Do you exfoliate on dry or wet skin?

Author: Dr. Lonny Reinger  |  Last update: Monday, September 8, 2025

It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier.

Is it better to exfoliate wet or dry skin?

Exfoliating wet skin is generally considered more effective and gentle than exfoliating dry skin. Here's why: Gentler on the Skin: Wet skin is softer, which can help reduce irritation and damage that might occur with dry exfoliation.

Is face scrub better on wet or dry skin?

The effectiveness of these treatments varies depending on the type of exfoliant used. For a scrub with granules, it is recommended to apply it on damp skin to fully benefit from its properties. As for chemical exfoliants such as peels, their effectiveness is generally optimal when applied to dry skin.

Should my face be wet when exfoliating?

In general, when using a physical exfoliator, you should rub the product in small circular motions on wet skin for about 30 seconds, then wash it off with lukewarm water. You can apply chemical exfoliators using a cotton pad to sweep it across the skin or, if it's a serum, you can use your fingers.

Should you put lactic acid on wet or dry skin?

Should You Put Lactic Acid on Wet or Dry Skin? Short answer: Always apply lactic acid when your skin is dry.

Dry Skin? Don’t Buy A Moisturizer (Here’s The ACTUAL Science)

Is it better to exfoliate at night or in the morning?

When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.

Is rubbing dead skin off bad?

“The best practice is to avoid over-scrubbing because you want to maintain a healthy and intact skin barrier,” Dr. Khalifian notes. Going too hard can leave your skin red and irritated. Use it after cleansing, and always follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration.

What is the best exfoliating method?

Be gentle to your skin.

If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes.

What exfoliate do dermatologists recommend?

Size: 1.7 oz.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Courtesy of brand. ...
  • Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner. ...
  • Best for Combination Skin: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. ...
  • Best for Dry Skin: RéVive Enzyme Essence Daily Resurfacing Treatment.

What is the black stuff when I rub my skin?

The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.

What is the best exfoliator for very dry skin?

Exfoliators for Dry Skin
  • REN Clean Skincare 3.
  • REN CLEAN SKINCARE 1.
  • Sarah Chapman 1.
  • Skin Regimen 1.
  • StriVectin 1.
  • SVR Laboratoires 1.
  • The INKEY List 4.
  • The Ordinary 1.

Should I use body scrub on wet or dry skin?

A body scrub should be applied on wet, clean skin. So, start with using a gentle soap or body wash to clean the body without stripping it of the natural oils.

Do I moisturize or exfoliate first?

Whether you use your exfoliator in the morning or evening make sure you apply a moisturizer after exfoliating to perfectly prep your skin for makeup or the day ahead, or feed your skin effective, plump-effect, moisturizing ingredients overnight!

How many times a week should you exfoliate dry skin?

If you have normal skin, you can probably exfoliate two to three times a week. If you have dry skin, you may want to exfoliate only once a week or every other week, and make sure to stay away from harsh exfoliants. If you have oily skin, you can exfoliate three to four times a week if your skin can handle it.

What is the GREY stuff coming off my skin?

The grey stuff that comes off after rubbing your skin is a mixture of dead skin cells and dirt. The body sheds around 500 million particles of skin every day as the epidermis produces a new layer.

Why does no dead skin come off when I exfoliate?

The sebum produced by the sebaceous glands can cause dead cells to stick together. These clumps of dead skin can lead to clogged pores and a buildup on the skin's surface. In addition, excess oil production can also prevent exfoliating acids from doing their job correctly.

When should you not exfoliate?

And don't use exfoliants if you have acne, open sores or a sunburn. “Your skin is already injured, and exfoliation may lead to further irritation, darkening or lightening of the skin, and even scarring,” he says.

What order to do skin care?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

Should you moisturize after exfoliating?

While you might want to have glowing, freshly-exfoliated skin every day, over-exfoliating can cause damage to your skin and its natural barrier. Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.

What is better, glycolic acid or lactic acid?

For those with normal and oily skin types, and for those who deal with uneven texture, glycolic acid may make the better choice since it can penetrate more deeply into the skin layer. Meanwhile, lactic acid is an exfoliant that is on the milder side, making it particularly suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Should vitamin C be applied to damp or dry skin?

You'll want to apply your vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin. “As far as active ingredients go, vitamin C is quite unstable, and it's easily affected by outside elements such as air, light and moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

What not to mix with lactic acid?

Avoid pairing lactic acid with other active ingredients that can potentially cause irritation, including:
  • Retinol.
  • Enzymes.
  • Benzoyl peroxide.
  • Other AHAs and BHAs.

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