How long does it take to see results from exfoliating?

Author: Bernice Terry  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

For people with acne, it may take up to 8 weeks to see an improvement in the condition of their skin. For anti-aging benefits, it may take even longer to see the results. In general, consistent and regular exfoliation is important for maintaining the benefits of exfoliation.

How long does it take for exfoliators to work?

Typically, exfoliating once or twice a week can take about six weeks to see noticeable results, however, you can start seeing improvements after your first exfoliation.

How long does it take for exfoliation to lighten skin?

It usually takes four to six weeks to begin to see results. Use your products consistently and protect your skin from the sun with a daily moisturizer.

How often should you exfoliate?

Generally, exfoliating one to two times a week is ideal for most people. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, so balance is key. You can use a body scrub or a dry brush to help remove dead skin cells, which allows moisturizers to absorb more effectively and promotes smoother skin.

What should you not do after exfoliating?

After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.

5 Mistakes You’re Making With Exfoliation That Could Wreck Your Skin | Dr Sam Bunting

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 does over-exfoliation look like?

As your over-exfoliation worsens, your skin can become dry and flaky. Dry skin builds up dead skin cells faster, so you're more likely to see a layer of dead skin over the surface of your skin. This layer of dead skin can cause dry skin to look very dull. You may also see more redness than usual with dry skin.

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.

Should I 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.

Will exfoliating remove dark spots?

Exfoliation may not get rid of your dark spots or acne scars completely, but with regular practice, it can encourage cell turnover to reduce their appearance. Exfoliation can also help increase collagen production over time.

How long does it take for skin to regenerate after exfoliating?

For some, it takes just a few days. For others, it can take weeks. Meanwhile, for the unlucky few, they have a few months to wait. Either way, you need to give your skin as much time as it needs to heal.

Does exfoliation remove hair?

Well, exfoliating before hair removal helps to slough off dead skin cells, allowing for a closer and smoother hair removal experience. It helps prevent ingrown hairs and allows the hair to be removed more effectively, leaving you with silky, smooth skin.

Do you wash off after exfoliating?

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.

Does exfoliating purge skin?

Skin purges are usually triggered by chemicals that exfoliate your skin, such as retinols, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

How should skin feel after exfoliating?

Think about how good the skin feels after you've exfoliated it. It feels smoother, softer, and more supple than before. That's because exfoliating removes the “gunk” built up from dirt, excess oil, and bacteria that clog pores and give your skin a duller appearance.

What not to do after exfoliating?

The raw, exposed flesh after exfoliation is susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can cause premature aging, irritations, and even skin cancer. Therefore, while you get your moisturizer to hydrate your skin, include the sunscreen and protect the surface.

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 happens if you never exfoliate?

"Nothing happens if you don't exfoliate — you just walk around with bumpy or slightly dry skin, which is inconsequential except for cosmetic reasons," Dr. Reynolds says. "No one has to exfoliate, but it can be helpful to exfoliate the arms and legs," she adds.

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.

Does exfoliating help wrinkles?

There are long-term benefits to exfoliation, too. For one, long-term exfoliation can help increase collagen production. If you want to avoid wrinkles for as long as possible, then collagen is definitely something you want more of in your skin.

What are the 3 types of exfoliation?

Types of chemical exfoliants fall into three classes: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and poly hydroxy acids (PHAs): AHAs.

Why do I still have dead skin after exfoliating?

Irregular or improper cleansing can prolong the presence of dead skin cells by leaving oils and cosmetics on the skin. Exfoliating only needs to be done either once or twice a week, not daily.

Previous article
How do Korean people lighten their skin?
Next article
Which country has the most beauty people?