Here's the lowdown: Exfoliating—or sloughing off dead skin—is one of the most important skincare habits to help fight acne as it clears your pores. Exfoliating can become too much though if we use harsh facial scrubs daily, so a chemical exfoliation once a week using pads is another way to do it, as long as you ease into it and incorporate it very slowly into your skincare routine.
Exfoliating pads are cotton pads that are pre-soaked with exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxy acids, along with other potent ingredients. Like using a toner, you only need to wipe the soaked pad all over your face, let its formula lift off dead skin, and then rinse it off!
What makes exfoliating pads different from toners is that they usually have a higher concentration of exfoliating acids. That said, most of these potent wipes must only be used one to two times a week. (If you have sensitive skin, start with once a week, and opt for a lower concentration at the very beginning of your beauty journey.) They're also best applied at night to avoid sun damage! Here are some peel pads worth adding to your beauty routine:
Pixi Glow Peel Pads
P1,590/60 pads, available online
This peeling pad is drenched with 20% exfoliating glycolic acid content to effectively resurface the skin. Simply wipe the pad all over your face and rinse it off after two to three minutes. Aside from fading pimple marks, you'll notice a softer and a more radiant complexion. If 20% is too high, you may also opt for the brand's cult fave, the Pixi Glow Tonic, which has 5% glycolic acid.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
P804/28 pads, available online
If your skin is extra-sensitive, you can try this alcohol-free pad that's soaked with glycolic and lactic acids to gently improve skin texture and fade dark spots with regular use. Natural extracts like lemon peel and Indian gooseberry also helps brighten your overall complexion!
Cosrx One Step Original Clear Pads
P900, available online
For mild exfoliation, try this pad that's pre-soaked with betaine salicylate, a gentle form of BHA that unclogs the pores. Pick it up if you're struggling with acne- or oily-prone skin!
Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine by Neogen
P1,295/30 pads, available online
This K-Beauty brand's multi-layered pad has been receiving glowing reviews for a reason. Its star ingredient is red wine, which contains antioxidants that help keep the skin firm and plump. Other potent ingredients include exfoliating glycolic acid and lactic acid as well as skin-brightening blackberry and raspberry fruit extract (both of which are rich in vitamin C.) While most peel pads provide chemical exfoliation, this one also physically sloughs off dead skin, thanks to the criss-cross texture of the pad!
This story originally appeared on Femalenetwork.com.
* Minor edits have been made by the Candymag.com editors.