How often should you exfoliate? Face and body
How many times a week to exfoliate your face and body, chemical vs physical exfoliants, the right choice for your skin type and signs you're overdoing it.
Written by the Glowpedia team ยท not yet reviewed by our dermatologist
On this page
Quick answer For most people, exfoliate the face 1โ2 times a week and the body 2โ3 times a week. Oily skin may handle a bit more; dry or sensitive skin, and darker skin prone to dark marks, usually do better with less, using a gentle chemical exfoliant.
Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells that build up on the surface, which can leave skin smoother and brighter. But more is not better. The right frequency depends on your skin type, the method you use and what else is in your routine. The stronger the method, the less often you need it.
Chemical vs physical exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to loosen the bonds between dead cells:
- AHAs such as glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid work on the surface. Lactic and mandelic acid are usually gentler than glycolic acid.
- BHA (salicylic acid) is oil-soluble, so it can work inside pores. It's a good pick for oily and acne-prone skin.
- PHAs such as gluconolactone, and fruit enzymes, are among the gentlest options.
Physical exfoliants rub cells away: scrubs, brushes, mitts, sponges and washcloths. Choose fine, smooth grains over jagged ones such as crushed shells, and use light pressure.
Dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin usually does better with a mild chemical exfoliant or a soft washcloth than with gritty scrubs. Oily, thicker skin often tolerates stronger options.
How often, by skin type
| Skin type | Face | Body | Good starting point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oily | 2โ3 times a week | 2โ3 times a week | Salicylic acid |
| Combination | 1โ2 times a week | 2โ3 times a week | BHA on the T-zone only |
| Normal | 1โ2 times a week | 2โ3 times a week | Lactic acid or a gentle scrub |
| Dry | Once a week | 1โ2 times a week | Lactic acid or a PHA |
| Sensitive | Every 1โ2 weeks, or skip | Once a week | PHA or a soft washcloth |
| Acne-prone | 1โ2 times a week | 2โ3 times a week | Salicylic acid, no scrubs on breakouts |
If you have darker skin and get dark marks easily, stay at the low end of these ranges and pick lower-strength products, because irritation can trigger new dark spots. See post-acne marks.
Start at the lowest frequency for 2โ3 weeks and increase only if your skin stays comfortable. Some low-strength products are made for daily use; follow the label and watch how your skin responds.
The body needs a different plan
Skin on your legs, elbows, knees and heels is thicker than facial skin and usually handles more:
- Rough bumps on arms and thighs: a lotion with lactic acid or urea. See keratosis pilaris.
- Body breakouts: a salicylic acid body wash instead of scrubbing. See body acne.
- Tools: brushes and mitts work well with light pressure. See exfoliating brushes and mitts and dry brushing.
Never use a rough body scrub on your face.
Signs you're overdoing it
- Stinging when you apply a plain moisturizer
- Redness, burning or a tight, shiny look
- Flaking or peeling patches
- New breakouts or raw spots
If you notice these, stop all exfoliants for 1โ2 weeks. Use a gentle cleanser and a fragrance-free moisturizer until your skin calms down, then restart at a lower frequency.
Safety rules
- Don't exfoliate sunburned skin, cuts, open wounds or a rash.
- If you use a prescription retinoid, retinol or benzoyl peroxide, your skin is already sensitized. Cut back on other exfoliants or ask your dermatologist.
- Use one exfoliant per session. Don't scrub and use an acid on the same day.
- AHAs make skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every day, and keep it up for a week after you stop.
- Moisturize right after exfoliating.
- Patch test any new acid before using it on your face.
- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using retinoids or high-strength salicylic acid peels.
What you need for this
These open Amazon searches for the kind of product the guide describes; check the ingredients and reviews before you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
See a dermatologist if your skin stays red, raw or stinging for more than a few days after you stop exfoliating, if you develop dark patches, or if rough bumps, acne or flaking don't improve after 6โ8 weeks of gentle care.
Questions people ask
Can I use a scrub and an acid on the same day?
It's best not to. Pick one exfoliant per session and leave at least a day between different methods, so your skin doesn't get irritated.
Is it better to exfoliate in the morning or at night?
Night suits chemical exfoliants, especially AHAs, which make skin more sun-sensitive. Body scrubs and mitts fit into your shower whenever you take it. Wear sunscreen daily either way.
Should I exfoliate if I use a retinoid?
Retinoids already speed up skin cell turnover, so many people don't need another exfoliant. If you want one, start once a week on a night you skip your retinoid, or ask your dermatologist.
Can exfoliating help with ingrown hairs?
Gentle exfoliation 1โ2 times a week can help free trapped hairs. Do it on days you don't shave and skip it on red, irritated bumps.