5 Benefits of Exfoliating Your Skin (+ How Often to Do It)

Updated October 2026

Exfoliating is one of the simplest ways to keep your skin soft, smooth and glowing. Done the right way, it clears away the dull layer of dead cells that builds up on the surface, helps keep pores from clogging and lets the rest of your routine work better. Done the wrong way, it leaves skin red, tight and irritated. Below are the five biggest benefits of exfoliating your skin, plus how to choose a method for your skin type, how often to do it and the mistakes to avoid.

What is exfoliation?

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells, but that process slows down with age, dry weather and some skin conditions. Exfoliation is simply the removal of those dead skin cells from the outer surface of the skin. There are two main ways to do it:

Physical (mechanical) exfoliation – buffing the cells away with a scrub, a soft brush, an exfoliating cloth or a textured glove. Body scrubs often use sugar, salt or coffee grounds.
Chemical exfoliation – using ingredients that loosen the “glue” between dead cells so they rinse away. The most common are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), better known as salicylic acid.

Skin brushing, exfoliating cloths and gloves also give the skin a gentle massage, which many people find leaves the skin looking fresher and more awake.

5 benefits of exfoliating your skin

1. Softer, smoother, more radiant skin

A build-up of dead cells reflects light unevenly, which is why skin can look dull and feel rough. Removing that layer reveals the fresher skin underneath, so your complexion feels smoother to the touch and looks more luminous, on your face and your body.

2. Fewer clogged pores and breakouts

Dead skin mixed with oil is one of the things that clogs pores. Regular, gentle exfoliation helps keep pores clear, which can mean fewer blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid is especially useful for oily and acne-prone skin because it is oil-soluble and works inside the pore.

3. Better results from your moisturizer and serums

When the surface is no longer covered in flaky cells, your moisturizer, serum or body lotion spreads more evenly and is absorbed more easily. That is why exfoliating before you moisturize makes the rest of your routine feel more effective.

4. A more even-looking skin tone

Uneven tone and dark spots are more noticeable when the skin surface is dull. Consistent exfoliation, especially with AHAs, helps fade the look of discoloration over time and gives a more even overall tone. If you are treating stubborn hyperpigmentation, pair exfoliation with daily sunscreen; without sun protection, dark spots tend to come back.

5. Visibly brighter skin that keeps fine lines in check

Routine exfoliation supports the skin’s natural renewal process, so skin looks brighter and fine lines look softer. It also makes makeup go on more smoothly, because foundation and concealer no longer cling to dry patches.

How to exfoliate for your skin type

The best exfoliant is the one your skin can tolerate. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on how your skin feels:

Dry or sensitive skin: choose a very gentle option, such as a soft washcloth or a mild lactic acid product, and exfoliate about once a week.
Normal or combination skin: a gentle scrub or a low-strength AHA two or three times a week usually works well.
Oily or acne-prone skin: a salicylic acid cleanser or toner is often the best fit. Oily skin can usually handle exfoliation more often, but start slowly and build up.
Darker skin tones: skin of color can be more prone to dark marks after irritation, so gentle and consistent beats harsh and aggressive every time.

For your face, choose products made specifically for facial skin. Be cautious of harsh scrubs made with crushed nut shells or jagged particles; they can be too abrasive and may leave tiny tears in the skin. For the body, a scrub or exfoliating glove used with your favorite cleanser is enough. Our Beauty and Health Editor’s personal favorite is a pair of recycled-material bath and shower gloves from EcoTools, which she finds gentle enough for both face and body.

How to exfoliate the right way: step by step

Start with clean skin. Wash with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
Be gentle. With a scrub, use light, small circular motions for about 30 seconds. With a chemical exfoliant, follow the product directions and don’t leave it on longer than recommended.
Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
Moisturize right away to replace moisture and calm the skin.
Wear sunscreen every day. AHAs in particular can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.

Common exfoliating mistakes to avoid

Over-exfoliating. Redness, stinging, shiny “tight” skin or new breakouts are signs to back off. Pay attention to how your skin feels and give it a few days to recover.
Doubling up. Using a scrub, an acid toner and a retinoid on the same night is too much for most people.
Exfoliating broken or inflamed skin. Skip cuts, sunburn and active flare-ups.
Ignoring prescriptions. If you use prescription acne or anti-aging products, or you have a condition like rosacea or eczema, ask your dermatologist before adding an exfoliant.

Build exfoliation into a complete routine

Exfoliating works best as one step in a simple routine: cleanse, exfoliate a few times a week, moisturize and protect with sunscreen. In colder months, when skin is drier, you may need to exfoliate less often and moisturize more. Our winter skin care tips explain how to adjust. Smooth, exfoliated lips also make a statement color look its best; see our guide to wearing a bold lip. For more routines, browse our beauty tips or the full Beauty and Health section.

Exfoliating FAQ

How often should I exfoliate my face?

Most people do well exfoliating one to three times a week. Dry or sensitive skin usually needs it less often; oily skin can often handle it more. If your skin feels raw or irritated, cut back.

Is chemical or physical exfoliation better?

Neither is better for everyone. Chemical exfoliants (AHAs and BHA) give a more even result without scrubbing, while physical exfoliants give instant smoothness. Sensitive skin usually prefers a mild chemical exfoliant or a soft cloth.

Should I exfoliate in the morning or at night?

Either works. Many people prefer exfoliating at night so the skin can recover overnight. If you exfoliate in the morning, always follow with sunscreen.

Can I exfoliate if I have acne?

Gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid can help acne-prone skin, but avoid harsh scrubs on active, inflamed breakouts because they can make irritation worse.

Show your body how grateful you are for it. Love & Blessings.

Done by: Candice Johnson (Beauty and Health Editor)