"Mechanical exfoliation can improve skin luster by taking off a dead layer of skin that can make it look dull," Dr. Reynolds says. "And it can help unclog pores a bit, which can reduce some types of acne."
In short: nothing. “There is no harm in not exfoliating,” says Lipner. Skin may appear slightly more dull, but it will self-exfoliate in a few weeks. It is tempting to turn to products and devices to improve our skin, says Alam.
Below are dermatologist-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite products that contain exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and BHAs and are in line with experts' guidance. Although some of these products may be safe for daily use, experts recommend exfoliating one to three times a week.
Over-exfoliation may have the opposite effect of beautifying your skin. This can come from either exfoliating too often or scrubbing too hard. This can remove too much skin, causing dryness or irritation. Exfoliating creams should be kept away from children.
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.
Poor exfoliation is a leading cause of blackheads and whiteheads, some of the most common signs of acne. You can also develop “undergrowth” without regular exfoliation. This is comprised of not only dead skin cells but also trapped dirt and oil, which can lead to ingrown hairs.
“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.
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.
Follow with moisturizer.
Exfoliating can be drying to the skin. Apply moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Possible Reason: Dry or sensitive skin
If you have especially reactive, dry or sensitive skin, you may want to limit how often you exfoliate your face or avoid it altogether. Sensitive skin is easily irritated, and exfoliating can cause further irritation.
If an area feels dry and/or rough, it might be time to exfoliate. Important: if this same patch of skin is also irritated, red or itchy, that is a sure sign not to exfoliate.
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.
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 facial scrubs can remove the build-up of dead skin cells, they will not get rid of blackheads or pimples caused by clogged pores. To stop these nasties from forming, you need a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
Dry, sensitive skin
For people with dry or sensitive skin, exfoliating twice a week is the maximum frequency dermatologists recommend. You may want to exfoliate only once a week or even every other week if you use products that can cause dryness and irritation, such as retinoids.
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.
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.
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.
If a person squeezes or 'extracts' a sebaceous filament, a white or yellow worm-like structure may ooze out. Or, the filament may not produce anything. Trying to extract sebaceous filaments can injure the skin and cause scarring. It can also damage and stretch the pore, making it appear bigger.
A Korean body scrub, or seshin, is a traditional exfoliation treatment performed in Korean bathhouses. Using textured mitts, the skin is vigorously scrubbed after a steam or soak to remove dead skin cells and reveal smooth, rejuvenated skin.
Allergic reactions, skin conditions, and vaginal infections can all cause dry, flaky skin. Close-fitting clothes and intimate cleaning products can irritate the skin, which can cause the same symptoms. The best treatment will depend on the cause of the issue.
Dermatitis neglecta is a skin condition that can occur when a person does not or cannot thoroughly wash and exfoliate the skin. Dead skin cells, oils, bacteria, and other factors can buildup, leading to scaly plaques that may be hard to remove. These plaques may be hyperpigmented and firm.