Exfoliation gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. When you do it right, it can make your skin look smoother, fresher, and a little more “alive.” It gets rid of dead skin cells that make skin look dull, helps products soak in better, and even makes skin feel softer over time.
But here’s the catch: if you exfoliate the wrong way, your skin will get red, angry, and flaky very quickly. And since every type of skin is different, the “right way” really depends on what your skin needs and what it can’t handle.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how often to exfoliate, what products are best, or if your sensitive skin should even try exfoliation, this guide goes into dermatologist-approved detail on all of those questions.
The Universal Exfoliation Protocol (Everyone Should Follow These Steps)
Before you grab any scrub, acid, or enzyme, take a moment to get ready:
To-Do List Before Exfoliating
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Find out what kind of skin you have (this is very important; see below).
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See if you’re taking acne medications, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide.
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Check to see if your skin is sunburned, irritated, or broken.
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Choose your way: mechanical vs. chemical
How to Exfoliate, Step by Step
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Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face.
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Use your exfoliant to make small circular motions for about 30 seconds.
(If you’re using a tool, don’t put too much pressure on it.)
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Rinse with warm water, not hot.
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Pat your skin dry gently. No rubbing.
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Put on moisturizer within 60 seconds to keep the moisture in.
If your skin gets red
Use it less often or switch to a gentler formula. If you feel dry, stingy, or flaky, it’s time to stop.
Ways to Exfoliate: Chemical vs. Mechanical
There are two main ways to exfoliate, but one of them is much easier for beginners.
Mechanical Exfoliation
What it is: Anything that rubs the skin, like scrubs, brushes, or sponges. How it works: Friction gets rid of dead surface cells.
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Normal-to-oily combination skin
Not good for: Sensitive or acne-prone skin (too much risk of micro-tears)
Chemical Exfoliation
What it is: Acids or enzymes that break down dead skin cells. How it works: It breaks the bonds that hold old cells together.
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AHAs: glycolic acid and lactic acid
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Best for: All skin types with the right formulas. Bonus: More even exfoliation and less damage to the skin.
The Ingredient Directory: What Works for Each Problem
Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
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Great for: Oily or acne-prone skin
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Why: Oil-soluble → goes deep into pores
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Note: Start with lower concentrations
AHAs (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids)
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Examples: Lactic acid (gentle) and glycolic acid
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Great for: Dry, normal, and combination skin
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Why: They exfoliate and hydrate
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Tip: Beginners should start with 5–8% AHA
Enzymes from Fruit
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Examples: Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin
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Great for: Sensitive skin
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Why: Gentle, non-acidic, and low risk of irritation
How to Exfoliate Depending on Your Skin Type
⭐ Sensitive Skin
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Easily irritated, likely to burn or sting
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Best approach:Sometimes, don’t exfoliate at all. If you are exfoliating:
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Only use products that are based on enzymes.
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No more than once a week.
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Your barrier must come first.
⭐ Dry Skin
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Rough spots, peeling, and tightness
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Best exfoliant: AHAs, especially lactic acid, which is very good for your skin.
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How often: once or twice a week
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Tip:Look for formulas that have hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
⭐ Normal Skin
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Not too oily or dry, and not too reactive
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Best exfoliant: AHAs, BHAs, or gentle physical exfoliation.
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How often: two to three times a week
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Tip:What to look for: tightness or tingling that feels like burning.
⭐ Combination Skin
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Oily T-zone and dry cheeks
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How often: about twice a week
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Pro tip: You can exfoliate different areas separately by “multi-masking.”
⭐ Oily Skin
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Oily skin, big pores, and frequent breakouts
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Best exfoliant: BHA (salicylic acid)
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How often: 2–3 times a week
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Don’t mix exfoliants with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide unless your dermatologist tells you to. The peeling can be very strong.
Rules You MUST Follow After Exfoliation
Your skin is more sensitive after you exfoliate. That means that the care you give yourself afterward is just as important as the exfoliation itself.
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Put on moisturizer right away
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You’ve just taken away a layer of protection.
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Moisturizer rebuilds the barrier and keeps your skin from getting dry.
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Especially after using chemicals to peel.
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Only broad-spectrum. AHAs make skin more sensitive to light, so even mild morning formulas need SPF.
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Stay away from heat and sweat for 24 hours
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These make blood flow better, but they can also make you feel tingly, red, and irritated.
Mistakes People Make All the Time (and How to Avoid Them)
🚨 1. Over-Exfoliating (Very Bad)
Result: skin barrier that is broken, red, and peeling
Fix: Stick to the frequencies for your skin type.
🚨 2. Scrubbing Damaged Skin
🚨 3. Not using moisturizer
This is not up for discussion.
🚨 4. Being too rough
Always use gentle pressure.
⚠️ 5. Using hot water
It can take away even more of your natural oils.
⚠️ 6. Using the wrong product on your skin
You need to use the right exfoliant for your skin type, or it will probably irritate it.
When to Go to the Dermatologist
If you see any of the following, call a dermatologist:
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Redness that lasts longer than 48 hours
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A rash that won’t go away
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Warmth or pus that spreads
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Burning that gets worse after stopping exfoliants
Dermatologists can help you avoid long-term damage by diagnosing more than 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions.
Quick Summary of the Main Points
Exfoliating the right way will give you soft, smooth, glowing skin.
If you don’t exfoliate correctly, you could get irritated skin, redness, and a weakened barrier.
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Choosing the right method for your skin type
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Putting on moisturizer right away
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Starting slowly and building up
If you’re not sure, get personalized advice from a dermatologist or licensed esthetician.
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