How Often Should I Exfoliate My Face? A Guide for Glowy, Happy Skin

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, revealing that fresh, radiant layer underneath. Without it, your skin can start to look dull, your products won’t absorb as well, and your makeup might not sit as smoothly. Regular exfoliation can also help:

• Boost cell turnover
• Unclog pores and prevent breakouts
• Brighten your complexion
• Improve texture and tone
• Support better product absorption

But here’s the catch: more is not always better. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, cause irritation, and lead to dryness, redness, or even more breakouts. That’s why it’s so important to find your skin’s sweet spot.

Let’s dive into it by skin type and skin sensitivity so you can find your ideal exfoliation rhythm:

Normal/Combination Skin
2–3 times per week
If your skin isn’t overly sensitive or dry, you can exfoliate 2–3 times a week. You can alternate between chemical exfoliants (like AHAs and BHAs) and gentle physical scrubs, depending on your skin’s needs. Keep an eye on how your skin responds. Some weeks you might need more, some less. Think of it like your favorite playlist variety, but still in tune.

Dry or Dehydrated Skin
1–2 times per week
Dry skin needs exfoliation to slough off flaky patches and improve product absorption but gently is the key. Look for enzyme exfoliants or lactic acid-based products, which hydrate while they exfoliate. Overdoing it can make dryness worse, so keep things soft and soothing. (Think "All Too Well (10-Minute Version)" slow, deep, emotional… but don’t overdo it every day.)

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
2–3 times per week (possibly more with targeted products)
Oily and congested skin often benefits from slightly more frequent exfoliation to keep pores clear. Salicylic acid (BHA) is your best friend here, it penetrates into the pores and helps prevent breakouts. Just be careful not to go overboard. Exfoliating every day can backfire and actually trigger more oil production or irritation.

Sensitive or Reactive Skin
1 time per week or even less
If your skin tends to get red, itchy, or inflamed easily, you’ll want to tread lightly. Choose enzyme-based exfoliants or ultra-gentle formulations (think fruit enzymes or mandelic acid). Once a week may be plenty, or even every 10 days. Always listen to your skin, it’ll tell you when it’s had enough.

Your surroundings can influence how often your skin needs exfoliating:

• Urban environments (hello pollution!) may require more frequent exfoliation to clear buildup.
• Cold/dry climates can increase skin sensitivity, so you may need to exfoliate less.
• High humidity can mean more oil and congestion, consider bumping up your exfoliation.
• Makeup wearers benefit from regular exfoliation to keep their base looking smooth and fresh.

Even seasonal shifts matter, you might exfoliate more in the summer when oil and sweat are high, and dial it back in winter when your skin feels dry and fragile.

Exfoliation is one of the most transformative steps in a skincare routine, but only when done thoughtfully. Start slow, observe how your skin reacts, and don’t be afraid to adjust your routine based on how your skin feels, not just what the label says.

And remember, glowy skin is a vibe, not a race.  Let exfoliation be the gentle chorus in your skincare routine… not the high note you hit every single day.

Want help choosing the right exfoliant for your skin type? I’ve got favorites. (You know I do.)

 Drop your questions or visit us in the studio for a personalized skincare chat.

Red light therapy is one of the easiest, most relaxing ways to invest in your skin’s long-term health. Whether you're battling breakouts, sun damage, fine lines, or dark circles, adding red light to your routine is like giving your skin its own hype team.
Because great