Try not to use an exfoliator with harsh ingredients, like alcohol. [2] X Expert Source Paul Friedman, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology Expert Interview. 8 April 2020. You can find your skin type by pressing a piece of tissue against your face. If the tissue has dry flakes of skin on it, you have dry skin. If the tissue has a thin layer of oil on it, you have oily skin. If the tissue has neither, you have normal skin.
You will likely be able to exfoliate 3 times a week if you have oily skin. Stick to a gentle exfoliator if you have dark skin or are prone to dark spots. Some exfoliators may damage your skin and make your skin look uneven. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) both help dissolve and remove the dead layer of skin from your face.
Glycolic acid is a type of AHA that’s derived from sugar cane. It helps create a “peeling” effect on your skin to remove old, dead skin flakes. If your skin gets irritated, apply the product with your fingers instead of a washcloth.
Try not to apply too much product while you exfoliate. [6] X Expert Source Paul Friedman, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology Expert Interview. 8 April 2020. Too much product can irritate your skin, which counteracts the benefits of exfoliation. Don’t be too aggressive when you apply the exfoliator. [7] X Expert Source Paul Friedman, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist, American Board of Dermatology Expert Interview. 8 April 2020. While it can be tempting to rub and press the product into your skin, rubbing too hard can irritate your face.
Your skin will be extra sensitive after exfoliating. Be sure to pat your skin dry gently instead of rubbing it roughly. If you used a scrub, make sure that you don’t have any granules in your hair line or stuck on your skin, since they can clog your pores.
If you use a face serum, apply the serum before you use your moisturizer.
If you have sensitive skin, you may only be able to exfoliate once a week. Introduce exfoliation into your routine slowly, and see how your skin reacts. If it tolerates exfoliation (meaning it doesn’t get irritated or red), increase the amount that you exfoliate per week. The best time of day to exfoliate is in the morning. Your skin renews itself at night, so the morning is the best time to scrub away your dead skin cells.
If you don’t use an exfoliating body wash, it’s okay to use a body scrub twice a week, if you like. You can purchase a commercial body scrub or make your own. For a simple body scrub, combine equal parts brown sugar or salt with coconut oil, almond oil, or sweet almond oil.
You may want to use a dry brush if you have oily or normal skin. Dry brushing isn’t recommended for people with sensitive or especially dry skin, since the brush might irritate you more.
Use about a shot glass of body lotion or cream to cover your entire body.
