Here’s a common question that we get here at Eva Naturals – how much should you be exfoliating?
If you read online forums, you’ll find that pretty much everyone has an opinion on how often to exfoliate and which products are best. But the reality is that exfoliation has more to do with your skin type than any particular routine or product.
Get it right, and you'll reveal brighter, smoother skin. Get it wrong, and you might end up with irritation, breakouts, and other annoying issues.
Your skin type, the products you use, and even your age all play a role in how you build the right exfoliation routine.
What Exfoliation Actually Does (And Why It Matters)
Did you know that your skin sheds about 500 million dead skin cells every day?
As these dead cells build up on your skin’s surface, they can create a dull, rough texture that can work against your skincare products. So, to shed those unwanted skin cells, you exfoliate them away. This speeds up the natural cell turnover process, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath.
Why Exfoliate?
The benefits of exfoliation are more than just a brighter complexion. Regular exfoliation helps unclog pores and can reduce breakouts. For some, regular exfoliation can fade dark spots and reduce the impacts of sun damage.
Best of all, revealing that fresh, new skin layer helps your other skincare products to absorb better. Think of it as prepping a canvas before painting – you'll get much better results when you start with a smooth, clean surface.
But here's the catch: more isn't always better.
You may be tempted to over-exfoliate to get the best benefits fast. But this can strip away more than just your dead skin cells – over-exfoliation can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation and increased sensitivity.
Plus, it can cause dryness and lead to more breakouts as your skin overcompensates by producing excess oil. Finding the right balance is key.
What Are Your Exfoliation Options?
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation uses small particles or tools to manually slough away dead skin cells.
These usually include scrubs, brushes, and specialized tools. While physical exfoliants can be effective, they require a gentle touch; scrubbing too hard or too often can cause micro-tears in the skin.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation utilizes acids or enzymes to break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together.
These include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic and lactic acid, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid, and retinoids.
You might already be using chemical exfoliants without realizing it. Products with vitamin C, retinol, or glycolic acid all provide gentle exfoliation and boost the skin's benefits.
Exfoliation Frequency by Skin Type
Dry or Sensitive Skin: 1-2 Times Per Week
Do you find that your skin tends toward dryness or easily gets red and irritated? Then you’ll want to approach exfoliation with caution.
Your skin barrier is likely already compromised, so aggressive exfoliation will only make things worse.
Stick to once or twice a week maximum, and choose gentle chemical exfoliants over harsh scrubs. After exfoliating, always follow up with a hydrating serum and a rich moisturizer to replenish moisture and support your barrier.
If you notice any stinging, burning, or excessive tightness after exfoliating, dial it back to once a week or even less.
Some people with very sensitive skin do better skipping dedicated exfoliation products altogether and relying on the gentle cell turnover benefits from peptide serums instead.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: 2-3 Times Per Week
If you have more oily and acne-prone skin, then more frequent exfoliation may be better for you!
Your dead skin cells and excess oil are likely to clog up pores faster than drier skin, so regular exfoliation helps keep breakouts at bay.
Aim for 2-3 times per week, focusing on chemical exfoliants that can penetrate pores. Salicylic acid is particularly effective for oily skin because it's oil-soluble, meaning it can get deep into pores to clear out buildup.
A targeted spot treatment can provide extra exfoliating power exactly where you need it, while a clarifying mask once or twice a week helps draw out impurities without over-drying.
That said, even oily skin can be over-exfoliated. If you notice your skin producing more oil than usual, developing dry patches, or breaking out more frequently, you've likely crossed the line. Scale back and give your skin time to recover.
Combination Skin: 1-2 Times Per Week (With Strategic Adjustments)
Combination skin – where some areas are oily while others are dry – means you’ll need to find an exfoliation routine that’s more balanced.
Start with 1-2 times per week for your entire face, using gentle products that won't strip your dry areas. You can apply a targeted treatment to oily zones as needed, but keep overall exfoliation consistent across your whole face.
