We believe exfoliation is a key skincare practice that helps maintain healthy, glowing skin, and
preps your skin for cosmetic treatments. It involves the removal of dead skin cells from the
skin’s surface, which allows fresh, new skin cells to emerge. Regular exfoliation offers several
skin benefits, from improving texture to preventing clogged pores, and can even help with
issues like hyperpigmentation. But how often should you exfoliate to see the best results? In this
blog, we'll explore the benefits of regular exfoliation and answer the common question of how
often you should be exfoliating to achieve the best results for your skin.
What Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is the process of sloughing off dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can
be achieved through two primary methods:
- Physical Exfoliation: This method uses scrubs or tools (like brushes or sponges) to
manually slough off dead skin cells. - Chemical Exfoliation: Chemical exfoliants use acids or enzymes to dissolve the bonds
between dead skin cells, allowing them to be removed more easily and with less
irritation. Common chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and
beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
The Benefits of Regular Exfoliation
1. Improved Skin Texture and Smoothness
Regular exfoliation is a powerful way to improve the texture of your skin. By removing the layer
of dead skin cells that can accumulate over time, exfoliation helps smooth rough patches and
allows for a brighter, more even skin tone. A study published in Dermatologic Surgery in 2021
showed that exfoliating regularly helped accelerate the skin’s natural cell turnover, leading to
smoother skin. Over time, exfoliation can contribute to a more youthful, radiant complexion by
revealing fresher skin underneath.
2. Prevention of Clogged Pores and Acne
One of the most common causes of acne is clogged pores, which can occur when dead skin
cells and excess oils build up inside hair follicles. Exfoliation helps to keep the pores clear by
removing this buildup. A 2020 study in Dermatologic Therapy found that exfoliating with gentle
physical or chemical exfoliants helped reduce the formation of acne lesions by preventing the
clogging of pores. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid, a type of BHA, are particularly effective
at penetrating deep into the pores to clear blockages and reduce inflammation, which can
ultimately prevent acne.
3. Brighter, More Even Skin Tone
Exfoliation can also help fade dark spots, sun damage, and post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation (PIH). The process removes the uppermost layer of skin, which often
contains these pigmentation irregularities, allowing newer, more even-toned skin to come to the
surface. In a 2021 study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, it was
shown that regular exfoliation helped fade pigmentation caused by sun exposure, leading to a
more even complexion. This is especially true for chemical exfoliants, which can be more
targeted in treating pigmentation issues compared to physical scrubs.
4. Enhanced Absorption of Skincare Products
Exfoliating regularly can help skincare products work more effectively by clearing away the dead
skin cells that may otherwise block the absorption of active ingredients. According to a 2022
review in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, exfoliation allows serums,
moisturizers, and other treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more
effective. This is especially important for products like retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid,
which need to be absorbed into the skin to deliver their full benefits.
5. Reduction in Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Exfoliation accelerates the natural process of skin cell turnover, which can help reduce the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By removing the outer layer of dead skin, exfoliation
promotes the production of collagen, a protein that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. A
2020 study published in The Journal of Dermatology found that regular exfoliation, especially
with products that contain AHAs like glycolic acid, helped improve skin’s firmness and elasticity,
reducing the visibility of fine lines over time.
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type, the type of exfoliant you're using, and
the specific goals you're targeting. Here’s a breakdown of how often different skin types should
exfoliate:
- Sensitive Skin: For sensitive skin, it’s important to exfoliate gently and infrequently. Opt
for mild physical exfoliants or chemical exfoliants with lower concentrations of AHAs or
BHAs. You should exfoliate no more than once a week to avoid irritation and dryness. - Normal to Combination Skin: People with normal or combination skin can usually
tolerate exfoliating 2-3 times per week. Choose an exfoliant based on your skin’s
needs—gentler options, like lactic acid or fruit enzymes, work well for those with slightly
drier areas, while salicylic acid (a BHA) is great for those with more oily zones. - Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Oily or acne-prone skin can handle exfoliating more often, up
to 3-4 times per week. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are especially effective at
clearing pores and controlling excess oil. However, it’s still essential not to over-exfoliate,
as doing so can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
In all cases, be sure to listen to your skin and adjust your exfoliation routine based on how it
reacts. If your skin feels irritated, red, or excessively dry, it may be a sign that you're exfoliating
too often or using a product that’s too harsh.
The Role of Chemical Exfoliants in Treating Pigmentation
While physical exfoliants are effective at removing dead skin cells, chemical exfoliants have
gained popularity in recent years due to their more targeted benefits for pigmentation. Chemical
exfoliants like AHAs (such as glycolic acid and lactic acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid) are
known for their ability to penetrate the skin and exfoliate more deeply. This can help reduce
pigmentation from sunspots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
- Glycolic Acid: A popular AHA, glycolic acid helps remove the uppermost layers of skin,
promoting a brighter and more even skin tone. Regular use can help fade dark spots and
melasma, particularly when combined with sunscreen to prevent further sun damage. - Salicylic Acid: As a BHA, salicylic acid is known for its ability to penetrate deep into
pores, clearing out debris and preventing acne breakouts. It’s also effective in
addressing pigmentation, particularly acne scars, by accelerating the turnover of skin
cells.
While chemical exfoliants are incredibly effective for treating pigmentation, they should be used
with caution, especially for those with sensitive skin. Always start with a lower concentration and
increase as tolerated, and be sure to use sunscreen daily, as exfoliated skin is more prone to
sun damage.
Conclusion
Regular exfoliation is a powerful way to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Whether you're using
physical exfoliants or chemical exfoliants, the benefits include improved skin texture, reduced
acne, and a more even complexion. For those dealing with pigmentation concerns like dark
spots or acne scars, exfoliation can be particularly beneficial, helping to fade discoloration and
brighten the skin. When it comes to how often you should exfoliate, it’s important to consider
your skin type and the products you're using. By finding the right balance, you can enjoy the
benefits of exfoliation without compromising your skin’s health.
Some of our office favorites:
SkinBetter AlphaRet Peel Pads
Skinceuticals Cell Cycle Renewal
Tretinoin
References
Lee, S., & Choi, J. (2021). The Role of Regular Exfoliation in Skin Health and Appearance. Dermatologic Surgery, 47(5), 800-807. https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.14157 2. Kim, J. H., & Lee, W. K. (2020). Exfoliation and Acne: A Review of Therapeutic Benefits. Dermatologic Therapy, 33(6), 723-730. https://doi.org/10.1002/dth.13452 3. Li, R., & Wang, T. (2022). Effectiveness of Exfoliation in Treating Hyperpigmentation: A Clinical Review. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(6), 22-30. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S340100
