A scrub may be our go-to method, but there are many ways to exfoliate the face. You could try a chemical peel, microdermabrasion or a cleansing brush. Though they all keep your face flake-free, there’s an easier way to achieve smooth, even skin: exfoliating pads. Cindy Kim, co-founder of Silver Mirror, a facial bar in New York, explains, “Exfoliating pads are convenient, easy to use and the perfect way to make sure effective exfoliation is a part of your regular skin care routine.” In most cases, all you need to do is rub the pre-moistened pad on your face and let it take care of all of the hard work.
Another big benefit is that most pads combine the right amounts of chemical and mechanical exfoliation without the need to scrub your face until it’s tender. Kim adds, “Peel pads contain a blend of gentle acids and enzymes to help slough away dead skin cells without over-scrubbing or over-exfoliating like you can with other types of exfoliators.”
That means that those with sensitive skin don’t need to be as nervous about pads as they do some exfoliating methods. Charlotte Cho, co-founder of Korean beauty site Soko Glam and editor-in-chief of The Klog, states, “As long as the pads are designed to exfoliate face gently, exfoliating pads are a safe win for those sensitive types out there. Exfoliating is an important practice even for sensitive skin because it’s a way to take care of your face for smoother, softer and brighter skin, especially if you exfoliate regularly. Not exfoliating on any skin type will cause dead skin cell debris to sit inside of pores, making the skin more prone to irritation and breakouts.”
Are you ready to pick up a pad and get rubbing yet? Scroll through the gallery to see the different exfoliating pads that will keep your skin free from annoying scaly patches.
[ Next: What Is Exfoliation? Everything You Need to Know About This Essential Skincare Step ]
New Way to Exfoliate: Easy Exfoliating Pads
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Ready for Radiance
When it comes to exfoliating, a less-is-more approach is normally the way to go. If you do it too often, you can irritate your face. These pads are different. They're gentle enough to be used as a daily treatment thanks to the right amount of lactic and glycolic acids.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, $30 at Sephora
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Grab and Go
There are no extra bottles involved here. Just take one of the pre-soaked pads and apply it to your face. Glycolic and hyaluronic acid take care of the exfoliating, while blue daisy helps to calm your complexion.
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads, $12.99 at Ulta
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Go Green
Green tea is good to drink, but it's also great for your skin. The antioxidant-rich ingredient helps to slow the signs of aging and soothe stressed skin. Use one side of the pad to exfoliate, then flip the pad around to the softer side to pick up all of those flaky patches.
NEOGEN Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Green Tea, $27 at Soko Glam
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Smooth Texture
These pads help get rid of the flaky bits on the top layers of your skin thanks to a blend of glycolic acid, amino acids and essential oil. What you're left with is more radiant, even skin.
Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Retexturizing Pads, $56 at Elizabeth Arden
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Multipurpose Pads
Are you dealing with breakouts and dry skin? These handy pads tackle both issues. They even help to control excess oil and minimize the appearance of pores. There's little that these pads can't do.
Exuviance Clear & Smooth Daily Exfoliating Anti-Blemish Pads, $37 at Ulta
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Best Buy
Witch hazel and tea tree oil are two skin-perfecting ingredients and you get both of them in these pads. Add in some exfoliation and you have pads that will quickly become part of your regular skin care regimen. Did we mention that they're also wallet-friendly?
Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Exfoliating Pads, $7.50 at Walgreens
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Feeling Fruity
There is almost as much fruit acid in these pads as there are fruits in your smoothie bowl. Like the name states, the formula contains 15 percent fruit acid. That may seem like a lot, but you're still able to use the pads twice daily.
Rodial Glamoxy 15% Fruit Acid Exfoliating Pads, $60 at Ulta
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Golden Glow
Are you scared to use self-tanner on your face for fear it will come out looking like a streaky mess? These pads are the solution. You get an exfoliating self-tanner in each sheet. Yes, you read that right. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids prep skin by exfoliating, tightening pores and getting rid of actual sun spots, while active vitamin D gives you a realistic tan that you can get away with all year long.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pads, $35 at Sephora
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Pad It Out
Are you looking for exfoliating pads that will be part of your everyday routine? Look no further. These are suitable for daily use and work with all skin types. They're free from gluten, parabens and fragrances, but they're packed with effective, cruelty-free ingredients.
Trish McEvoy Even Skin Beta Hydroxy Pads, $65.50 at Nordstrom
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Two Sided
These pads may only be the size of your palm, but they still manage to function as a gommage peel, cleanser and exfoliator. The white side is meant for your entire face, while the green side is specifically designed for trouble-prone areas like your nose and chin. Fun fact: "Tte" is a reference to the Korean word for dead skin cells and the name refers to the way the pad picks up the tiny balls of dead surface skin cells that form thanks to the innovative formula.
Wonder Bath Salon de Tte Exfoliating Mask Set, $50 at Glow Recipe
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Pro at Home
Don't have time to book an appointment with your derm? No problem. These pre-moistened pads give you a professional-strength treatment peel in the comfort of your own bathroom. They tackle fine lines, acne scarring and dullness thanks to the alpha hydroxy acid formula.
Kate Somerville Clinic-to-Go Resurfacing Peel Pads, $52 at Sephora
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Get Your Glow On
These pads may be formulated with 20 percent glycolic acid to get your skin glowing, but they also contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E that nourish your skin. FYI: You can use the pads to exfoliate face, oneck, décolleté and the tops of your hands.
Pixi Glow Peel Pads, $22 at Pixi
