Featured product
Welcome to Polishing Pads 101
After years of testing, tweaking, and rethinking every little detail, Polishing Pads are finally live.
When I say live, I mean they’re out in the world, ready to land in your hands, your bathrooms, your gym bags. These aren’t just “another exfoliating pad.” Because by now you probably know Barefaced doesn’t do “just another.” Our philosophy has always been less but better. We listened to your feedback and created one pad for a full-body exfoliation experience.
Exfoliation is one of those non-negotiables in skin health. Dead skin cells build up, your complexion looks dull, your serums don’t absorb, and makeup never sits right. With the right chemical exfoliation—AHAs and BHAs—you’re not scrubbing your skin raw. You’re letting science do the polishing for you. So here is everything you wanted to know about chemical exfoliation and the creation of Polishing Pads.
Q: What exactly are Polishing Pads?
A: Think of them as your new best friend for smooth, glowing skin. They’re face + body exfoliating pads soaked with a blend of glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid. They gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and even out tone, without the harsh scrub.
Q: How are they different from Glow Peel Pads?
A: Glow Peel Pads walked so Polishing Pads could run. Yes, Glow Peel Pads are phasing out here shortly. Polishing Pads are replacing them. It’s the same proven base formula you loved, but now:
- Larger, oversized pads (for easier and effective body exfoliation)
- Alpine Rose for extra skin barrier support and help with cellular turnover (it specifically targets ‘zombie cells’ which I’ll discuss more in a min)
- Added hydration ingredients to lessen the intensity and tingling some people experience with high percentage acids
Q: Are they pregnancy/breastfeeding safe?
A: Products with over 10% glycolic acid (Polishing Pads have 15%) are not recommended for use during pregnancy. But Polishing Pads are approved for use during nursing. Always consult with your OB.
Q: Why do I even need to exfoliate?
A: Because dead skin build-up is real. Without exfoliation, your complexion looks dull, pores stay clogged, and products can’t penetrate. Chemical exfoliation is like a reset button revealing brighter, smoother, more radiant skin.
Q: What are Zombie Cells?
A: As skin ages, senescent cells, aka “zombie cells,” build up. These damaged cells no longer function properly, yet they refuse to die, releasing inflammatory signals that harm nearby healthy cells and speed up visible aging.
Alpine Rose extract, derived from a plant found in the Swiss Alps, has been shown in studies to help support a healthier cellular environment.
Q: How often should I use them on my face?
A: Introduce them at night so you can know how your skin will react. Start with 1–3 times per week on your face IN PLACE OF TONING PADS, then increase as tolerated. These pads are powerful but balanced, if you introduce them slowly you’ll get the glow without the over-stripping. Here is a great resource for what to expect when you introduce high-strength
Q: Can I use them on my body?
A: YES!! That’s the best and most innovative part of the upgraded design. Polishing Pads are made for full-body baby. They’re amazing on neck and chest, arms, elbows, knees, heels, and even your whole back. Anywhere you deal with rough patches, keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin”), or uneven tone. The skin on the body is thicker, tougher, and generally less reactive so we recommend using them every other night to start then you can bump up to daily usage. Use AM or PM, whatever’s your personal preference.
If you’re timing body use with showering here are my tips:
- Before a shower — make sure they have plenty of time to dry and fully absorb to get all the benefits.
- After a shower — swipe over damp skin and follow up with your favorite body moisturizer.
Q: What makes these different from scrubs?
A: Scrubs = physical exfoliation (think: sugar, salt, granules, beads). They can be harsh and don’t always penetrate pores. Pads = chemical exfoliation (AHAs, BHAs). They dissolve the bond holding dead cells together for a smoother, safer, and more effective result.
Q: Who are they for?
A: If your skin ever feels dull, rough, or congested…these are for you. Whether you’re 20 and battling clogged pores or 60 and targeting fine lines and dullness, Polishing Pads meet you where you are. They’re a booster treatment designed for all ages and skin types.
Q: What is over-exfoliation?
A: Over-exfoliation happens when your skin’s protective barrier gets a little too much love. Think redness, stinging, tightness, or even dry, flaky patches. It usually means you’ve been exfoliating too often, layering too many actives (like retinol or Vitamin C) with acids, or using a scrub that’s too harsh.
Q: What should I do if I’ve over-exfoliated?
A: First, don’t panic. Your skin barrier is compromised but it’s also smart, and it can bounce back with the right care:
- Press pause on exfoliating pads, scrubs, and strong actives (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, any high-strength active ingredients).
- Simplify your routine: Stick to a gentle cleanser, soothing moisturizer like Hydrating Lotion, and SPF.
- Hydrate + repair: Look for products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide to calm and restore your skin barrier. (Overachiever was made to shine here!)
- Reintroduce slowly: Once your skin feels normal again (usually within a week or so), ease back in with exfoliating pads 1–2 times per week, then increase as tolerated.
