How Often Should You Really Exfoliate?

Exfoliating is one of those steps that gets oversold. Social media makes it look like more is always better, but overdoing it is one of the fastest ways to damage your skin instead of improving it. Here's a simple guide to getting it right.

What Exfoliating Actually Means

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which can help with dullness, uneven texture, and clogged pores. It also helps your other products absorb better, since they aren't sitting on top of a layer of dead skin.

Physical vs Chemical Exfoliants

Physical exfoliants use small granules or textured tools to manually scrub away dead skin. Chemical exfoliants use ingredients like AHAs or BHAs to dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together. Chemical exfoliants are generally gentler and more consistent, while physical scrubs can be harsher, especially if the granules are rough or uneven.

How Often Is Enough

For most skin types, one to two times a week is enough. Oilier, more resilient skin might tolerate up to three times a week, while sensitive or dry skin may only need once a week or even every other week.

Signs You're Overdoing It

Redness, tightness, increased sensitivity, or a shiny, raw looking texture are all signs you're exfoliating too often. If your skin barrier feels compromised, it's best to stop exfoliating completely for a week or two and focus on gentle hydration instead.

Less Is Usually More

It's tempting to exfoliate more when you're chasing smoother or brighter skin, but overdoing it often causes the opposite effect. Start with once a week, watch how your skin responds, and adjust slowly from there.