Exfoliation is often seen as the magic step in skincare. Whether you’re prepping for a spray tan, chasing that glowing complexion, or trying to keep your skin smooth and clear, it’s easy to believe that scrubs, masks, and peels are the secret.
But here’s the problem: not all exfoliation is created equal. In fact, many trendy exfoliants might be damaging your skin barrier, causing breakouts, and even sabotaging your tan instead of helping.
So let’s break it down: what really works, what’s secretly harming your skin, and how to exfoliate the right way for long-term skin health.
1. Understanding Exfoliation – What’s Actually Happening?
At its core, exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface, helping your skin look fresher, absorb products better, and even prevent breakouts. But there’s a fine line between effective exfoliation and over-exfoliating, which can leave your skin red, irritated, and inflamed.
There are two main types of exfoliation:
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliants use scrubs, brushes, or exfoliating mitts to manually slough off dead skin cells. They can feel satisfying and deliver instant smoothness, but the wrong ones—or too much scrubbing—can lead to microtears, inflammation, and long-term damage.
🚨 Example of what NOT to use: Tree Hut Scrub. It leaves behind an oily film that clogs pores and prevents true exfoliation. Over time, this can lead to breakouts and irritation—not the smooth, clear skin you’re hoping for.
✅ Better alternative: A gentle soap exfoliator used with an exfoliating mitt that clears away dead skin without leaving residue.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants use enzymes, AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) to dissolve dead skin cells at a molecular level. They’re typically more effective at deep-cleaning pores and smoothing skin texture without irritation.
💡 Why this matters: Research shows that regular use of BHAs can reduce breakouts by up to 50% and improve overall skin clarity.
✅ The Best of Both Worlds? Hydroxytyrosol Corrective Cleanser gently exfoliates and nourishes at the same time, thanks to powerful olive leaf antioxidants that detoxify without stripping the skin.
2. The Dangers of Over-Exfoliating 🚫
We get it—exfoliating makes your skin feel fresh and clean. But when you overdo it, your skin can go into panic mode, leading to:
❌ Redness, irritation, or a stinging sensation❌ Dry, flaky patches that won’t go away❌ More frequent breakouts (yep, over-exfoliation can actually cause acne!)
🔍 How to tell if you're over-exfoliating:If your skin feels tight, looks red, or starts breaking out unexpectedly, you might be stripping away too many protective skin cells, leaving your face vulnerable to bacteria and environmental stressors.
✨ Solution: Stick to exfoliating 1-3 times per week—no more! And always follow up with a hydrating serum to replenish your skin’s barrier.
3. Are These Trendy Exfoliators Secretly Ruining Your Skin?
Not all skincare trends are worth following. Let’s expose some of the worst offenders:
🚫 Boscia Black Charcoal Mask – Feels satisfying, but it’s ripping away not just dead skin—but healthy skin cells and fine hairs, too. Ouch.
🚫 GlamGlow Masks – Expensive, but full of fragrances and irritants that do more harm than good. There are zero real skincare benefits—just a temporary tingle that tricks you into thinking it’s working.
🚫 Harsh Scrubs (Like St. Ives or Tree Hut) – These don’t exfoliate effectively—they just leave an oil film behind, causing clogged pores and uneven spray tans.
✅ What to Use Instead: This Honey Enzyme Mask—it’s a gentle but powerful enzyme-based exfoliator that melts away dead skin without damaging your barrier.
4. Proper Exfoliation Techniques (Without Wrecking Your Skin)
🔹 Exfoliate 1-3 times a week—no need to overdo it.🔹 Use fragrance-free exfoliants before a spray tan— most artificial fragrance heavy products leave residue that can cause uneven tanning.🔹 Follow with hydration! A soothing lotion or oil helps restore your skin barrier and lock in moisture.
5. Why Exfoliation is Essential for a Flawless Spray Tan
If you want an even, long-lasting spray tan, proper exfoliation is non-negotiable.
✅ Do This:✔️ Exfoliate 24 hours before tanning (but use a gentle exfoliant—no harsh scrubs!)✔️ Hydrate after exfoliating to create a smooth base for even color application. This is debated amongst airbrush artists but I find a thin layer of moisturize 24 hrs prior doesn't hurt.✔️ Avoid heavy oils on the day of your tan—they create a barrier that blocks absorption.
🚫 Don't Do This:❌ Scrub right before tanning—this can cause irritation and patchy absorption. ❌ Use oil-based exfoliants 6 or less hours before a tan—your color will slip right off.
✨ Final Thoughts – Treat Your Skin Right
Exfoliation is powerful—but only when done correctly. By choosing a custom routine that supports your skin’s health and tanning goals, and ditching harsh scrubs, you’ll achieve clearer skin, longer-lasting spray tans, and a healthier glow.
💛 Want a custom exfoliation routine for your skin? Drop a "GLOW" in the comments — I’ll send you my top recommendations!
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