What Happens To Your Skin When You Exfoliate Every Day

By the time you've read the first few paragraphs of this article, your skin will have already shed more than 30,000 cells (per Coast Dermatology). Where do all those skin cells go? You'll usually find them collecting in the dust around your home. Some also wash down the drain when you shower or wash your face. And if you exfoliate, it can feel great to scrub away those dead cells and reveal the fresh ones underneath.

As good as it might feel to exfoliate every day, it's not ideal for every skin type. People with oily skin, especially younger people with acne-prone skin, may benefit from daily exfoliation. That's because younger skin tends to regenerate about every 28 days, and regular exfoliating can help keep dead skin cells from clumping together and clogging pores.

(Here are some of the biggest mistakes with your skincare.)

But if you have normal, dry, sensitive, or aging skin, daily exfoliation might be too much. Your skin needs a little time to recover, and overdoing it can lead to irritation. Skin loves balance, so less exfoliation really is more.

Don't be fooled into thinking you have to exfoliate to get younger-looking skin. According to Harvard Medical School, exfoliation doesn't prevent or fix wrinkles. The truth is, you really don't need to exfoliate at all, though your arms and legs might appreciate a little attention to help avoid dry, flaky patches as you get older. And even if you've been all about exfoliating since your younger years, your skin may get more sensitive to it as you age.

It might be tempting to exfoliate more often if you have dry skin, especially to get rid of those flaky spots. But people with dry skin should stick to exfoliating just once or twice a week. Any more than that can actually dry your skin out even more (per Rose Inc). If you have normal or combination skin, you might be able to exfoliate every other day. Just keep an eye out for signs of exfoliating too much, like redness, peeling, or extra sensitivity. For some people, too much exfoliating can even trigger breakouts.

It's also smart to pay attention to your skin as the seasons change. When the temperature and humidity drop during the winter months, your skin naturally loses more moisture. That's a good time to dial back on exfoliating and focus more on moisturizing. In the summer, your skin might get oilier, and you may want to exfoliate a little more often. But chances are, you won't need as much moisturizer—or you can just switch to a lighter one.

There are two main ways to exfoliate your skin: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation can be as simple as using a washcloth, pumice stone, or loofah (but be careful of the bacteria that may grow in your loofah). Chemical exfoliants, like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, might sound harsher, but they're often gentler if you use them the right way. Just make sure you stick to one method at a time. And keep in mind, some of your current skincare products, like night creams, might already contain exfoliating ingredients. Exfoliants like benzoyl peroxide or retinol fall into that category.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, people with dry skin may want to stick with gentle chemical exfoliants or just use a washcloth. People with darker skin tones should also be cautious with harsh exfoliants, as overdoing it can lead to dark spots. If you have oily skin, you might be able to handle stronger exfoliation methods. But no matter your skin type, you should never exfoliate if your skin is sunburned or has any unhealed cuts or wounds.

If you're new to exfoliating, always start with the gentlest methods. Whether you're using a scrub or a chemical exfoliant, apply it in small, circular motions for about 30 seconds. When it's time to rinse, skip the hot water—lukewarm is best. And don't forget to follow up with a moisturizer that works for your skin type.