how often should i exfoliate?
If you’re introducing an exfoliant into your skincare routines, start with doing it only once a week. As your skin learns to adjust, you can slowly work your way to doing it 2 or 3 times a week. This also depends on your skin type and the product you’re using. For example, I have sensitive skin, so I only exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
There are a few exceptions to this rule like one of my cleansers has BHA (salicylic acid) in it, which I use everyday. I only use it once at night and a different cleanser in the morning. Using it twice a day can strip my skin and damage my skin barrier.
From my personal experience, exfoliating is a game-changer for maintaining clear, glowing skin, but it’s important to avoid overdoing it. Starting with once a week allows your skin to adapt without irritation. For those using exfoliants with active ingredients like glycolic acid 7% or BHA (salicylic acid), it’s crucial to pay attention to your skin’s response. I noticed that when I tried using a BHA cleanser twice daily, my skin became dry and sensitive, which confirms that limiting usage to once at night and a gentle cleanser in the morning works best. Also, always consider your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, exfoliating 1-2 times per week is usually enough. For those with oilier or more resilient skin, 2-3 times weekly may be suitable. Another tip from my routine is to avoid combining too many exfoliating acids at once to prevent compromising the skin barrier. Using a low pH exfoliant like glycolic acid mousse helps keep pores clear and skin smooth but should be balanced with hydrating and barrier-strengthening products. Remember, exfoliation isn’t just about scrubbing off dead skin but promoting healthy cell turnover. If you experience redness, excessive dryness, or irritation, reduce frequency or switch products. Always follow up exfoliation with sunscreen during the day as your skin becomes more sensitive to UV damage. This approach helped me maintain a healthy glow without compromising skin health, especially when integrating powerful exfoliants like those with heartleaf, quercetinol, or glycolic acid.
Hi!! Dermatologist here! How often you should exfoliate really depends on your skin type, the type of exfoliant, and your overall routine. In general, I would recommend exfoliating about 1–2 times per week for most people, especially if you have sensitive skin or are already using active ingredients like retinoids or acne treatments. Over-exfoliating is one of the most common reasons I see irritation, dryness, and impaired skin barriers in clinic. I also agree that salicylic acid cleansers can sometimes be tolerated more frequently since they’re washed off, but it’s still important to monitor for signs of irritation and adjust accordingly. Hope this helps! 😊 Not medical advice