How do you exfoliate your skin step by step?

Author: Margaretta Kunde  |  Last update: Sunday, August 24, 2025

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. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

Do you exfoliate on dry or wet 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.

What is the best exfoliating routine?

The Head-to-Toe Exfoliation Routine I Do Every Sunday Night
  • Step 1: Dry Brush Your Entire Body
  • Step 2: Use a Body Peel Pad With Glycolic Acid
  • Step 3: In the Shower, Shave Any Areas of the Body (As Desired)
  • Step 4: Use a Gentle Facial Cleanser to Remove All Dirt, Makeup, and Oil
  • Step 5: Moisturize Your Entire Body

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.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

How to Properly Exfoliate Your Skin

What removes dead skin from the body?

Mechanical Exfoliation: in contrast to chemical exfoliation, mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin physically. This technique may involve the use of a soft brush or a washcloth to gently rub in circles on the face. Most effective on normal to oily skin types, this tends to be more harsh than chemical exfoliation.

How to exfoliate under eyes?

Choose products specifically tailored for use under the eyes—check labels to make sure there's no warning against using the product near the eyes. Only exfoliate the skin under the eyes and on the corners where crow's feet form, not the eyelids or directly under the lash line.

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 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.

How to exfoliate feet?

Soak the feet in warm water to soften the dead skin. Wet the pumice stone or foot file with warm water. Gently rub the pumice stone or foot file over the dead skin or callus. Use circular motions with a pumice stone and gentle back-and-forth motions with a foot file.

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.

Do you exfoliate or soap first?

Cleansing before scrubbing is often recommended. By first removing dirt, sweat, and makeup, you create a clean canvas for exfoliation. This allows the scrub to effectively target dead skin cells without being hindered by surface debris.

Is it better to exfoliate with a brush or scrub?

For exfoliation, a body scrub is the go-to option. Exfoliation is its sole purpose, sloughing off dead skin cells for incredibly soft and smooth skin. A dry brush, on the other hand, does exfoliate your skin a bit but its real magic lies in its benefits for your circulation.

What is the best exfoliator for the eye area?

The best type of exfoliant for your eye area is glycolic because it is able to be formulated to fit any type of skin, including delicate eye areas.

Does exfoliation help wrinkles?

Aging skin has more fine lines and wrinkles. Exfoliation helps reduce the appearance of these lines and wrinkles by promoting cell turnover.

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.

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.

How to properly exfoliate?

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. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

What is double cleansing?

“Double cleansing means cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser,” explains Dr. Wu. The first step of using an oil-based cleanser is helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen.

What is a good face oil?

Our top picks for face oils in 2024:
  • Best Face Oil Overall. Naturium Plant Squalane Face Oil 100% Read more.
  • Best Drugstore Face Oil. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil. Read more.
  • Best Face Oil on Amazon. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Skin Therapy Oil. Read more.

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