How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face, Depending On Your Skin Type?

Once more, salicylic acid is a superb alternative—it’s anti-inflammatory and works by lowering the manufacturing of sebum (oil) that contributes to clogged pores, Dr. Lebowitz provides.^{9 10} They each additionally advocate glycolic acid, which has been proven to enhance pimples.^{5 11}

Eczema or rosacea-prone pores and skin

Should you’re coping with both of those power inflammatory circumstances, it’s vital to see a board-certified dermatologist about how usually—if in any respect—it is best to exfoliate. “I wouldn’t advocate doing it at house except you focus on it together with your physician first,” Dr. Castilla says She particularly cautions in opposition to bodily scrubs (which, once more, could be notably abrasive).

Individuals who have eczema are already coping with a broken pores and skin barrier, which explains signs like cracking or peeling, so over-exfoliating can set off flare-ups, per the Nationwide Eczema Affiliation. Equally, rosacea-prone of us have extremely delicate and simply irritated pores and skin, which is why overdoing it could enhance redness, burning, and/or stinging.

That doesn’t imply exfoliants are solely off-limits, although. Simply make sure that to speak to a dermatologist or your major care supplier, when you have one. These specialists can present extra personalised (and protected) steering, Dr. Castilla says.

What’s the very best technique for exfoliating your face?

Let’s begin with bodily exfoliation merchandise. Most of them are cleansers, so it is best to use them on damp pores and skin, per Dr. Lebowitz. She additionally recommends making use of them gently and in round motions (, as you usually would when washing your face), and rinsing totally once you’re finished. Oh, and keep away from dry brushing altogether—Dr. Castilla and Dr. Lebowitz agree that it’s too harsh for the delicate cheeks, brow, and eye space.

Chemical exfoliants, however, are meant for dry pores and skin (after cleaning) and ought to be used at night time, in accordance with each dermatologists. The pores and skin naturally repairs itself whilst you sleep, Dr. Castilla explains, so exfoliating earlier than mattress can assist this course of by eradicating the outer layer of lifeless cells, permitting new ones to return to the floor extra simply.¹² (Plus, no matter which acid you utilize, exfoliating in the course of the day could make your freshly buffed face extra susceptible to solar harm.)¹³

Whether or not you bodily or chemically exfoliate, it is best to keep away from utilizing sturdy actives, like further exfoliating acids, pimples remedies, retinol, different retinoids, or vitamin C, on the identical time—all of which could be harsh and should enhance sensitivity.¹⁴ It’s additionally a good suggestion to keep away from added fragrances, which might equally trigger irritation, in accordance with the American Academy of Dermatology.