The best retinol creams and serums, the best eye creams, and the best moisturizers are important for a healthy complexion. But figuring out how to exfoliate your face can help you get the skin you've always wanted. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a dermatologist at MDCS in New York City. There are two types, chemical peels or physical peels (more on that later), and both can "remove dead skin cell buildup for brighter, more radiant, softer, and smoother skin," she says. Dr. Brendan Camp, a double-board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, explains that the benefits of exfoliating your face and other parts of your body include opening up clogged pores, preventing breakouts, brightening your complexion, and boosting collagen production for a more youthful appearance. Ahead experts explain how to exfoliate your skin for the softest, clearest complexion yet. The Peel Garden There are two types of peels, our experts say: physical and chemical. Physical: This type of peel "mechanically helps remove dead skin cells," explains Dr. Garshick. They may contain particles or granules that physically remove them. Examples include sugar, salt, or ground coffee, says Dr. Camp, which exfoliates the skin's surface and speeds up the body's natural exfoliation process. Dry brushing is another example. Chemical: "During a chemical or enzymatic peel, an acid or enzyme works on the skin to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, making them easier to remove," explains Dr. Camp. This type of peel most commonly comes in liquid, serum, or powder form, he says. Chemical peels typically contain an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), such as glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid, or a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), such as salicylic acid, Dr. Garshick. How to exfoliate your face It depends on the product you use, says Janiene Luke, MD, a dermatologist in Loma Linda, California. “For liquid exfoliants, you apply the product with a cotton pad or ball. Cleansers or leave-on products may also contain exfoliants…which can be applied and washed off, or applied to the skin and left on,” she says. “[Physical] exfoliants can be applied with your hands/fingers and rubbed into the skin in circular motions.” It’s important to consider how you incorporate exfoliation into your skin care routine. Dr. Garshick says it’s best to avoid exfoliation if you use products with “other irritating active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.” Our experts explain how to exfoliate: Wash your face. “It’s best to apply it to clean skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Exfoliate. Whether you use a gentle exfoliant or a chemical exfoliant (aka serum or powder) is up to you. Test each chemical exfoliant on a small patch of skin before applying it all over your body, following the product’s instructions, to see how your skin reacts. Moisturizer. "After exfoliating, it's important to follow up with a gentle moisturizer to soothe and nourish the skin," says Dr. Garshick. What type of peel should I use based on my skin type? Dr. Garshick advises those with sensitive skin or a tendency toward rosacea to be careful when exfoliating. Here's how to find the best exfoliant for your skin type. Sensitive and dry: "In general, for those with dry or sensitive skin, it's best to opt for a chemical exfoliant, as physical exfoliants can be too harsh and abrasive for the skin," says Dr. Garshick. Oily: "For those with oily skin, salicylic acid (a chemical exfoliant) can help open up the pores and also aid in exfoliation," she says. Combination: People with normal or combination skin can use either a chemical or physical exfoliant, but no matter the type of exfoliant, it's important to avoid over-exfoliation, says Garshick. Signs of over-exfoliation include "redness, irritation, and possibly a rash or skin damage," says Dr. Kemp.