3 Steps to Brighter, Smoother Skin: Dr. Nassif’s At-Home Exfoliation System Explained

Exfoliation is an essential component of any skincare routine. As it helps remove dead skin cells, it also removes dullness and roughness, allowing new cells to rise to the surface. Exfoliating products boost the effectiveness of other skincare products, allowing the active ingredients to penetrate more efficiently and deeply. 

While the impulse might be to turn to medical spa treatments for exfoliation, and they offer some great options, you can also exfoliate at home with spa-level results from NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare. 

You only need three steps: detox pads, microdermabrasion and glycolic peel together, and a weekly resurfacing peel. Today’s article will walk you through all the details. Keep reading as we explore:

• What is AHA and BHA?
• Nassif MD detox pads
• Difference between glycolic peel and microdermabrasion
• Overnight resurfacing peel
• Steps for a skincare routine

The Role of AHA and BHA in Exfoliation 

Before we dive into Dr. Nassif’s 3-step at-home exfoliation process, let’s look at AHA and BHA. AHA, alpha-hydroxy acids, and BHA, beta-hydroxy acids, are both natural molecules that work as chemical exfoliants. Instead of rubbing your skin with something abrasive to exfoliate it physically, AHA and BHA work with your skin chemistry to release dead skin cells (and dirt and impurities), allowing them to be washed away or sloughed off. 

NassifMD® Skincare utilizes both AHA and BHA. AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and phytic acid. BHAs include salicylic acid. Consistent use of AHA BHA skincare supports overall skin health and offers preventative anti-aging benefits, including:

• Improving skin texture
• Improving skin tone
• Reducing the appearance of fine lines
• Increasing skin firmness
• Increasing skin hydration
• Stimulating collagen production
• And more! 

Sometimes you’ll find both in one product, and other times you’ll see just one. You don’t need to choose AHA vs BHA; you can use both, which is what you’ll find with Dr. Nassif’s exfoliation protocol.

Daily Benefits of Detox Pads for Skin 

The first step in Dr. Nassif’s at-home exfoliation system is to incorporate NassifMD® Detox Facial Pads into your skincare routine order. After cleansing and as part of your evening skincare routine, wipe your face with an individual pad. Each pad is formulated with a blend of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, including salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, along with bakuchiol, ectoin, and vitamin C. Your skin will get moisturizing benefits along with deep exfoliation in a cool, cleansing, and refreshing at-home treatment. 

How to use:

• Start by using two to three times per week as part of your evening skincare routine and increase to daily use as your skin allows.
• If you experience any redness or peeling, use less frequently until your skin adjusts.
• If you have oily skin, you can also use detox pads as part of your morning skincare routine.
• If you have sensitive skin and salicylic acid is too strong, try NassifMD® Detox Facial Pads – Gentle instead.
• If desired or in a pinch, you can use detox pads in place of your facial cleanser.
• You don’t need to rinse your face after using detox pads; continue with the rest of your skincare routine steps

How Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish Smooths Texture

For at-home exfoliation, the second step is adding NassifMD® Glycolic Microdermabrasion Skin Perfecting Polish. Microdermabrasion refers to a medical spa exfoliating treatment that offers skin resurfacing benefits and is considered safe for all skin types. Glycolic acid peels are another popular exfoliating treatment at medical spas. Dr. Nassif offers an at-home version with glycolic acid and microdermabrasion benefits that you can seamlessly add to your skincare routine.

NassifMD® Glycolic Microdermabrasion Skin Perfecting Polish contains 10% glycolic acid plus Ecuadorian ivory palm seeds (a physical exfoliant) in a cleansing formula. It also includes the plant-based retinol alternative, Luremin, and ectoin for full-spectrum anti-aging benefits.

Unlike NassifMD® Detox Facial Pads, which you leave on the skin, you use Skin Perfecting Polish as you would a cleanser, massaging it into damp skin, and rinsing off with warm water. Then, follow with the rest of your skincare routine. Be sure to use sunscreen, as increasing skin turnover through exfoliation does leave the skin more vulnerable to sun damage. 

Why a Weekly Resurfacing Peel Transforms Skin 

For the third step in your at-home exfoliating protocol, use NassifMD® Micro-Spa Radiance Resurfacing Peel, the at-home version of a popular treatment at NassifMD® Med Spas. This resurfacing peel is a two-step treatment to refresh and experience immediate skin improvements. Use once or twice weekly. 

Step One is the Radiance Resurfacing Mask with Vitamin C Crystals. It gently exfoliates the skin while infusing antioxidant protection. Apply a teaspoon-sized amount to damp skin and gently massage into the skin in a circular motion. 

Step Two is the Radiance Activating AHA/BHA Gel with lactic acid and salicylic acid. Apply this product over the Radiance Resurfacing Mask with your fingertips. As the product activates, you’ll feel a warming sensation, and it will begin to foam. If you have sensitive skin, let the foam rest for a few minutes before washing off. For normal or oily skin, you can continue massaging into the skin for several additional minutes before rinsing away. 

Building a Skincare Routine with Exfoliation Steps

Incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine is just as important as cleansing and moisturizing. Exfoliation supports the skin’s natural process of releasing old, dead skin cells and regenerating new skin below. 

The good news is that exfoliation is relatively easy to incorporate into a basic skincare routine at home. Here are some places in your skincare routine where you easily achieve the benefits of exfoliation:

1. Cleanse – Use a dual-action cleanser and exfoliator, such as NassifMD® Glycolic Microdermabrasion Skin Perfecting Polish. NassifMD® Pure Glycolic Facial Cleanser or NassifMD® Dawn to Dusk AM + PM are other options. 
2. Use detox pads – After cleansing, incorporate NassifMD® Detox Facial Pads anywhere from a couple of times per week to twice daily.
3. Use weekly treatments – Incorporate NassifMD® Micro-Spa Radiance Resurfacing Peel once or twice weekly.
4. Continue with the rest of your skincare routine – Use facial serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen after exfoliation (in that order).

The best skincare routine is one that works with your skin and utilizes high-quality skincare ingredients in synergistic formulas. Additionally, you want your skincare routine to hydrate, nourish, protect, and exfoliate. If you’re missing the exfoliation piece, now’s the time to add it with simple at-home treatments from NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare. 

References

1. Green, B. A., Yu, R. J., & Van Scott, E. J. (2009). Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids.Clinics in dermatology, 27(5), 495–501.
2. Shah M, Crane JS. Microdermabrasion. [Updated 2023 Jun 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535383/