Exfoliation is an essential part of any skincare routine. Removing dead skin cells can revive your skin’s texture, unclog pores and make it easier for your skin to absorb products like moisturiser, explains board-certified dermatologist Dr Alexander Witkowski. It also encourages cellular turnover—when your body produces fresh skin cells to replace the old ones—says board-certified dermatologist Dr Toral Vaidya.
But knowing how often to exfoliate your face is key to seeing results. And yes, you can overdo it.
One of the most common mistakes? “Overdoing it,” says double board-certified dermatologist Dr Purvisha Patel. The other dermatologists agree. When you exfoliate too often—or use products that are too harsh—you’re not helping your skin. Instead, your face can feel dry, tight and itchy, and you may even trigger breakouts, adds board-certified dermatologist Dr Brooke Jeffy.
The secret is tailoring exfoliation to your skin type. The right frequency and products will slough off dead cells without causing stress. To help you find that balance, dermatologists share when, how and how often to exfoliate your face for healthy, resilient skin.
How often should I exfoliate my face?
Dermatologists recommend exfoliating between one and three times a week. But the exact frequency depends on your skin type. Oily skin may handle more exfoliation, while dry skin benefits from a gentler approach.
Dry or sensitive skin
Exfoliate: 1-2 times a week (or less).
If your skin is dry or sensitive, it’s more prone to irritation. Go gently. Experts recommend exfoliating once or twice a week at most—and in some cases, every other week, say Dr Jeffy and Dr Witkowski.
If your skin is very sensitive or currently irritated, skip exfoliation altogether, adds Dr Vaidya. And if you have acne, eczema or rosacea, speak with a dermatologist before adding exfoliants to your routine, says Dr Witkowski.
Oily or acne-prone skin
Exfoliate: 2-3 times a week (or more).
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, sebum—the natural oil that hydrates skin—can build up and clog pores, according to Dr Witkowski and Dr Vaidya. Regular exfoliation helps clear excess oil and reduce breakouts.
Two or three times a week is a good rule of thumb. But if your chosen products are gentle, you may be able to exfoliate more often, note Dr Jeffy and Dr Patel.
Combination skin
Exfoliate: 1-2 times a week.
If you have combination skin—oilier in some spots and drier in others—you’ll need to find the balance between exfoliating and moisturising. Dermatologists suggest exfoliating once or twice a week. “Adjust the frequency based on how your skin looks and feels,” says Dr Vaidya.
You can also treat different areas separately, exfoliating the oily zones more often than the dry ones, note Dr Jeffy and Dr Witkowski.
Mature skin
Exfoliate: 1-2 times a week.
As skin ages, cellular turnover slows. Exfoliation can help smooth texture and restore brightness, say Dr Jeffy and Dr Witkowski. But mature skin is also thinner, and overexfoliating can make it more fragile and dry, warn Dr Patel and Dr Witkowski.
For that reason, experts agree once or twice a week is usually best. The focus should be on gentle products. Stick with mild exfoliants, check in with a dermatologist if needed, and cut back if your skin shows signs of irritation.
Is it good to exfoliate your face every day?
None of the dermatologists recommend daily exfoliation. In fact, they advise much less: one to two times a week if you have dry, sensitive, combination or mature skin, and two to three times a week if your skin is oily or acne-prone.
Overexfoliating can cause redness, tightness, peeling and flaking—exactly the things you’re trying to prevent, says Dr Witkowski. Pushing your skin too hard only backfires.
What happens if I overexfoliate or underexfoliate?
Exfoliating too much can backfire. It doesn’t just leave your skin feeling dry and tight—it can irritate or even damage your barrier. “If you’re overexfoliating, the skin will feel dry and tight,” says Dr Jeffy. “It may get itchy or even start breaking out due to excessive dryness and damage.”
Not exfoliating enough, on the other hand, can leave your complexion lacklustre. “The skin may look dull, feel rough, and have clogged pores and pimples,” she adds.
Signs you’re overexfoliating
- Irritation: Redness and irritation are often the first signs, according to Dr Jeffy, Dr Vaidya and Dr Witkowski.
- Sensitivity: Skin may sting, itch or burn more easily, per Dr Vaidya and Dr Witkowski.
- Dryness: Overexfoliating strips away moisture, leaving skin dry, tight, and prone to cracking or peeling.
- Breakouts: Ironically, too much exfoliation can trigger spots—often around the cheeks and mouth, notes Dr Witkowski.
Signs you’re underexfoliating
- Dullness: A build-up of dead skin cells can leave your complexion uneven and flat, say Dr Jeffy, Dr Vaidya and Dr Witkowski.
- Flaking: Without regular exfoliation, skin may look flaky or feel rough to the touch.
- Clogged pores: Breakouts and product build-up often signal your pores need a proper clear-out, per Dr Jeffy and Dr Witkowski.
Remember: it can take a day or two for the effects of overexfoliation to show. “The tricky part is you don’t see the damage until later,” explains Dr Patel. If your skin starts cracking, peeling or reacting badly after a new product, press pause. “Stop all skincare and take a skin break,” she advises.
Is it better to exfoliate in the morning or at night?
Dermatologists agree: night-time is best. “This is when your skin works to rejuvenate itself,” explains Dr Jeffy. Research shows cellular turnover peaks while you sleep, so your skin is repairing and producing new cells overnight. Exfoliating in the evening also clears away the dirt, sweat and makeup that builds up during the day, says Dr Patel.
Another reason to save exfoliation for night? Some exfoliants make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, per Dr Vaidya and Dr Witkowski. While gentle options may be fine in the morning, you’ll need broad-spectrum sunscreen before stepping outside.
Still, the most important thing is consistency. “Consistency is more important than sticking to a particular time of day,” says Dr Vaidya. If evening exfoliation doesn’t work for you, find a time you can stick to and make it part of your routine.
What should I do before and after I exfoliate my skin?
Before exfoliating
Start with clean hands, then assess your skin. Does it actually need exfoliation today? “During certain times of the year, you may need to alter your usual schedule,” says Dr Jeffy. If your skin looks calm and balanced, skip it. If it feels dull or congested, go ahead. Wash your face to remove dirt, oil and makeup, then pat dry before applying your exfoliant, adds Dr Witkowski.
After exfoliating
Rinse thoroughly to remove any residue, then hydrate straight away with a moisturiser or serum, per Dr Witkowski. If it’s morning, always follow with sunscreen. And be mindful of what you layer on top—Dr Vaidya advises avoiding strong actives like vitamin C or retinoids immediately after exfoliating, as they may irritate your skin.
Newsletter
