Most people should exfoliate their face once or twice a week, and two or three times a week at most. Skin needs time to repair between sessions, and over-exfoliating leaves it red, tight and irritated. Oily, thicker skin can usually manage the upper end; dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin does better with less, and with a mild chemical exfoliant rather than a gritty scrub.
Exfoliating removes the build-up of dead skin cells that can make skin look dull and rough, but it is one of the easiest steps to overdo. As Harvard dermatologist Dr Rachel Reynolds puts it, your skin needs to repair itself in between. Here is how to find the right rhythm as part of a good skin care routine.
How Often to Exfoliate, by Skin Type
| Skin type | How often | Best method |
|---|---|---|
| Oily or thicker skin | Two to three times a week | A salicylic acid product, or a scrub if your skin tolerates it |
| Normal or combination | Once or twice a week | A mild acid exfoliant; focus on the oilier T-zone |
| Dry skin | Once a week, or less | A gentle lactic acid product or a soft washcloth |
| Sensitive skin | Once a week at most, if at all | A mild chemical exfoliant; skip scrubs and brushes |
| Acne-prone skin | Once or twice a week | A mild chemical exfoliant such as salicylic acid; avoid harsh scrubbing |
This follows the American Academy of Dermatology's advice on safe exfoliation: the more aggressive the method, the less often you need to do it.
Chemical vs Physical Exfoliants
Chemical Exfoliants
Acids such as glycolic, lactic (AHAs) and salicylic acid (a BHA) dissolve the bonds between dead cells. They work evenly and are often gentler than scrubs. Dr Reynolds prefers them over physical versions.
Physical Exfoliants
Scrubs, brushes, pads and sponges lift dead cells by rubbing. They give instant smoothness but are easy to overdo, and coarse particles can inflame the skin.
Darker skin tone, or dark marks after spots? Avoid strong scrubs and strong acids. The AAD warns that aggressive exfoliation can leave dark spots on skin that is prone to them. Gentle, less frequent exfoliation is safer.
How to Exfoliate Safely
- Check your other products first. Retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide already make skin more sensitive. Exfoliating on top can cause dryness or breakouts.
- Apply gently in small circles for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water.
- Moisturise straight afterwards, as exfoliating can be drying.
- Use one exfoliant at a time. Do not combine a scrub with an acid toner or serum in the same routine. If you use an exfoliating toner, count it as one of your exfoliation days.
- Wear sunscreen the next morning. Freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to the sun.
- Never exfoliate broken, sunburnt or actively inflamed skin.
Signs You Are Over-Exfoliating
Redness, stinging when you apply your usual products, a tight or shiny, almost plastic-looking surface, flaking, or a sudden rise in breakouts. Harvard Health notes that overdoing it can trigger irritant contact dermatitis, which looks red, angry and chapped. If this happens, stop all exfoliants and harsh actives, stick to a gentle cleanser and moisturiser, and give your skin a week or two to recover before starting again less often.
An Exfoliator for Oily and Combination Skin
Salicylic Acid & Kaolin Clay Exfoliator by SkinChemists
Combines salicylic acid to clear pores with kaolin clay to absorb excess oil, plus physical exfoliation for a smoother finish. Because it works in two ways, it suits oily or combination skin used once or twice a week. If your skin is sensitive, choose a gentler, acid-only option instead.
View ProductFrequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to exfoliate every day?
For most people, yes. Daily exfoliation does not give skin time to repair and often leads to redness and irritation. Two or three times a week is the usual upper limit.
Should I exfoliate in the morning or at night?
Either works. Many people prefer the evening, especially with acids, and then wear sunscreen the next morning.
Do I need to exfoliate at all?
No. It is optional. Some people find it improves dullness and rough texture; others, especially those with sensitive skin, do better without it.
Can I exfoliate if I use retinol?
Be careful. Retinol already speeds up cell turnover and can irritate. If you want both, use them on different nights and keep exfoliation to once a week.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, How to safely exfoliate at home; Harvard Health Publishing, Have you exfoliated lately? (Dr Rachel Reynolds).