Why is it part of the Core Four? Exfoliation explained.
If you tuned into Barefaced Live this week, you know we covered our most popular product and the education behind it: Toning Pads (II) and exfoliation. But before we zoom in, let’s zoom out and talk about where exfoliation fits into the bigger picture of skin health.
At Barefaced, we talk a lot about the Core Four, the foundation of any solid skincare routine for every skin type. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the options out there, let this simplify things for you.
The Core Four for optimal skin health includes:
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SPF – Your daily non-negotiable. UV damage is the fastest track to premature aging.
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Retinoid – RetinAL Skin Therapy was designed with tolerance in mind. Retinoids are the most well-researched topical for skin longevity and health. (If you’re pregnant, there’s a retinoid alternative for that!)
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Vitamin C – Our Liquid Gold is made with 15% L-ascorbic acid, which gets to work immediately upon application protecting skin against free radicals and helping to boost collagen.
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An Exfoliant – And this is where our most-loved product comes in: the Toning Pads (we sell one every three minutes!).
So, why is exfoliation such a pillar of skin health? Let’s break it down.
Why Exfoliation Matters
Here’s the truth: dead skin cells love to hang on way longer than they should. That buildup makes your complexion look dull, prevents your other products from working effectively, and even contributes to breakouts by trapping the bad stuff in your pores. Exfoliation sweeps them away, letting your newer, healthier skin shine through.
And yes, we all love instant results. Exfoliation happens to deliver some of the fastest visible changes in skincare. But just like working out, consistency is what really pays off. You won’t have the body of your dreams after one workout, and you won’t transform your skin overnight. But seeing the changes happen does motivate us to keep going and that’s a great thing to encourage consistency. I believe that’s why Toning Pads are so popular.
Chemical vs. Physical Exfoliation
This is one of the biggest questions I get.
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Physical exfoliation (scrubs, brushes, tools) can be harsh, especially if you’re prone to acne, melasma, or sensitivity. It’s easy to make errors like overdoing it and creating irritation.
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Chemical exfoliation (using AHAs and BHAs) is gentler and smarter. AHAs work on the surface, while BHAs dive deep into the pores. For the face, neck, and chest, chemical exfoliation is a no-brainer.
On the body, where the skin is thicker and tougher, physical exfoliation (like dry brushing or granular scrubs) can be tolerated better. But for your face, chemical wins every time.
That’s why our Toning Pads are formulated with the right blend of actives and calming ingredients, so you get the glow without the irritation.
How to Start With Toning Pads
If you’re new to exfoliation, don’t dive in at full speed. Here’s the Barefaced approach:
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Start at night
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Begin every other night (around 3x per week)
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As tingling lessens, bump up to daily use
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Once tolerated daily, you can move up to Toning Pads II
**Exception: If you have very oily or breakout-prone skin, we recommend you start with Toning Pads II right out of the gate.
Exfoliation from Head to Toe with One Product
Introducing Polishing Pads, a clinical-grade face and body treatment to keep you looking (and feeling) your most polished self.
Less steps = smarter skincare. These oversized skincare pads are packed with our highest level of exfoliating acids plus alpine rose extract to help sweep away dullness, breakouts, rough texture, and the dead, sluggish “zombie” cells that age your skin before their time. They’re bigger, bolder, and built for full-body results. Because exfoliation doesn’t stop at your jawline.
How to Use Polishing Pads
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Frequency: 1–3 times a week on the face, up to daily on the body as tolerated.
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Routine: Use in the morning after cleansing, in place of Toning Pads (II). Follow with serum + SPF.
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Application: Swipe one pad over your face, then neck, chest, and anywhere else you want smoother, unclogged, brighter skin.
- Non-negotiable: Always finish with SPF when used in the morning. Exfoliated skin is more sun-sensitive.
What to Expect
About 1 in 4 people will experience purging when they start exfoliation. This means temporary breakouts as dirt, bacteria, and oil trapped in your pores rise to the surface faster. Think of it as speeding up a process that was already in motion. The increase in breakouts doesn’t mean your skin doesn’t like a product…it actually means it’s working!
Purging, dryness, or redness usually lasts 6–12 weeks. That’s normal. If it lingers longer, you may just need to adjust your routine. (Now, a full blown rash with hives all over your face. Different story. Stop usage immediately.)
Exfoliation for Every Season
Exfoliation isn’t just a summer or winter thing, it’s year-round. But your frequency may shift:
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If skin feels dry or tight (often in the winter), back off a little.
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If it’s oily (common in the humid summer), you might need to exfoliate more often.
The key is listening to your skin. For example, in the coldest months, I sometimes skip Toning Pads for a day or two and lean into soothing, hydrating products. That balance is what keeps your skin healthy long-term.
Exfoliation at Different Life Stages
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Mature Skin – Cellular turnover slows with age, that’s what’s causing your skin to look more textured than ever before, so exfoliation becomes even more important. It helps shed the old and reveal new, youthful cells. Beyond Toning Pads you’ll want to use a higher concentration of glycolic acid, like what’s in Glow Peel Pads, 1-3 times a week to further aid turnover.
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Pregnancy – Toning Pads and Toning Pads II are considered pregnancy-safe. Glow Peel Pads, with their higher glycolic acid content, are not recommended. (And as always, check with your OB if you have specific concerns.)
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Dark spots at all ages – Exfoliation is a must-have in your routine. By removing old, pigmented cells and encouraging new ones to surface, chemical exfoliation helps even out tone and fade discoloration over time.
Prepping Your Skin the Right Way
One of the big things I shared during Barefaced Live: If your Toning Pads are coming away brown or dirty, you’re not cleansing properly first.
Here’s the ideal prep:
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Double cleanse. Start with micellar water or a balm to remove SPF/makeup, then follow with a 60-second lathering cleanse. Toning Pads actives clean out your pores but they are a cleanser. Wash well first. (Learn about our favorite cleaners here.)
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Use your Toning Pads (II).
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Follow with serums and treatments so they can penetrate effectively.
That’s how you unlock the real power of exfoliation—by making sure every product in your lineup works harder for you.
Final Takeaway
When done consistently, exfoliation helps clear pores, fade dark spots, prep your skin for maximum results from the rest of your routine, and keep that youthful glow strong year after year. So, whether you’re brand new to skincare or you’ve been with us since day one, don’t skip your exfoliant. It’s a pillar of the Core Four for all these reasons and more.