Pay attention to how different areas respond. If your cheeks feel tight and irritated, they might need less exfoliation and more hydration. A soothing spray can help calm any areas that get reactive.
Mature Skin: 1-2 Times Per Week
Your skin ages, so knowing how to exfoliate properly will change as you age.
As we grow older, our skin cell turnover rate naturally slows down, which is why mature skin often looks dull or develops uneven texture. However, mature skin also tends to be drier and more delicate, so gentle exfoliation is key for most people.
Chemical exfoliants like retinol are particularly beneficial for mature skin because they stimulate collagen production while providing gentle exfoliation.
Follow up with firming serums and rich moisturizers to support your skin's natural repair processes.
For the delicate eye area, use specialized gentle products rather than traditional exfoliants—the skin here is too thin for aggressive treatment.
What are the Signs You're Over-Exfoliating?
If you aren’t sure where you land on the exfoliation spectrum, give different routines a try and see how your skin responds! It will likely tell you when you've gone too far – so slow down or switch up if you start to see:
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Persistent redness or inflammation
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Increased sensitivity to products that normally don't bother you
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Tight, papery texture
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Flaking or peeling (beyond normal exfoliation)
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Shiny, almost raw-looking skin
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More breakouts than usual
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Stinging or burning when applying products
If you see any (or many) of these, it’s time to stop and let your skin heal. Switch to gentle, hydrating products only until your skin barrier has fully recovered, which typically takes about 1-2 weeks.
Signs You're Under-Exfoliating
On the flip side, not exfoliating enough has its own set of problems:
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Dull, lackluster complexion
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Rough, bumpy texture
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Clogged pores and frequent blackheads
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Products sitting on the surface instead of absorbing
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Makeup looking cakey or uneven
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Uneven skin tone or persistent dark spots
If this sounds familiar, it's time to introduce gentle exfoliation into your routine—or increase your frequency slightly if you're already doing it occasionally.
Creating Your Complete Exfoliation Routine
The best exfoliation routine isn't just about the exfoliant you pick. It’s all about how you support your skin both before and after.
Investing in a complete skincare bundle means you have everything you need to keep your skin healthy and thriving. This takes the guesswork out of building a routine that works together.
The bottom line? Listen to your skin. If it looks healthy, feels comfortable, and glows naturally, you've found your sweet spot.
If not, don't hesitate to adjust! Your ideal exfoliation frequency might change with the seasons, your age, or even your stress levels.
Want to learn more about the best skincare products and techniques? Check out our blog and shop our full line of products to find the best skincare options for your skin type!
FAQ
Is it okay to exfoliate every day?
Typically, you shouldn’t exfoliate daily. Daily exfoliation is almost always excessive and can damage your skin barrier. Even highly oily skin typically only needs exfoliation 2-3 times per week. If you have concerns, always work with a dermatologist to get a custom plan for your skin.
Should I exfoliate in the morning or at night?
Night is generally better, as your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Many exfoliants increase sun sensitivity, so nighttime use means you're not immediately exposing freshly exfoliated skin to UV damage.
Can I use a physical scrub and chemical exfoliant together?
This is rarely a good idea. Using both in the same routine is likely to over-exfoliate, even if your skin is on the oilier side. If you want to use both types, alternate days, and pay close attention to how your skin responds.
What's the difference between exfoliating and using a retinol serum?
Retinol is actually a form of chemical exfoliation, but it works differently from traditional exfoliants. While AHAs and BHAs dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, retinol speeds up cell turnover throughout multiple layers of skin and stimulates collagen production.
How do I know if a product is exfoliating?
Check the ingredient list for exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol. If a product contains these, it provides chemical exfoliation, even if it's not labeled as an "exfoliant."
Physical exfoliants are easier to identify. They typically have a gritty texture or are tools/devices designed to manually remove dead skin.