Exfoliating is an important part of any skincare routine, but it can be hard to determine how often you should exfoliate your skin. Depending on your skin type, you may need to exfoliate more or less often. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine how often you should exfoliate your skin.
What is Exfoliation?
Approximately every 30 days, your skin sheds dead cells to make room for new ones. In some cases, these dead cells fail to shed completely, which is where exfoliation comes in. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. The cells are often removed using a chemical, an exfoliation tool, or a granular substance.
How Often Should I Exfoliate?
How often you should exfoliate your skin depends on your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may need to exfoliate more often than if you have dry skin. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine how often to exfoliate your skin:
- If you have oily skin, twice a week.
- If you have dry skin, once a week.
- If you have sensitive skin, once a week or less often.
Exfoliation and Skin Type
There are multiple methods to exfoliate at home, in a clinic or at a spa, but you have to be careful with the method you choose as not every skin type is fit for every type of exfoliation and you may end up doing damage to your skin if you exfoliate incorrectly. Keep the following in mind before you exfoliate at home:
- Exfoliating when using certain skin care products, like retinol, may worsen dry skin or cause acne breakouts.
- Be gentle with your skin while exfoliating, and make sure not to exfoliate if you have any open wounds.
- Make sure you select a method that is suitable for your skin type.
- Apply moisturizer when you are finished exfoliating to keep your skin hydrated.
How We Can Help
At Peninsula Dermatology, our physicians will perform an assessment of your skin prior to any treatment. We can help you determine what your skin type is and how often you should be exfoliating. Be sure to ask us about our in-office exfoliation services, such as chemical peels, and our dermatologist recommended skin care products. Request an appointment online at one of our two locations.