“I’m new to using exfoliating pads, but lately my eczema breakouts are leaving hyperpigmentation behind almost immediately, so I’m in need of a little more regular exfoliation. I had tried a few different exfoliating toners but hadn’t seen a significant change until I started using these. My facialist commented on how much better my dark spots looked after a month of use. They don’t sting, smell strongly, or leave my face feeling dry.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
“I have combination skin, and my biggest concerns at the moment are dullness and uneven texture, so I’m always looking for something that can help with both. These pads leave my skin feeling noticeably softer and smoother right after I swipe them on, though I do experience some tightness afterward. It’s nothing that particularly bothers me, especially since I usually follow up with a moisturizer or hydrating serum.
I also get a little redness for about 15 minutes after using them, but that’s pretty standard for me. My skin is on the sensitive side, and pretty much any exfoliating product makes it temporarily red. The good news? About an hour later, my skin looks surprisingly smooth and bright, with no redness in sight.
I don’t use these every day, but after seeing TikTok creators use them to prep their skin before makeup, I’ve started doing the same on weekends.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
“No matter what time of the year it is, my combination skin needs consistent exfoliation to look its best—or, at the very least, brighter and more even-toned. By far, the easiest way to decongest my pores is whipping out one of the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads and giving my T-zone a very proper run-through. Lactic acid is super effective at buffing away dead skin and uneven texture, and I swear my skin is noticeably softer and brighter with each use.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
“I usually stay clear of exfoliating pads because most formulas can feel harsh on my dry to very dry skin. This is one of very few formulas that didn’t make my skin feel ‘tight’ or burned immediately after. Instead, it surprisingly felt soothing and hydrating, likely from the addition of glycerin and shea butter in the formula, even when I’ve used it repeatedly in a row. Though it suggests twice daily, my skin has found it comfortable enough to swipe the pads twice a week during my evening routine—so far, I have enjoyed the glowing results in the AM.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor
Meet the experts
- Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park Ave Derm based in New York City
- Farhaad Riyaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Plymouth, Michigan
- Chang Son, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey
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