Why it’s worth it: If your complexion has been looking more somber than cheery, First Aid Beauty’s Bright & Glow Radiance Pads are a one-step shortcut to a glowier complexion. Glycolic and lactic acids gently slough away any grime or buildup—the very stuff that leaves skin lackluster—while smoothing over rough patches, bumps, and uneven texture. For an extra brightening boost, the formula pairs citrus and other fruit extracts with potent hydrators, such as hyaluronic acid, cucumber water, and aloe, to help keep skin feeling fresh and never stripped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are exfoliating pads good for your skin?
Yes, exfoliating pads can be a great addition to your skin-care routine, especially when used correctly. “Exfoliating pads usually have superficial chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and/or PHAs, which gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells and debris, improving the appearance of the skin’s texture and tone,” says Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. By clearing away buildup, these acids can help unclog pores, smooth rough patches, and give your skin a brighter, more even look. “I love exfoliating pads and use them almost every day,” she adds. Just be sure to pick a formula suited to your skin type to reduce the risk of irritation, and ease into the formula (see below) if you’re new to acids.
How many times a week should you use exfoliating pads?
How often you should use exfoliating pads depends on your skin type and the strength of the formula, but easing in gradually is key. “When starting with these products, it’s best to introduce only two days a week,” says Dr. Wolinsky. While pads can be used morning or night, and even for daily use (depending on the formula), she personally prefers using them in the morning to lightly exfoliate before applying her vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. (Emphasis on SPF, as exfoliants make your skin more sensitive to light.) Others may enjoy using them at night for that extra-clean feeling before bed. One important note for beginners: “I would be cautious about using exfoliating pads with a retinoid, since both can be irritating,” she says. If you’re using both, she suggests alternating nights to avoid overwhelming your skin.
Meet the experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Perrysburg, Ohio
- Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh
- Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Encinitas, California
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best exfoliating pads, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from makeup artists, dermatologists, and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
