfoliation. You’ll find exfoliating cleansers in many different varieties, including foaming cleansers with salicylic acid and facial scrubs with physical exfoliants, like jojoba beads.

What Does an Exfoliating Face Wash Do for Your Skin?

These cleansers work double duty—they remove impurities from your skin’s surface and buff away dead skin cells. Some also provide deeper cleansing and more targeted benefits, such as smoothing rough skin texture and refining your skin’s surface.

The exfoliating mechanism of these cleansers will depend on whether they contain chemical or physical exfoliants. Physical exfoliants use physical materials to remove dead skin cells. Some physical exfoliators (like facial scrubs with beads) can scratch your skin or cause irritation, so they may not be suitable for all skin types. On the other hand, chemical exfoliants (like BHAs and AHAs) work to help remove dead skin and can generally be used by most skin types (depending on the formulation).

Cleansers for dead skin cell removal can also sometimes incorporate both physical and chemical exfoliation in one gentle yet effective formula, such as CeraVe SA Cleanser Bar for Rough & Bumpy Skin. 

Who Should Use an Exfoliating Face Wash?

Most people can use an exfoliating face wash, as long as their chosen cleanser is gentle on the skin and suitable for their skin type. With that said, there are some people who may benefit most from including exfoliation in their cleansing routine. Exfoliation can help keep your pores clear, which makes it especially helpful for anyone with oily, acne-prone skin that’s prone to clogged pores and blackheads.

You might also want to consider an exfoliating facial cleanser if you’re new to exfoliation. Since you probably already wash your face every day, exfoliating cleansers can be an easy and convenient way to introduce exfoliation into your routine. If you struggle with skin concerns such as dullness, rough skin texture, and uneven skin tone, an exfoliating face wash can also be an effective way to achieve smoother, softer, and more radiant-looking skin. 

The Benefits of Using an Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

Exfoliating facial cleansers offer several benefits that can help you reach your complexion goals. Keep reading to explore some of the upsides of incorporating a gentle exfoliating cleanser into your routine.

Simplify your skincare routine

As mentioned earlier, these dual-action cleansers provide your skin with two important benefits: cleansing and exfoliation. This makes them an ideal option if you’re looking to save time and prefer a more simple approach to your skincare routine.

Remove dirt, excess oil, and sweat from your skin’s surface

Washing your face is one of the most basic yet fundamental steps in your skincare routine. This essential step helps remove excess sebum, bacteria, sweat, dirt, and other grime that can accumulate on your skin. If you don’t properly cleanse your skin of these impurities, they can eventually clog your pores and lead to acne breakouts, dullness, and a host of other skin concerns. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends washing your face twice a day (and after sweating) with a cleanser that’s suitable for your skin type.^1,2

Help prevent clogged pores

If you’re struggling with pore congestion, you may want to reach for an exfoliating face wash with salicylic acid. Clogged pores occur when dead skin cells, dirt, or oil get trapped in your pores (tiny openings in your skin that release sweat and oil). Research shows that using chemical exfoliants—such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid—may help unclog pores.³ 

Help remove dead skin cell buildup

Your skin is constantly renewing itself through a process known as skin cell turnover. However, there are many factors that can affect your skin’s turnover rate, such as improper skincare practices or living in a dry climate. Research also shows that your cell turnover rate slows as you age. This can cause dead skin cells to build up on your skin’s surface, leaving your complexion appearing rough, dull, dry, or flaky.⁴ Exfoliating products, like exfoliating cleansers, help gently slough off these dead skin cells to help reveal fresher-looking skin.

Support a smoother, more refined complexion

Regular exfoliation can be especially helpful for anyone dealing with rough, uneven skin texture. When you wash your face with an exfoliating cleanser, it can help polish and refine your skin’s surface by removing dead skin cells. With consistent use, you may notice that your skin feels softer to the touch and has a smoother texture.

Promote an even skin tone 

Dead skin cell buildup can have another unwanted effect on your complexion—it can cause a dull, splotchy, and uneven-looking skin tone. Regularly buffing away dead skin may help you achieve a skin tone that looks more even and radiant.

What’s the Best CeraVe Cleanser for Exfoliating Rough Skin?

CeraVe’s gentle exfoliating cleansers are developed with dermatologists, gentle on your skin, fragrance-free, and formulated with beneficial ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide). Like all CeraVe products, they contain three essential ceramides and are designed to avoid disrupting your skin’s natural protective barrier. 

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is a salicylic acid cleanser that provides gentle, non-irritating chemical exfoliation without microbeads (which can scratch your skin). It helps soften and smooth your skin and gently cleanses to remove dirt, excess oil, and other impurities. The formula is fragrance-free, non-drying, non-comedogenic, and suitable for use on your face and body. It features hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin D, and makes an ideal choice for anyone with normal skin or oily skin. 

CeraVe SA Cleanser Bar for Rough & Bumpy Skin

If you prefer a convenient bar soap option, try CeraVe SA Cleanser Bar for Rough & Bumpy Skin. As mentioned earlier, this soap-free cleanser bar combines physical and chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid and spherical jojoba beads. It gently sweeps away dead skin cells to improve the look and feel of rough, bumpy skin—without disrupting the skin barrier or leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

For oily, acne-prone skin, reach for CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser. Featuring 2% salicylic acid, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, this daily cleanser provides chemical exfoliation to help unclog pores. It’s also formulated with clay to help absorb excess oil. Using this cleanser consistently can help clear acne, reduce blackheads, and improve the appearance of large pores. It leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated with minimized shine.

How To Incorporate an Exfoliating Face Wash Into Your Skincare Routine

Here are a few tips to consider when adding a gentle exfoliating face wash into your daily routine for healthy-looking skin.

Choose a product that’s suitable for your skin type

As mentioned above, it’s important to check the product label to ensure that your chosen cleanser is formulated for your skin type, whether that’s oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive.

Look for gentle formulas that don’t disrupt your skin barrier

CeraVe recommends choosing exfoliating cleansers that are formulated with gentle cleansing ingredients and ceramides, which are a key component of your skin’s protective barrier. Learn more about CeraVe’s three essential ceramides by visiting our ceramides page.

Identify the right type of exfoliation for your skin’s needs

Understanding the difference between chemical and physical exfoliation can help you choose the best gentle exfoliating cleanser for your skin’s needs. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends opting for a mild chemical exfoliator if you have dry or sensitive skin, as physical exfoliation may be irritating for these skin types.⁵ 

Use your exfoliating face wash correctly

Exfoliating cleansers are available in many formulas, so it’s essential to read the product label carefully to ensure you’re using your chosen product correctly. Always check to see if the cleanser is intended for daily use and whether it’s meant for use on your face, body, or both areas.

Start slow if you have sensitive skin

These cleansers have many benefits, but they may not be for everyone. It’s important to start slowly if you’re new to exfoliation. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist with any questions or concerns about including exfoliation in your skincare routine. 

Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen

No good skincare routine is complete without a facial moisturizer and sunscreen (for daytime). CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (with broad-spectrum SPF 30 and SPF 50 sunscreen) and PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion make the perfect pairing for your daytime and nighttime routines.

For help choosing the right products for your specific skin type and skin concerns, use our Find My Skincare Solution tool.