Style Skincare These Radiance-Boosting Exfoliating Masks Are the Keys To Aging Gracefully They're the glow-boosting golden ticket, even if you have sensitive skin. By Patricia Shannon Patricia Shannon Patricia Shannon gives how-to content a can-do attitude, sharing her knowledge and research on housekeeping, decorating, gardening, etiquette, beauty, and more. She has been writing and editing lifestyle content for more than a decade. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on January 25, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Getty/Anna Efetova Gone are the days when we thought exfoliating mean scrubbing our faces with one of those abrasive, sandy-feeling cleansers. Even the scrubbing brushes we swore by for smoother skin when we were younger can be far too rough as we age. Now is the time to treat ourselves with a skin-care routine that puts back in more than it takes out. Boosting cell-turnover, removing spent cells, and purging pores of impurities is paramount, but we need to do it in a way that doesn't strip the complexion of its nutrients and natural oils in the process. When used in moderation, both AHAs and BHAs are effective exfoliators that can gently renew and replenish without compromising the skin barrier, sensitizing skin, or plain-old being too abrasive. Here we've gathered a list of top-rated exfoliators that call on these wonder active ingredients for all of the glow and none of the harsh side effects. Our Top Picks Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore-Clearing Mask at Target Jump to Review Herbivore AHA + BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial at Sephora Jump to Review buttah Charcoal Detox Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask at Walmart Jump to Review Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Brightening Essence at Amazon Jump to Review Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask at Amazon Jump to Review Summer Fridays Overtime Mask at Sephora Jump to Review Soap & Glory No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore-Clearing Mask Target View On Target Salicylic acid (BHA) is an exfoliant that seeps into the pores, purging them of impurities and excess oils. Use this build-up-reducing mask once a week, focusing on areas that are prone to blackheads like the chin, nose, and cheeks. Apply the mask to your face, then dampen your hands and gently work it into your skin. You'll feel a quick flash of heat as the mask activates. Let it sit for five minutes before rinsing with a warm cloth. Herbivore PRISM Botanical AHA + BHA Exfoliating Glow Facial Sephora View On Sephora View On Anthropologie View On Beautybay.com Don't let that smooth, jelly texture fool you, it contains fruit-based alpha hydroxy acids that help eliminate dead skin cells to aid in new skin cell generation. The result? Younger, glowier skin with decreased hyperpigmentation. AHAs can increase sun sensitivity so be extra vigilant about your daily SPF application. buttah Charcoal Detox Mask 4.6 Bloomingdale's View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta Purge pores and smooth skin with a replenishing mask that not only purifies with activated charcoal powder and bentonite and kaolin clay, but also deeply penetrates with shea butter and argan oil. These essential fatty acids smooth and soften the skin while sodium hyaluronate packs in moisture. Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer 4.3 Sephora View On Walmart View On Target View On Sephora You'll get three layers of exfoliation with this mask: pumpkin enzyme smooths the skin's surface; alpha hydroxy acid chemically peels to reveal a brighter complexion, and aluminum oxide crystals buff the skin's surface for smoother, more even texture. Use one or two times per week. Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Brightening Essence Amazon View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore Lighten dark spots and reduce textural and dullness issues with a mask that's being hailed an at-home facial. It calls on natural alpha hydroxy acid and glycolic acid to refine, exfoliate, and smooth skin's texture and surface, while vine sap-derived Viniferine acts as a highly potent brightener, proven to be 62 times more effective than skin-care-industry-beloved vitamin C. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask 4.8 Sephora View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta An AHA blend pairs with salicylic acid (BHA) to penetrate skin, unclog pores, and renew the skin's surface so you're left with a brighter, smoother, and clearer complexion. Use this treatment once weekly and don't combine with any other potent treatments—particularly when you're starting out. After rinsing off the mask, apply a super soothing oil or moisturizer, like Drunk Elephant's Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, which comes included with your Babyfacial purchase. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Kohls.com Sephora You'll get a whopping dose of hydration along with gentle exfoliating benefits when you slather on this pretty-as-can-be mask before bedtime. Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and peony root provide moisture, radiance-boosting and skin-soothing benefits, and protection against external aggressors. All you have to do is hit snooze. Summer Fridays Overtime Mask Courtesy of Amazon View On Sephora If you need a complexion game changer that will boost glow stat, this pumpkin-enzyme-packed tube is the answer. It pairs oat kernel proteins, beta carotene, pumpkin, and apricot seed powder to gently and effectively exfoliate by boosting cell turnover and increasing blood flow to the skin—hello, plumped-up fine lines. Massage the formula onto the skin for 60 seconds, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Gently rinse the mask off with warm water. Use it up to twice a week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit