Here's How Often You Should Actually Exfoliate Your Face
If you're looking for a simple and easy way to attain glowing and vibrant skin, you might want to try exfoliation (via Self). Exfoliation is a process that involves removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin using chemical or physical exfoliators. This practice can help brighten and rejuvenate your skin.
While it's normal for the outermost layer of your skin to use dead skins cells as a protective barrier, an overaccumulation of dead cells can clog your pores and make your skin appear dull. Exfoliation, however, can help reverse these effects and bring newer cells to the surface. "The exfoliants help clear off the top dead layer, revealing the nice new healthier, younger skin cells below," Dr. John G. Zampella, an assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, told Self. This can leave your skin feeling smoother and refreshed and give it a more glowing and vibrant appearance.
You can exfoliate up to three times per week
Although exfoliation can be a useful part of your weekly skincare routine, exfoliating too often or too harshly can end up irritating or damaging your skin (via mindbodygreen). As it turns out, over-exfoliating can remove too much of your skin's protective barrier, leaving your skin vulnerable to acne, dryness, redness, and other skin issues, per Self. That's why it's important to exfoliate no more than three times per week.
"The most important tip is that 'less is more.' You want to exfoliate just enough to increase cell turnover and reveal fresh new skin," Dr. Ife Rodney, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology, told mindbodygreen. "But be sure to not scratch or damage your skin by overusing these devices or products." Scrubs, peels, and masks are the easiest ways to exfoliate your face at home, but you can also use serums that contain exfoliating agents, like alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids.