How do I exfoliate my skin?

Author: Tara Erdman  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Physical Exfoliation Also sometimes known as “manual” or “mechanical” exfoliation, this type of exfoliation uses physical materials (like scrubs, brushes, or gloves) to remove dead skin cells. When applying this method, be sure to exfoliate in gentle, small, circular motions using only light pressure.

How can I exfoliate my skin at home?

Sugar Scrub: Mix sugar with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) to create a scrub. Gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water. Coffee Grounds: Use used coffee grounds to exfoliate. They can help remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation.

How do you exfoliate dead skin naturally?

What products do you use to exfoliate?

For oily skin, exfoliants with salicylic acid or glycolic acid can be beneficial in controlling excess oil and preventing clogged pores. Dry skin or skin that's very sensitive might benefit from gentle exfoliants with ingredients like lactic acid or fruit enzymes, which hydrate as they exfoliate.

What exfoliate do dermatologists recommend?

How to exfoliate | who needs it| who should avoid | Dermatologist explains

What is the best homemade exfoliator?

Mix 2 tbsp finely ground oatmeal with 1 tbsp honey and 1tbsp warm water to form a thick paste. Then, massage into your face (and/or body) and let it sit for 4 minutes to really absorb that oaty goodness before rinsing away with warm water. Use your scrub once or twice a week.

Does baking soda exfoliate skin?

Baking soda will exfoliate your skin — and it's cheap

He said there are a few perks to using baking soda: It actually does exfoliate your skin, it can also remove oil that can cause future acne, and it's cheap — you probably already have baking soda in your kitchen cabinet.

What is the best natural exfoliator?

How to get rid of built up dirt on skin?

Is it better to exfoliate dry or wet?

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.

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.

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.

Can coffee exfoliate skin?

Yes. Coffee scrub helps in deep and gentle exfoliation of your skin. It removes dead skin cells and gives your face a youthful glow.

What is the best inexpensive exfoliating scrub?

How to exfoliate skin in a shower?

What is the best natural moisturizer for skin?

What are the side effects of baking soda on the skin?

While not extensively studied, adverse effects with topical baking soda have been documented in case reports when used in excess, primarily for nontraditional at-home treatments. Side effects have included metabolic alkalosis and local irritation.

How to make a natural face exfoliator?

A silk reeler told me to make a scrub by putting a bit of white sugar in the palm of my hand and then adding a tiny drizzle of olive oil. Make a "paste" of that, rub gently to exfoliate (don't scrub or you'll tear your skin), then rinse off the sugar and pat dry.

What is the best home exfoliation?

Is it better to exfoliate with a sugar or salt scrub?

Sugar scrubs help exfoliate the skin gently and without removing its natural oils. Oily Skin: A salt scrub might be a better choice if you have oily skin because it helps to absorb extra oil and unclog pores.

What is the best homemade face cleanser?

Vitamin-C-rich fruits, milk, curd, honey, and egg are great to be used in homemade face cleansers. Avoid using ingredients that are too harsh or acidic. It's best to steer clear of lemon juice and baking soda as they can be quite stripping of hydration.