All Topics

How Often Should I Exfoliate?

Exfoliation is one of the most important skin care procedures for restoring the skin's radiance. It also helps to keep the skin clean, fresh and beautiful for a certain period of time. However, in order to avoid damaging the skin surface, it is important to respect a certain schedule for exfoliation. How often should you exfoliate (your face)?

Summary

What Does Exfoliation Consist Of?
What Are the Benefits of Exfoliation?
How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face and Body?

Published June 29, 2021, updated on August 8, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min read

Share this article

Scrub

Exfoliation

What Does Exfoliation Consist Of?

As its name indicates, exfoliation is a treatment that consists of exfoliating the surface of the epidermis of dead skin and impurities that have accumulated. The process is based on the application of a care product containing either exfoliating micro-beads or chemical or enzymatic active ingredients that have the ability to unclog the pores. There are two types of scrubs depending on your skin type and the areas you wish to apply it to (body, face, rough areas (feet, elbows, etc.)): the mechanical scrub with grains and the chemical or enzymatic scrub without grains.

The first one acts by rubbing and therefore requires the execution of circular movements with a light pressure in order to facilitate the effects of the ingredients. This method of exfoliation is one of those commonly used. However, these treatments can be irritating and damage the epidermis, especially if they are composed of large grains, which can be abrasive to the skin. That's why you should use a fine-grain exfoliant, especially on the face. On the other hand, chemical scrubs have no grains, which need to be activated by a massage. Presented in the form of serum or lotion, these treatments are applied in a thin layer on the face like a mask, where the active ingredients placed on the skin will dissolve dead cells and impurities in a few minutes, without intervention or friction.

What Are the Benefits of Exfoliation?

Exfoliation, whether performed on a specific area such as the face or generally over the entire body, is essential to eliminate dead cells accumulated on the surface of the skin and dirt that can clog the pores. By eliminating them, the skin regains a smooth, silky, more luminous texture, and is more responsive to the active ingredients contained in cosmetics. In fact, exfoliation helps to prepare the skin. By unclogging the pores, it optimizes the effectiveness of the care that will follow: moisturizing, nourishing, slimming, firming, etc. ... because there is no longer a barrier, the active ingredients will be better absorbed.

This step also stimulates the renewal of the epidermis cells. Freed from its impurities and dead cells, the skin is also ready to enjoy the sun and benefit from an even, luminous and longer-lasting tan. In addition, the scrub also promotes blood circulation, especially through the associated circular movements, which promotes better cellular oxygenation and increases the effectiveness and absorption of care products.

It also contributes to cure the excess of sebum and cleanse the skin, which thus finds more flexibility and brightness. Exfoliation is also recommended to get rid of imperfections. Without overdoing it, it cleans oily skin and limits the appearance of pimples and blackheads. Finally, the residue of dead cells, naturally present on the skin, can block the regrowth of hair after depilation, which is called ingrown hairs. A body scrub optimizes hair removal by removing stubborn hairs.

How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face and Body?

The frequency of use of a body scrub varies essentially according to skin type. It is not recommended to use it every day. For the face, a weekly treatment is largely sufficient. Individuals with normal to combination skin can use up to two scrubs per week. On the other hand, for those with sensitive or mature skin, exfoliation should not exceed one every two weeks because of the sensitivity of the skin's surface, and thus avoid irritation. As for dry skin, one scrub per week is more than enough. Finally, skins with an oily tendency can go up to two scrubs per week. For the body, a scrub can be done once or twice a week. It helps eliminate dead skin and impurities, and also allows the cells to regenerate.