How Often to Exfoliate Your Face and Body
If your glow seems to have taken a little vacation, your skin might just be asking for a refresh. Regular exfoliation will help to improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. Exfoliation helps sweep away dulling dead skin cells, so your complexion and body feel smooth, radiant, and ready for anything. When you exfoliate, you are using chemical, granular molecules, or an exfoliator tool (like an exfoliating brush) to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It should be a staple in your skin care routine, and no set of the best skin care products is complete without an exfoliating scrub.
But not all skin is created equal; the delicate skin on your face needs a different rhythm than, say, your elbows or legs. And how often you exfoliate depends on a few personal factors, too. So, how do you find that sweet spot between not enough and overdoing it? Let’s break it down, from head to toe.
Key Takeaways
- Regular exfoliation sweeps away dull surface cells, revealing softer, smoother, visibly more radiant skin.
- Your face and body have different exfoliation needs. The skin on your face is more delicate, so it’s important to tailor your exfoliation method and frequency.
- Over-exfoliating is real and avoidable. Signs like dryness and tightness mean it’s time to scale back and let your skin recover.
- Always moisturize after exfoliating. Lock in the glow with a nourishing cream or oil.
- Choosing the right exfoliator for your skin makes all the difference and ensures effective exfoliation without irritation.
What is exfoliating?
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells that build up on the surface of your skin. It’s one of those small-but-mighty steps that helps your skin look smoother, feel softer, and reflect light better. There are a few ways to exfoliate, and each one offers a slightly different experience.
Manual exfoliation uses physical particles or tools to buff away buildup; think gentle scrubs or textured cloths. Chemical exfoliation works with skin-friendly acids like AHAs or BHAs that help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, so they can slough off easily. And enzyme exfoliation? That’s the fruit-powered option, using naturally-derived enzymes (like papaya or pineapple) to nibble away at the surface for a more delicate touch.
Finding the right exfoliation method is about knowing what your skin loves, and how much it can handle.
What does exfoliating do?
From the day you were born, your skin has been naturally shedding dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin to reveal the new cells underneath. However, as time goes by, the process in which our body naturally exfoliates begins to slow down and dead skin cells start to clump and stick. They can gather in facial lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable, or clog up pores and create dry, flaky skin patches.
Think of exfoliation as a gentle reset button for your skin. Exfoliating helps whisk those dead cells away, creating space for fresh, radiant skin to shine through.
When you exfoliate regularly (but not too often), you’re helping your skin do what it’s already trying to do, just more effectively. That means improved texture, a smoother feel, and skin that’s better able to absorb your serums and moisturizer. In other words, exfoliation helps your entire routine work harder.
It’s also a game-changer for glow. Light reflects more evenly off a freshly exfoliated surface, giving you that lit-from-within look. Plus, exfoliating can help reduce the appearance of rough patches or visible dryness on the body, especially in areas like elbows, knees, and heels.
Done right, it’s a feel-good step with glow-boosting payoff.
How to exfoliate your face
Exfoliating your face is all about balance; giving your skin a fresh start without tipping into irritation. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Start with clean, damp skin
A gentle cleanser preps your skin and helps your exfoliator work more effectively. Lukewarm water is ideal to prevent dryness.
2. Choose the right exfoliator for your skin
Your face is more delicate than the rest of your body, so you want a
3. Massage gently, don’t scrub
Apply the exfoliator in small circles, avoiding the eye area. Let the product do the work, not your fingers.
4. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry
Use lukewarm water and a soft towel to pat your skin dry; don’t rub your face, it can cause wrinkles and irritation.
5. Follow with a hydrating moisturizer
This step is key. After exfoliation, your skin is ready to soak up moisture. Apply your favorite cream while skin is still slightly damp.
How to exfoliate your body
Exfoliating your body is one of those small rituals that feels as good as it looks. It smooths rough spots, boosts radiance, and helps everything from your body lotion to self-tanner apply more evenly. Here’s
1. Hop in the shower
Warm water softens your skin and preps it for exfoliation. Give your skin a minute or two under the water before reaching for your scrub.
2. Choose a body exfoliator that suits your skin
A creamy scrub with naturally-derived exfoliating particles is ideal for most skin types. If your skin tends to be dry, look for something nourishing with plant oils. Need help choosing? We’ve got you covered with our lineup of
3. Apply using gentle, circular motions
Start at your feet and work your way up. Use your hands or a soft mitt and focus on areas that tend to feel rougher: knees, elbows, and heels.
4. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry
Don’t rush this part. Rinse away all traces of product and pat skin dry with a clean towel.
5. Follow with a hydrating body cream or oil
Exfoliated skin is extra-thirsty. A rich moisturizer helps lock in softness and glow.
Should I exfoliate before or after shaving?
Always exfoliate before you shave. It helps lift away dead skin cells and clears the way for a closer, smoother shave. You’ll also notice less buildup on your razor and fewer ingrown hairs. Just be sure to use a gentle scrub, and let your skin recover for a moment before shaving, especially if you’re prone to sensitivity.
How often should I exfoliate?
Exfoliation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different areas of the body have different needs, and your routine should reflect that.
Face
2–3 times a week is usually ideal for the face. If you’re using a chemical or enzyme exfoliator, you might even do well with less. If you have sensitive skin, once a week is plenty.
Arms
Once or twice a week helps keep arms soft and smooth, especially during warmer months when skin is more exposed (and sunscreen is doing some heavy lifting).
Legs
Up to 2–3 times a week, depending on how dry your skin is and how often you shave. Exfoliating before shaving can help minimize irritation and boost softness.
Feet
Rough heels and calluses may need exfoliating up to three times a week. A foot file can help with tougher spots, followed by a nourishing cream.
Hands
1–2 times per week is a sweet spot for hands, just enough to keep them soft without drying them out.
And remember: more isn’t always better.
Choosing the right exfoliator
The key to great exfoliation is choosing a product that works in harmony with your skin’s needs. Your face deserves something gentle that softens and smooths without stripping. For the body, try something that gently but effectively buffs away roughness and preps skin for moisture.
Whether it’s once a week or a few times, exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to refresh your glow, boost skin smoothness, and get the most out of your skincare. Just keep it gentle, stay consistent, and always moisturize after.
Frequently asked questions
Is exfoliating good for eczema?
If you have eczema-prone skin, it’s best to be very gentle with exfoliation and always check with your dermatologist first. Over-exfoliating can lead to more dryness or discomfort, especially if the skin barrier is already feeling compromised. In many cases, a soft washcloth and a creamy, soothing cleanser are a better match until your skin feels more balanced.
Should I moisturize after exfoliating?
Yes, always. Exfoliating clears the way for your skin to absorb moisture more effectively, so following up with a hydrating moisturizer or body lotion helps lock in softness and comfort. It’s a simple step, but one that makes a big difference in how your skin feels afterward.
What are the signs of over-exfoliation?
Your skin will usually let you know when it’s had too much. Common signs include tightness, visible dryness, flaking, or redness that doesn’t go away quickly. You might also feel a stinging sensation when applying your usual skincare. If that happens, take a break from exfoliating, keep your routine ultra-gentle, and focus on hydration until your skin feels calm again.
What’s a good exfoliator?
The best exfoliator is one that suits your skin type and the area you’re treating. For your face, something like our
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