By the time you’ve read the first few paragraphs of this article, your skin will have already shed more than 30,000 cells (according to Coast Dermatology). Where do all those skin cells go? You’ll usually find them collecting in the dust around your home. Some also wash down the drain when you shower or wash your face. And if you exfoliate, it can feel great to scrub away those dead cells and reveal the fresh ones underneath.
While exfoliating daily might feel good, it’s not ideal for every skin type. People with oily skin, especially younger individuals with acne-prone skin, may benefit from daily exfoliation. Younger skin tends to regenerate about every 28 days, and regular exfoliating can help keep dead skin cells from clumping together and clogging pores.
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If you have normal, dry, sensitive, or aging skin, daily exfoliation might be too much. Your skin needs a little time to recover, and overdoing it can lead to irritation. Skin loves balance, so less exfoliation really is more.
How age, skin type, and weather can affect your exfoliation routine
Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to exfoliate to get younger-looking skin. According to Harvard Medical School, exfoliation doesn’t prevent or fix wrinkles. The truth is, you don’t really need to exfoliate at all, although your arms and legs might appreciate a little attention to help avoid dry, flaky patches as you get older. Even if you’ve been all about exfoliating since your younger years, your skin may become more sensitive to it as you age.
It might be tempting to exfoliate more often if you have dry skin, especially to get rid of flaky spots. However, people with dry skin should stick to exfoliating just once or twice a week. More than that can actually dry your skin out even further (according to Rose Inc). If you have normal or combination skin, you might be able to exfoliate every other day. Just watch for signs of over-exfoliation, like redness, peeling, or extra sensitivity. For some people, too much exfoliating can even trigger breakouts.
It’s also wise to pay attention to your skin as the seasons change. When the temperature and humidity drop during the winter months, your skin naturally loses more moisture. That’s a good time to dial back on exfoliating and focus more on moisturizing. In the summer, your skin might get oilier, and you may want to exfoliate a little more often. However, chances are, you won’t need as much moisturizer—or you can just switch to a lighter one.
Choose the right method of exfoliation for your skin type
There are two main ways to exfoliate your skin: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation can be as simple as using a washcloth, pumice stone, or loofah (but be cautious of the bacteria that may grow in your loofah). Chemical exfoliants, like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, might sound harsher, but they’re often gentler if used correctly. Just make sure you stick to one method at a time. Keep in mind that some of your current skincare products, like night creams, might already contain exfoliating ingredients. Exfoliants like benzoyl peroxide or retinol fall into that category.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, people with dry skin may want to stick with gentle chemical exfoliants or just use a washcloth. People with darker skin tones should also be cautious with harsh exfoliants, as overdoing it can lead to dark spots. If you have oily skin, you might be able to handle stronger exfoliation methods. However, no matter your skin type, you should never exfoliate if your skin is sunburned or has any unhealed cuts or wounds.
If you’re new to exfoliating, always start with the gentlest methods. Whether you’re using a scrub or a chemical exfoliant, apply it in small, circular motions for about 30 seconds. When it’s time to rinse, skip the hot water—lukewarm is best. And don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
