While a good exfoliator might not be the first thing to come to every man’s mind when he’s considering essentials of his medicine cabinet, the benefits of such a product are substantial. First and foremost, exfoliation helps us maintain a clear, smooth, and vibrant complexion by ridding some of the impurities that hamper it: dirt, oil, and the outer layers of dead skin cells. This doesn’t just cleanse our faces deeply: It can give them a youthful and energized cast by stimulating the skin and exposing fresher skin beneath. There are other advantages to exfoliating, though. Shedding away that dead skin can help prevent against the ingrown hairs that can be such a pernicious problem while shaving, causing razor bumps and other inflammation. A curled hair strand may have its tip lodged in the outer skin-cell coating, an issue that can be ameliorated by sloughing that away and freeing the strand.

You’ll find here a collection of exfoliators ideal for whatever your situation or skin type might be. There are products specifically designed for the pre-shave ritual, heightening your chances of a clean, non-irritating shave. Others are routine exfoliators for your thorough cleansing routine. Those with sensitive skin might seek out a gentler exfoliator, which purifies and smoothes the face without causing irritation.