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.
It is recommended not to exfoliate your skin every day. Two to three times a week for normal and combination skin, and once a week for sensitive skin. People with excessively oily skin may need to exfoliate on a daily basis. People with drier skin may use chemical-based exfoliants.
There are a few general rules to follow, though. 1) It's good to exfoliate at night in order to encourage skin repair while you sleep—but if you use harsh and irritating ingredients like retinol at night, opt for exfoliating in the morning. 2) Watch out for red, irritated skin and little bumps.
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.
It's generally recommended to exfoliate your skin 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type. Sensitive or dry skin should exfoliate less frequently, while oily or acne-prone skin can handle more regular exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, so it's important to listen to your skin's needs.
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.
You can exfoliate wet skin, as many people do with a loofah or a scrub in the shower, but the friction level is different when the skin cells are moist, Karen said. The dry method will help you to more effectively exfoliate, plus it's less messy, Gohara noted.
Exfoliating helps to remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can cause your skin surface to be uneven and dry. Exfoliating will leave you with clear, unclogged skin that will likely be smooth and radiant.
Ideally, on the days that you exfoliate, you should cleanse first to unclog pores, then exfoliate to remove dead cells, and follow it with a rich, healing moisturizer (and sunscreen if you elect to exfoliate in the morning).
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.
“Depending on your skin, you might not notice any difference. However, a lack of exfoliation can contribute to acne breakouts, in particular blackhead or comedone formation (i.e plugged pores). In the case of dry skin, under exfoliating can also hinder the absorption of active ingredients in moisturizers.
You can use a washcloth, muslin cloth, or a microfiber cloth. Avoid using anything too rough or abrasive, as it can irritate your skin.
If you have a sensitive skin one can also have allergic reactions to the chemicals present in the synthetic scrubs as well. 2. Over scrubbing can result in open pores which are exposed to pollution and UV rays at the same time. It also leaves your skin more prone to infections and tanning.
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.
Esthetician Taylor Worden adds there are other signs your skin is over-exfoliated, including redness, dryness, burning, peeling, rashes, breakouts, inflammation, tenderness, and stinging.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. This results in a more radiant appearance and better absorption of skincare products. By exfoliating, you are stimulating collagen production, which improves the texture and integrity of your skin and makes it look plump and tight.
Follow with moisturizer.
Exfoliating can be drying to the skin. Apply moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
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.
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.