How to Exfoliate for Radiant, Smooth Skin (Plus Product Recommendations)

Learn the right techniques and how often you should exfoliate for healthy, glowing skin

Co-authored by Paul Friedman, MD and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 22, 2022 References Approved

Picking the Right Exfoliator for Your Face

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Exfoliating Your Face

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Exfoliating Your Body

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Should You Exfoliate in the Morning or at Night?

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Are you ready to take your skincare routine to the next level? Exfoliating cleanses your skin while removing dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria that can clog pores. But you might be wondering what kind of exfoliator you should use, how often you should exfoliate, and how to actually use exfoliating products (all of the conflicting info out there can be overwhelming!). Don’t worry—we’re here to answer all of your questions and teach you everything you need to know about exfoliation so you can get smoother, brighter, more even skin.

Things You Should Know

If you have normal or combination skin, use a manual exfoliator. If you have oily or dry skin, try a chemical exfoliator.
To exfoliate your face, wet your skin and apply the exfoliator in circular motions. Rinse your face and pat your skin dry before using a moisturizer.
To exfoliate your body, wet your skin in the shower and use a scrub or a body wash. Focus on your feet, elbows, and hands where dry skin tends to build up.
Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week, or less often if your skin is easily irritated.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Picking the Right Exfoliator for Your Face

1
For normal or combination skin: Swap between a chemical and manual exfoliator. Your skin should tolerate most exfoliators, but it might get irritated if you use a manual scrub too often. For best results, try a chemical and manual exfoliator, but use them on different days. This will help you get the benefits of both without stressing your skin.^{[1]
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- Try not to use an exfoliator with harsh ingredients, like alcohol.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Paul Friedman, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
  Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.}
- You can find your skin type by pressing a piece of tissue against your face. If the tissue has dry flakes of skin on it, you have dry skin. If the tissue has a thin layer of oil on it, you have oily skin. If the tissue has neither, you have normal skin.
2
For oily skin: apply a strong chemical exfoliator. Some chemical exfoliators are stronger than others. Choose an exfoliator that has BHAs listed on the label or a high percentage of AHAs.^{[3]
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- You will likely be able to exfoliate 3 times a week if you have oily skin.
- Stick to a gentle exfoliator if you have dark skin or are prone to dark spots. Some exfoliators may damage your skin and make your skin look uneven.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) both help dissolve and remove the dead layer of skin from your face.
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3
For dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin: use a washcloth and chemical exfoliator. Look for a mild chemical exfoliator, like glycolic acid. Apply it to a washcloth for more exfoliation. Then, gently scrub your face once or twice a week to remove your dead skin cells.^{[4]
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- Glycolic acid is a type of AHA that’s derived from sugar cane. It helps create a “peeling” effect on your skin to remove old, dead skin flakes.
- If your skin gets irritated, apply the product with your fingers instead of a washcloth.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Exfoliating Your Face

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Cleanse your skin, then apply your exfoliator in a circular motion. Wash your face with a mild cleanser, then rinse the cleanser off your skin. Wet your face with lukewarm water, then put a quarter-size amount of your exfoliator or scrub on your fingertips. Then, rub it across your face with circular motions to exfoliate your face. Massage your entire face with the exfoliator for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Try not to apply too much product while you exfoliate.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Paul Friedman, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
  Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.} Too much product can irritate your skin, which counteracts the benefits of exfoliation.
- Don't be too aggressive when you apply the exfoliator.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Paul Friedman, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology
  Expert Interview. 8 April 2020.} While it can be tempting to rub and press the product into your skin, rubbing too hard can irritate your face.
2
Rinse off the exfoliator with lukewarm water and pat your face dry. Splash the water over your face until all of the product is removed. Then, blot your face dry using a soft, clean towel.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Your skin will be extra sensitive after exfoliating. Be sure to pat your skin dry gently instead of rubbing it roughly.
- If you used a scrub, make sure that you don’t have any granules in your hair line or stuck on your skin, since they can clog your pores.
3
Apply moisturizer to your face to soothe your skin. Your skin might feel a little dry or tight after you exfoliate, so it’s best to moisturize your skin. Use facial lotion immediately after you exfoliate to add moisture back to your skin. Choose a moisturizer that’s formulated for your skin type: for dry skin, use a thick lotion, and for oily or acne-prone skin, use an oil-free lotion. Then, massage about a dime-sized amount of it into your skin.^{[9]
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- If you use a face serum, apply the serum before you use your moisturizer.
4
Exfoliate your face 2 to 3 times per week. Your skin will look its best if you exfoliate it regularly. At a minimum, it’s best to exfoliate your skin twice a week. If your skin tolerates it well, exfoliate 3 times per week.^{[10]
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- If you have sensitive skin, you may only be able to exfoliate once a week. Introduce exfoliation into your routine slowly, and see how your skin reacts. If it tolerates exfoliation (meaning it doesn’t get irritated or red), increase the amount that you exfoliate per week.
- The best time of day to exfoliate is in the morning. Your skin renews itself at night, so the morning is the best time to scrub away your dead skin cells.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Exfoliating Your Body

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Exfoliate with a sugar or salt scrub weekly to get smooth skin. If you want your skin to be really soft and smooth, use a manual exfoliator once a week to improve your skin. Wet your skin, then massage the scrub into your body before you shower. Start at your shoulders, then rub the exfoliator into your skin down to your toes. Pay special attention to your elbows, knees, and ankles where skin tends to build up.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If you don’t use an exfoliating body wash, it’s okay to use a body scrub twice a week, if you like.
- You can purchase a commercial body scrub or make your own. For a simple body scrub, combine equal parts brown sugar or salt with coconut oil, almond oil, or sweet almond oil.
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Use short, light strokes if you use a dry brush or sponge. A brush or scrub allows you to easily exfoliate your skin without a product. Use your brush or sponge daily before you shower while your skin is dry. Start at your shoulders and work your way down to your feet. Move the brush or sponge across your skin in short, light strokes to remove your dead skin cells.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- You may want to use a dry brush if you have oily or normal skin. Dry brushing isn’t recommended for people with sensitive or especially dry skin, since the brush might irritate you more.
3
Apply moisturizer after you exfoliate to nourish your skin. It’s normal for your skin to feel dry or itchy after you exfoliate. Fortunately, you can relieve this by applying a body lotion or cream. Slather your favorite moisturizer over your body as soon as you get out of the shower.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Use about a shot glass of body lotion or cream to cover your entire body.

Should You Exfoliate in the Morning or at Night?

Expert Q&A

Question

What is a good skin exfoliator?

Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional
Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.

Diana Yerkes

Skincare Professional

Expert Answer

Use an enzyme exfoliator in the shower. Enzyme exfoliators come in a powder and can be used in the morning as your cleanser. Dampen your face, turn some powder into a lather, and massage it gently around your face before rinsing.
Question

Can I use a toothbrush instead of bristled brush?

Clance

Community Answer

It depends on the type of toothbrush you have. If the bristle is hard, then you shouldn't use that, because it may damage your skin or cause redness if you have sensitive skin. Try using a soft-bristled brush.
Question

Can I use a razor to exfoliate my face?

Community Answer

No, you should definitely not use a razor to exfoliate your face. That could be very dangerous.

Warnings

Don’t exfoliate your skin if you have a cut, wound, or sunburn. It can cause irritation or further damage.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

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Exfoliating your skin too often can damage it. Start with once or twice a week, then reduce how often you exfoliate if your skin gets irritated.^{[16]
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