Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat to UseBased on Skin TypeBased on Body PartHow Often Should You Exfoliate?What Does Exfoliation Do?When to Stop ExfoliatingAt-Home ExfoliationProfessional ExfoliationMedical Exfoliation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What to Use
Based on Skin Type
Based on Body Part
How Often Should You Exfoliate?
What Does Exfoliation Do?
When to Stop Exfoliating
At-Home Exfoliation
Professional Exfoliation
Medical Exfoliation
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and can give your skin a healthier, smoother appearance. When deciding how to exfoliate the skin, you have two options: chemical exfoliation, which uses chemicals to break down dead skin, or a mechanical (or physical) exfoliant that rubs the skin to remove dead skin cells. Both approaches can be done at home or under the guidance of a dermatologist.
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What to Use to Exfoliate at Home
You can exfoliate at home using a tool like a washcloth, loofa, scrub brush, or an exfoliant product that will break down yourdead skin cells.
It might take some trial and error to decide which type of exfoliation is best for you. Or, you may decide to skip exfoliation altogether; there’s no medical reason to exfoliate your skin, so skipping it is just fine, especially if it irritates your skin.
Mechanical
Mechanical exfoliation uses a tool to rub against the skin and remove dry and dead skin cells. When you first start, use a washcloth to rub your face gently. You can also use a loofah for other body parts. Some people usually like to exfoliate with an exfoliating glove, a brush, or an exfoliating scrub in the shower.Dry brushing, or exfoliating without water, is also catching on, although some people find it irritates their skin.
It’s important to use something gentle. Rubbing too hard or using a too-rough substance can leave your skin feeling red or irritated.
Chemical
Chemical exfoliants break down dead skin cells. Although that might be found harsh, they’re often more gentle than mechanical exfoliation.You can use at-home exfoliators that have active ingredients including:
Start with a low concentration, and only increase the concentration if you feel like you need more powerful exfoliation.
Exfoliation and Dark SkinPeople with brown, Black, and darker skin tones may be prone to dark patches after exfoliation. If you have a darker skin tone, take extra care to exfoliate gently, if at all.
Exfoliation and Dark Skin
People with brown, Black, and darker skin tones may be prone to dark patches after exfoliation. If you have a darker skin tone, take extra care to exfoliate gently, if at all.
How to Exfoliate Based on Your Skin Type
The right type of exfoliation depends on your skin. Here’s an overview.
Dry Skin
For dry skin, use a washcloth or a very gentle chemical exfoliator. Be sure to moisturize after you exfoliate. (Something that’s important for everyone!)
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, start with very mild exfoliation. A washcloth or very gentle chemical exfoliator will work. Remember, you don’t have to exfoliate if it irritates your skin.
Oily Skin
Oily skin may need stronger exfoliation to clear pores. Try using a gentle exfoliating scrub, exfoliating brush, or a higher concentration of a chemical exfoliant.
Acne-Prone Skin
If you have acne-prone skin, consider how exfoliating might interact with the rest of your skincare routine. Retinol or benzoyl peroxide products can make your skin more sensitive, so start with a gentle exfoliant.
Normal or Combination Skin
Start with a gentle exfoliator. If your skin isn’t as smooth as you’d like, try a stronger exfoliant, but be careful not to irritate your skin.
How Do You Exfoliate Based on Body Part?
Dead skin cells can build up on any body area, so it’s not just your feet that need exfoliating. Areas with thicker skin can generally tolerate more aggressive exfoliation, while the face and areas with thinner skin need more care.
Face
Use gentle exfoliation on your face, especially if you have sensitive skin, acne, or other skin concerns.
Arms and Legs
Arms and legs can generally tolerate a bit more exfoliation. Since these are larger areas, mechanical exfoliation is usually better (and more cost effective) than chemical exfoliation. Use a loofah, exfoliating glove, or bath brush to gently wash your limbs.
Feet and Hands
Your hands and feet can be exfoliated in much the same way as your arms and legs. Keep in mind that exfoliating won’tget rid of calluses, so you may need to treat those areas of tough skin separately.
Scalp
You canexfoliate your scalpusing special shampoos or taking time to vigorously scrub your scalp with your fingers.
Pubic Area
Exfoliating your public area can help reduce ingrown hairs and irritation related to shaving or waxing. But the skin in this area is fragile and prone to irritation, so use a very gentle mechanical exfoliant. A lightly textured scrub designed for the bikini area is a good option.
Exfoliating two to three times a week is plenty.If you’re just getting started, consider exfoliating once a week, and slowly increase your routine from there.
Benefits
The benefits of exfoliation include:
Risks
Risks of exfoliating include:
If you notice any redness, inflammation, irritation, or stinging, stop exfoliating. You may also switch to a more gentle exfoliation method, like using a less concentrated chemical exfoliant or using a washcloth instead of a more textured mechanical exfoliant.
Can I Exfoliate at Home If I Have a Skin Condition?
If you have an existing skin condition, talk with your dermatologist about exfoliating. However, in many cases you can still exfoliate at home using a gentle method. For example, a washcloth or gentle chemical exfoliant can be used if you have acne.
Types of Professional Exfoliation
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasioncan provide a more even skin tone and brighter skin than at-home exfoliation. During the treatment, a professional uses a device to remove the top layer of skin on the face and neck. This is a type of mechanical exfoliation. Usually, it takes a few treatments before you’ll notice a substantial difference in how your skin looks.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peelsuse chemical exfoliants to remove layers of skin. A light peel removes the top layer of skin, while medium and deep peels go into the dermis, or second layer of skin.This is a deeper level of exfoliation than you can get at home, and it can be used to treat conditions including acne and skin discoloration.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, uses laser light to penetrate the skin. It’s used to address wrinkles, scars, and skin discoloration.
When Might Someone Need Medical Exfoliation?
Summary
Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells to provide brighter, more even skin tone. It can be done at home with a textured item, like a washcloth, exfoliating glove, or sugar scrub. You can also use a chemical exfoliant, which uses a chemical to break down dead skin cells. If you’re exfoliating at home, start with a gentle method and monitor for any signs of skin irritation. Exfoliate two to three times a week, and moisturize after. As always, talk with a dermatologist if you notice any alarming changes to your skin.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to safely exfoliate at home.Harvard Health.Have you exfoliated lately?Baylor College of Medicine.Fight dry skin this winter.Oregon State University.The benefits of regular exfoliation for skin health and beauty.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels.Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to safely exfoliate at home.Harvard Health.Have you exfoliated lately?Baylor College of Medicine.Fight dry skin this winter.Oregon State University.The benefits of regular exfoliation for skin health and beauty.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels.Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to safely exfoliate at home.Harvard Health.Have you exfoliated lately?Baylor College of Medicine.Fight dry skin this winter.Oregon State University.The benefits of regular exfoliation for skin health and beauty.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels.Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to safely exfoliate at home.
Harvard Health.Have you exfoliated lately?
Baylor College of Medicine.Fight dry skin this winter.
Oregon State University.The benefits of regular exfoliation for skin health and beauty.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Microdermabrasion.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Chemical peels.
Heidari Beigvand H, Razzaghi M, Rostami-Nejad M, et al.Assessment of laser effects on skin rejuvenation.J Lasers Med Sci. 2020;11(2):212-219. doi:10.34172/jlms.2020.35
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