Why Every Man Should Be Exfoliating Their Skin

PSA to all the men reading this: we need to exfoliate just as much as anyone else (if not more!). Is your skin looking dry, flaky or dull? Exfoliate. Do you have oily skin prone to breakouts? Exfoliate. Want to get rid of those annoying bumps and in-grown hairs you get after shaving? You guessed it – exfoliate.

In case you need a refresher, exfoliating is the process of getting rid of old, dead skin cells and build-up, usually through physical exfoliation (think: a classic face scrub) or chemical exfoliation (acid-based formulas that usually contain AHAs or BHAs). While this process of cell turnover is something our body does naturally, it tends to become slower as we age (there's a reason everyone talks about how soft baby's skin is) – which is when you can turn to skincare products to help!

Want to learn more about the three (yes, three!) different types of exfoliation? Read our full guide here.

One very important warning: no matter how oily or congestion-prone your skin is, make sure you don't overdo it. I would recommend only exfoliating once or twice a week – any more than that and you risk damaging your skin barrier, which can just lead to more breakouts.

Helps you achieve a super-smooth shave: If you tend to get in-grown hairs and bumps after shaving, exfoliating might be the solution you've been looking for. By using a gentle scrub a day or two after shaving, you can help to unblock hair follicles and prevent breakouts from forming. But remember: go with a super gentle formula after shaving, as this is when your skin is its most sensitive.
 
Reveals smoother, more radiant skin (all over!): As you exfoliate away old, dead skin cells, you uncover the fresher, softer skin that lays underneath, while also helping to stop your pores from getting congested. The build-up of everything from sweat to oil and dirt can cause blemishes, which is why exfoliating is even more important as we head into summer. This is also why it isn't just for your face; exfoliating your body can help to get rid of body breakouts (especially if you work out a lot!).

So, where do you get started when it comes to exfoliants? Here are my personal favourites (and how to use them)...