How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face for Best Skin Health and Results

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Exfoliating two to three times a week is ideal for most skin types. This balance removes dead cells without over-stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, dryness, and even increased oil production.

For sensitive or dry skin, once a week might be enough. Harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants should be used with caution on these skin types to avoid causing redness or inflammation. On the other hand, oily skin can typically handle more frequent exfoliation. It can be done up to four times a week. This helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Choosing the right product is just as important as the frequency. Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs offer a gentler, more even exfoliation compared to physical scrubs. If you prefer a scrub, opt for one with fine grains to avoid microtears in the skin.

Choosing the Right Exfoliation Frequency for Your Skin Type

For dry skin, 1-2 times a week is ideal. Excessive scrubbing can lead to more irritation and dehydration. Opt for gentle, hydrating formulas to avoid compromising the skin’s moisture barrier.

Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA – a hydrating exfoliant with glycolic acid.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA – a mild lactic acid exfoliant that also hydrates.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads – convenient pads with glycolic and lactic acid for gentle exfoliation.

Oily skin can tolerate more frequent treatments–up to 3 times weekly. Exfoliation helps clear clogged pores, reducing the risk of breakouts. Look for salicylic acid-based products that penetrate pores effectively.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – a cult-favorite salicylic acid treatment for unclogging pores.

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – Korean BHA formula, effective yet not too harsh.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – a salicylic acid cleanser that helps reduce breakouts.

If the skin is sensitive, stick to once a week or even every 10 days. Harsh scrubs can cause redness and irritation. Choose products with lactic acid, which is milder and less likely to inflame the skin.

Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel – a soft exfoliating lotion with fruit acids.

Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub — hypoallergenic, with micro-fine granules that buff skin gently without irritation. Very well reviewed by people with sensitive skin.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – a rice-based enzyme powder that exfoliates without irritation.

Combination skin needs a balanced approach. Exfoliate 2 times a week, adjusting the intensity depending on the areas that are oilier or drier. You may use different products for each zone.

Use BHA (like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA) on oily areas (T-zone) and a gentler AHA (like The Ordinary Lactic Acid) on drier cheeks.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution,– a stronger option for experienced users, but should be applied carefully and only occasionally.

Aging skin benefits from exfoliation about twice a week. It helps remove dead cells and boosts cell turnover. Focus on products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which improve texture and skin tone.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution – improves skin texture and radiance.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial – Exfoliating Face Mask– a potent AHA/BHA mask for more advanced exfoliation.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment – a luxury lactic acid formula for smoother, brighter skin

Signs You’re Over-Exfoliating and How to Avoid It

Redness, irritation, and peeling skin are clear signs that you may be exfoliating too often. If your skin feels tight, reduce the frequency of exfoliation. Also, if your skin is sensitive to the touch, you need to exfoliate less. Over-exfoliation can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, resulting in dehydration and a dull appearance.

Breakouts may appear more frequently when the skin is stressed. The skin might produce more oil in response to over-exfoliation. Skin might also become more prone to sunburn and sensitivity to products due to weakened defenses.

To prevent this, limit abrasive scrubs to once or twice a week. Opt for gentler chemical exfoliants with lower concentrations of acids if irritation persists. Always give the skin time to recover between treatments, and use moisturizing products to help restore hydration and barrier strength.

Q&A:

How often should I exfoliate my face to get the best results?

Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most skin types. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, so it’s important to listen to your skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to stick to once a week. Oilier or thicker skin types may tolerate exfoliating twice a week.

Can exfoliating too often damage my skin?

Yes, over-exfoliating can cause damage to the skin. It can lead to redness, dryness, or peeling. The skin’s protective barrier might also be weakened, making it more susceptible to infections and other irritations. It’s best to give your skin time to recover between exfoliation sessions.

What signs indicate that I’m exfoliating too much?

Signs of over-exfoliation include redness, irritation, flakiness, and increased sensitivity to products. If your skin feels tight, it may be time to cut back on exfoliating. Give your skin a break if it feels uncomfortable or starts peeling unexpectedly.

How do I know which exfoliant is right for my skin type?

Choosing the right exfoliant depends on your skin type. For sensitive skin, look for gentle exfoliants with mild ingredients like lactic acid or fruit enzymes. Oily or acne-prone skin might benefit from stronger exfoliants like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Always patch-test new products to see how your skin reacts.

What happens if I don’t exfoliate my skin regularly?

Not exfoliating regularly can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells, making your complexion look dull and uneven. Pores might also become clogged, leading to breakouts. Exfoliating helps promote cell turnover, giving your skin a fresher and brighter appearance.

How often should I exfoliate my face for the best results?

The ideal frequency for exfoliating your face depends on your skin type. For most people, exfoliating 2-3 times a week is a good balance. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to limit it to once a week to avoid irritation. On the other hand, if you have oilier skin, you might be able to exfoliate more often, even daily. Listen to your skin’s needs and adjust accordingly to avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to dryness or redness.