How to Choose the Right Exfoliator (and Where Retinol Fits In)

Oct 2, 2025

If your skin’s been looking a little tired, dull, clogged or “just not quite glowing,” exfoliation might be the secret you’re missing. It’s not about scrubbing your face off,  it’s about gently helping your skin let go of old, dead cells so the fresh, healthy ones underneath can shine through.

But not all exfoliators are created equal. The best one for you depends on your skin type and if you’re using retinol, there’s a little extra to know. Let’s break it down simply.For Sensitive or Easily Irritated Skin: Enzymes or PHAs

 

For Sensitive or Easily Irritated Skin: Enzymes or PHAs

If your skin throws a tantrum at the first sign of strong actives, enzymes or PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are your best friends.

They’re like the gentle ones at the skincare party, they help dissolve dead skin cells on the surface without being harsh or irritating.

✨ Why they’re great:

  • Exfoliate without stinging or redness

  • Hydrate as they work

  • Strengthen the skin barrier over time

Think of them as the “kind exfoliators” they work slowly and softly, perfect for sensitive skin or beginners.

For Oily or Combination Skin: BHAs (Salicylic Acid)

If you struggle with blackheads, congestion, or breakouts, BHAs are your secret weapon.

Unlike other exfoliators, BHAs are oil-soluble, meaning they can slip into your pores and clear out excess oil and dead skin (the stuff that causes breakouts).

✨ Why they’re great:

  • Unclog pores from the inside

  • Reduce shine and blackheads

  • Calm inflammation

If your T-zone feels like it has a life of its own, a BHA can help bring things back under control.

For Dry or Dull Skin: AHAs (Like Glycolic or Lactic Acid)

Dry or flaky skin can often look dull that’s where AHAs shine. They work on the surface, helping to smooth rough patches and bring back radiance.

✨ Why they’re great:

  • Remove dull, dead cells on the surface

  • Improve texture and brightness

  • Help skincare absorb better

Think of them as your skin’s “polishing cloth” giving you that smooth, glowy finish.

When to Try a Blend (AHA + BHA)

Some exfoliators contain both AHA's & BHA's in one product and these can be great if you have oily combination, or normal skin types that want to be greedy and have the benefits of both worlds  — especially if it’s oily in some areas but dry or dull in others.

A formula that combines AHA + BHA can target surface dullness and deep pore congestion at once. These blends can be great if your skin’s feeling rough, uneven, or congested, and you want a little all-round reset.

And What About Retinol?

You’ve probably heard that retinol talked about as an age defying hero! But here’s what many people don’t realise:
Retinol (especially in its stronger forms and prescription strengths) increases cell turnover. In simple terms, it encourages your skin to shed old cells faster which is a kind of exfoliation from the inside out.

So yes, retinol technically acts like an exfoliator, even though it’s working deeper in the skin.

Should You Use Both Retinol and an Exfoliator?

Maybe, but gently!

Because retinol already encourages exfoliation, you don’t want to overwhelm your skin by piling too many exfoliators on top.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:

  • If your skin feels smooth and clear, your retinol might be doing enough exfoliation already.

  • If your skin still feels a bit rough or congested, you can try adding a gentle exfoliator (like a PHA or mild AHA/BHA) on separate days.

The key is balance, give your skin time to adjust and listen to how it responds. Redness, tightness, or flaking = too much exfoliation.

💧 Always Follow With Hydration

Freshly exfoliated skin is like a sponge,  it’s ready to soak up the good stuff. After exfoliating (or retinol), reach for your COABE Hydra-Firm Serum and or COABE Hydra-Smooth Moisturiser to:

  • Replenish hydration with hyaluronic acid and urea

  • Soothe with bisabolol, allantoin, botanical extracts and rice ferment

  • Strengthen with niacinamide and squalane and panthanol

Glowing skin isn’t just about exfoliating it’s about nourishing what’s underneath.

The Takeaway

Exfoliation doesn’t have to be complicated.

  • Sensitive? Go gentle with enzymes or PHAs.

  • Oily or breakout-prone? Try a BHA. or a blend of the two. 

  • Dry or dull? AHAs are your glow-getters.

  • Using retinol? You’re already exfoliating, add others only if your skin needs the extra help.

Treat your skin with kindness, not a scouring pad. A little smart exfoliation goes a long way to brighter, smoother, more radiant skin. 🌸

Hope it helps beautiful 

Much Love & Speak Soon 
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