Regularly exfoliating your face can promote softer, smoother, and fresher-looking skin by removing dead skin cells and improving your skin’s texture and appearance. However, when not done properly, exfoliation can cause redness, flaking, and irritation. The key is to find the right balance for your skin type and its needs.
When you exfoliate your skin, you are removing the top layer of dead skin cells. These dead skin cells can cause your skin to look dry and dull. Removing them may help your skin look brighter and feel smoother.
Below are some general instructions on how to exfoliate skin, but consider talking to a dermatologist or an esthetician for more specific guidelines:
- Choose your exfoliation method based on your skin type (see below).
- Consider the products you are already using, like retinol or benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliating while using these products could make exfoliation painful or uncomfortable.
- Be gentle on your skin regardless of the method you use. Avoid exfoliating if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
- Apply the scrub or chemical exfoliator using small, circular motions for about 30 seconds. If you are using a brush or sponge (mechanical exfoliator), use short, light strokes.
- Rinse with warm (not hot) water, and gently pat your skin dry.
- Apply a moisturizer designed for your skin type immediately after exfoliating.
- Follow an exfoliation schedule that complements your skin type.
- Avoid exfoliating too often and reduce how often you exfoliate if your face feels irritated or overly dry. You can also try a gentler method.
When choosing which exfoliation method to use—mechanical or chemical—consider your skin type as well as the ingredients you intend to use. This will influence your results and help ensure you don’t damage your skin.
Exfoliation is not for everyone and may damage sensitive skin types. Begin with a gentler method if you’re new to exfoliating your skin.
Mechanical vs. Chemical Exfoliation
There are two main types of exfoliation:
- Mechanical exfoliation: This type involves using an exfoliating scrub or a tool, like a brush or sponge, to physically remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
- Chemical exfoliation: This type involves using skincare products that contain enzymes or acids that dissolve dead skin cells.
Exfoliating Ingredients
Chemical exfoliants often contain one of two types of ingredients. These include beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid. Sometimes, fruit enzymes are used to create a gentler exfoliant.
Considerations by Skin Type
Not every type of exfoliation is compatible with every skin type. Before you decide on an exfoliation method, consider your skin type and your skincare needs. Here’s what to know about each skin type and which type of exfoliation works best:
- Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin reacts easily to products and fragrances, and exfoliation may cause it to sting or burn. Consider either skipping exfoliation or choosing an extremely gentle exfoliant specifically made for sensitive skin.
- Dry skin: If your skin is dry, it may feel rough, flaky, or itchy. Choose an exfoliant that has an AHA, such as lactic acid, or other hydrating properties to soothe your skin while exfoliating.
- Normal skin: With this skin type, you have more flexibility in which products you choose. But it’s still important to go slow and see how your skin responds.
- Combination skin: People with combination skin will have a mixture of dry, normal, and oily areas. Look for exfoliants tailored to address your skin type.
- Oily skin: Oily skin may appear shiny or greasy and may be prone to breakouts. Choose an exfoliant with BHA, such as salicylic acid, to help remove excess oil. If you have breakouts, you may want to avoid exfoliating, especially if you are already using medications that may cause peeling.
Exfoliating your skin removes the dead skin cells from the surface, exposing new skin. This may cause some tingling, redness, or irritation afterward—especially if you do not take steps to hydrate and protect your skin.
Moisturize Afterwards
An important step in caring for your skin after exfoliation is moisturizing and hydrating your skin. Any type of exfoliation can weaken your skin’s protective barrier, so you need to reinforce that barrier with a suitable moisturizer. You can also drink more water to ensure you are hydrating your skin from the inside, too.
Use Sunscreen
Some exfoliants, like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and retinoids, can cause your skin to become more sensitive to light. You should avoid being in the sun after exfoliating and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50. You may also want to wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your face further.
Avoid Heavy Exercise and Saunas
When you exercise, sit in a sauna, or use a steam bath, the blood flow to your face increases. Avoid overheating your skin before or after exfoliating. This can cause itching, tingling, and irritation. Consider skipping those activities on days you are exfoliating.
In general, exfoliating can be beneficial because it stimulates cell turnover, resulting in a smoother surface. However, it can also disrupt your skin barrier, leaving your skin dry and irritated, especially if done incorrectly. To keep this from happening, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Over-exfoliating your skin. Repeating exfoliation too frequently can be drying and cause damage to your skin.
- Being too rough. Your skin can be easily damaged, especially if you are too rough. When exfoliating, be gentle with your skin and use upward circles to avoid stretching and pulling at your skin.
- Exfoliating broken or damaged skin. Be sure to skip areas that have wounds or cuts, as well as areas that are sunburned or already irritated.
- Failing to moisturize after. Exfoliating your skin can be very drying. Make sure to use a moisturizer afterward to hydrate and soothe your skin.
- Using hot water to rinse. Hot water can strip your skin and further dry it out. Instead, use cool or lukewarm water to rinse your skin.
- Selecting the wrong products. Knowing your skin type will help you select the appropriate exfoliation products for your skin. The same products that work for oily skin won’t work as well for dry skin, so choose a product tailored to your skin type.
When To See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist if you develop:
- A rash
- Irritation
- Swelling
- Excessive redness that does not improve or gets worse even after you have stopped exfoliating
Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat more than 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions as well as cosmetic concerns. They can identify what is happening to your skin and advise you on how to soothe and restore it.
Exfoliating can help your skin look fresh, clean, and smooth. However, when done improperly, it can also leave it looking red, irritated, and flaky. The results depend on how you exfoliate and whether or not you exfoliate according to your skin type and needs.
Overdoing exfoliation or forgetting to moisturize afterward can disrupt your skin barrier and damage your skin. If you are new to exfoliating, use a gentle exfoliation method and see how your skin responds. Also, talk to a dermatologist or an esthetician for advice on what is best for your skincare needs.
