There's an art to exfoliating your skin without causing further damage.
Why exfoliate at all? As New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, explains, exfoliation can improve skin radiance, smooth rough texture, unclog pores, reduce blackheads, smooth out small blemishes, and help lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over time. As an added bonus, King says exfoliation can help create a smoother surface for makeup application and improve the penetration of skincare products.
Beyond choosing the method that works best for you, exfoliation is actually quite simple. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, says it should be done after cleansing and on dry skin, and before serums and moisturizer. According to Garshick, physical exfoliation involves gently massaging damp skin with light strokes. Then rinse thoroughly and apply moisturizer. Pro tips: Always use sunscreen if exfoliating during the day. And avoid using strong exfoliating acids the same evening along with other irritating active ingredients.
How often to exfoliate is often a question, and it depends on a number of factors. Garshick says that in general, exfoliating once to twice a week is recommended. People with oily or acne-prone skin may need to exfoliate more frequently, while those with sensitive or dry skin may need to do it less frequently. King adds that very gentle daily exfoliants, such as those low in polyhydroxy acids or enzymes, can be used daily as long as the skin barrier is healthy.
King suggests the following approach:
Sensitive or dry skin: 1-2 times per week
Combination skin: 2-3 times per week
Oily or acne-prone skin: 3-5 times per week
Start with these recommendations, then gradually increase or adjust the frequency of use depending on how your skin tolerates it. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult a dermatologist to avoid further complications.
