Key Takeaways
- On average, most people can exfoliate 1-3 times weekly to enjoy the benefits without the drawbacks.
- How frequently you should exfoliate depends on the specific product, your skin type, and other factors such as the season and other skincare products used in your routine.
- Listen to your skin. If you don’t respond well to an exfoliator, it may not be right for you.
Should you exfoliate your face every day? How many times a week should you exfoliate your face? Can you over-exfoliate your face?
Our inbox is full of questions like these, so we decided to put together a comprehensive guide to help you plan the perfect skincare routine. Let’s jump right in!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you exfoliate your face?
For most people, exfoliating 1-3 times weekly should provide the benefits of exfoliating without the drawbacks. However, ideal exfoliation frequency depends on the exfoliator’s intensity, as well as various factors such as your skin type, the season, and other skincare products you use.
What is a physical exfoliator?
A physical exfoliator removes dead skin cells manually with tiny beads, powders, or other gritty particles.
Some physical exfoliators, like Lea Black Beauty® Moisturizing Skin Renewal Exfoliant, use gentle beads that glide across the face to remove impurities without damaging your skin barrier.
Others use sharp, jagged materials, like walnut shells or apricot seeds, that can cause micro-abrasions and compromise the skin barrier.
How often should you exfoliate your face with a physical exfoliator?
Gentle physical exfoliators can typically be used up to three times weekly. With harsh exfoliants, it’s usually best to use them every 7-10 days.
What is a chemical exfoliator?
A chemical exfoliator removes dead skin cells by dissolving the “glue” (proteins) that bind dead skin cells together, allowing them to fall off easily.
How often can you use chemical exfoliators?
How frequently you should use chemical exfoliators depends on their potency and intensity.
For example, the 2% salicylic acid (BHA) in our LBB Skincare Labs Blemish Defense Hydration Serum — Hyaluronic Acid + 2% Salicylic Acid chemical exfoliator can typically be used 2-3 times weekly.
On the other hand, a chemical exfoliator with high-concentration acids, alcohol, or retinol should typically be used weekly (or less).
How often should you exfoliate your face if you have sensitive skin?
For sensitive skin, it’s best to limit exfoliation to every 7-10 days. Pay close attention after exfoliating. Do you notice redness or irritation? If so, the exfoliator may not be right for you. If your skin responds well, you can try using it more frequently.
Should you exfoliate your face every day if you have resistant skin?
Even if you have highly resistant skin, over-exfoliation can do more harm than good. Exfoliating daily can disrupt the skin barrier and cause a number of concerns, such as visible signs of aging skin, moisture loss, and increased sensitivity, as well as redness and inflammation.
Consider Your Skin Type
How often should you exfoliate your face? As you can see, there isn’t one universal answer to the age-old question: “How many times a week should you exfoliate your face?” After all, everyone’s skin is unique! What works for one person may not be right for the next.
Understanding your skin type empowers you to make an informed decision on when you should exfoliate (or if you should exfoliate at all). First and foremost, listen to your skin! If you react poorly to an exfoliator, that simply means it’s not right for you.
Here are some quick tips on how often you should exfoliate your face based on your skin’s sensitivity and oil production. Please note that these are just general suggestions. When in doubt, talk to an esthetician for custom-tailored guidance.
Normal
Your skin’s renewal process is balanced, so you can use exfoliators as part of your regular skin cycling routine. Typically, 1-2 times weekly is optimal, but you may be able to exfoliate more frequently if your skin responds well.
Oily
Because your skin has high sebum production, dead skin cells are more likely to cling together and to your skin barrier. Chemical exfoliators, in particular, can dissolve the “glue” binding dead skin cells. Should you exfoliate your face every day? No, start with 2-3 times weekly.
Dry
How often should you exfoliate your face if you have dry skin? You don’t want to strip your skin’s limited amount of natural oils, so it’s usually best to exfoliate every 7-10 days. However, you may find that using a moisturizing exfoliator lets you exfoliate more frequently.
Sensitive
For sensitive skin, it’s especially important to proceed with caution and be mindful of how your skin reacts. Gentle exfoliators may not cause any issues, but harsh exfoliators can be problematic. Start by exfoliating every 7-10 days, and then consider increasing frequency.
Combination
For combination skin, you may want to exfoliate only the T-zone where oil builds up while taking care not to dry out the rest of your face. A chemical exfoliant may help you to target specific areas more effectively. Start with once or twice weekly.
Mature
How often should you exfoliate your face in your golden years? Exfoliating can help to combat slower cell turnover. However, because mature skin is usually thinner, drier, and more vulnerable to irritation, it’s best to use a gentle exfoliator 1-3 times weekly.
Resistant
How many times a week should you exfoliate your face if your skin is naturally resilient? If you generally tolerate potent skincare products well, you can probably get away with up to three exfoliations weekly. Don’t overdo it. Too much of a good thing can turn bad. Moderation is key!
Context Matters
There are many factors to consider when deciding when to exfoliate. Should you exfoliate your face every day? No. But you may want to exfoliate more frequently during summer because you sweat more, for example.
How often should you exfoliate your face during winter? When you’re spending a lot of time in dry air indoors and harsh weather outdoors, your skin is more likely to dry out. So, focusing more on hydration than exfoliation may be a strategic move.
It’s not only seasonal changes that affect how often you should exfoliate. For example, someone who frequently uses potent ingredients like retinol or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) may find that exfoliating often is unnecessary, and, in some cases, harmful.
Try Our Gentle-Yet-Efficacious Exfoliators
Here at Lea Black Beauty®, we offer all-natural exfoliators that deliver clinically proven results without the harsh abrasives and chemicals. Treat yourself to luxury skincare products with proprietary formulas lovingly crafted from the finest clean, raw ingredients sourced worldwide.
How often should you exfoliate your face, and which exfoliator should you choose? Everyone’s skin is unique, so feel free to get in touch for a personalized recommendation. Shop now, and discover how the right exfoliator can reveal your natural glow!
