How to Exfoliate Your Face

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: March 15, 2023 References Approved

If you dream of having softer, more even skin, you’ve probably thought about incorporating exfoliation into your routine. Exfoliation can smooth out rough skin and may even help some skin treatments work better!^{[1]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} However, you have to use the right kind of exfoliation for your skin type to get the best results and avoid irritation.^{[2]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} It’s best to consult with a dermatologist about how to exfoliate your face. Depending on your needs, there are a number of products and medical procedures you can try.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using an Exfoliating Scrub at Home

1
Pull your hair back. If you have long hair, pull all of it away from your face and secure it with a hair tie. If you have bangs, you may need a headband or pins to hold them back away from your face as well.
- Some exfoliating products are gritty or gunky, so it’s best to avoid getting them in your hair!
2
Cleanse your face with your usual cleanser. You’ll get the best results if you clean your skin before exfoliating it.^{[3]
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Research source} Splash on a little lukewarm water and apply your favorite cleanser with your fingertips, then rinse it away with more lukewarm water.^{[4]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- To prevent irritation, choose a gentle cleanser that’s free of harsh ingredients like alcohol, perfumes, or dyes.
- Don’t use hot water, since it can irritate and dry out your skin.
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3
Apply your exfoliant in circular motions with your fingertips. Whatever exfoliant you’re using, have it ready to go. Maybe you decided to make a scrub at home, or maybe you’ve purchased a product at the store. Either way, apply the exfoliating paste to your clean, wet skin. Use your fingertips to gently rub the paste in circular motions over your entire face for about 30 seconds.^{[5]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Using your fingertips is the safest way to apply a scrub without irritating your skin. If you use a sponge, brush, or washcloth, keep your strokes very short and light. Don’t rub the exfoliant into your skin!
- Don’t exfoliate if you have open cuts, wounds, a sunburn, or active cold sores.
4
Rinse the scrub off of your face with lukewarm water. Wash off all the exfoliating paste with warm, not hot, water. Make sure you’ve removed all of the scrub, otherwise your face will be sticky or grainy from the leftover scrub.^{[6]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- You can use a clean, dry towel to gently blot away excess water, but leave your face a little damp to make your moisturizer more effective.^{[7]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
5
Smooth on a moisturizer with sunscreen. Right after you’re done exfoliating, while your face is still damp, apply a bit of moisturizer. This will help prevent your skin from drying out, which can cause irritation, breakouts, or peeling.^{[8]
X
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Choose a moisturizer that’s non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores) and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 to prevent sun damage.^{[9]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Your skin may be extra sensitive after exfoliating. Choose a gentle moisturizer that’s free of harsh ingredients, like alcohol, dyes, perfumes, or parabens.
6
Experiment to find the ideal exfoliation schedule. Some skin care specialists advise exfoliating as often as once a day.^{[10]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} However, if your skin is dry, sensitive, or easily irritated—or if you’re using particularly strong exfoliants—you may need to do it less often.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} If you’re not sure how often to exfoliate, ask your doctor or dermatologist.
- Exfoliating too often or too aggressively can be counter-productive, leaving you with damaged, rough, or inflamed skin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing Exfoliating Products

1
Examine your skin for oil or dryness to determine your skin type. Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to get the best exfoliant for your needs. Look at your skin closely to determine whether you have oily skin, normal skin, or dry skin before buying an exfoliating product. Dry skin is often flaky or itchy, while oily skin can feel greasy or look shiny.^{[12]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If your skin tends to have a greasy sheen or is prone to breakouts, especially in the “T-zone” around your nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin, then you probably have oily skin.
- If your skin is dry, flaky, or prone to redness and itching, you may have dry or sensitive skin.
- Many people have a combination of the 2 types in different areas, in which case you may need to use different products on different parts of your face.
2
Choose products with gentle acids or benzoyl peroxide if your skin is oily or acne-prone. When you buy an exfoliant, check the label and look at the active ingredients to make sure it’s formulated for your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose a product that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.^{[13]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- These ingredients can help to improve and prevent breakouts. You can also apply an alpha-hydroxy-acid or lactic acid cleanser, which helps remove dead skin cells.
- Use a product with retinoic acid to balance out skin tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.^{[14]
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  Cleveland Clinic
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- If you are allergic to aspirin, you should not use any product containing salicylic acid.
3
Try an electric exfoliating brush for thick, oily skin.^{[15]
X
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Brands like Clarisonic, Foreo, and Anisa have developed tools that can be used to remove the outer layer of dead or uneven skin from your face. These brushes use sonic frequency to remove dirt and debris from your face without irritating your skin.^{[16]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Though not as effective as a professional microdermabrasion treatment, these tools are much less expensive. They’re a great alternative to microdermabrasion if you have uneven skin that’s not super dry or sensitive.
- It is important to clean your brush once a week since it comes into contact with the dirt, bacteria, and oils on your face whenever you use it. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on how to clean your brush properly.
4
Opt for gentle scrubs if you have sensitive or dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll need to give it more delicate TLC to prevent irritation. Look for products that are labeled as suitable for sensitive skin. Choose a gentle scrub with mild, anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal, instead of harsh chemical exfoliants.^{[17]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} These products are good for dry or easily irritated skin, too.
- Avoid scrubs with plastic microbeads, which are harmful to the environment.^{[18]
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  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Professional Services

1
Treat yourself to a spa facial. Make exfoliating your face part of a relaxing spa day. Spas offer many dermatological services during facials, from exfoliation to deep cleansing treatments. Every once in a while, enjoy a relaxing day of pampering.^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} While you’re there, treat yourself to a massage, too!
- During a typical spa facial, your aesthetician will cleanse, massage, and moisturize your skin. They may also apply masks or gentle exfoliating treatments.^{[20]
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  Consumer Reports
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- If you have any skin concerns, such as unusually dry or sensitive skin, talk to a dermatologist about which spa treatments may be safe and beneficial for you.
- If you want to get a more intensive exfoliating treatment, such as a chemical peel, consult your dermatologist first. It’s usually best to get those kinds of treatments in a dermatologist’s office.
2
Get professional microdermabrasion for deeper exfoliation. Also referred to as mechanical exfoliation or micro-resurfacing, microdermabrasion uses a mechanical suction tube with an exfoliating tip to get rid of dead or dry layers of skin.^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} It cleans out pores and rejuvenates skin, though the process does need to be repeated every few weeks to maintain the positive effects. Talk to your dermatologist about whether this treatment is right for you.
- Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment that is performed in-office by a dermatologist. On average, a microdermabrasion procedure costs around $136 in the U.S.^{[22]
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  Research source}
- Depending on your needs and the condition of your skin, you might need treatments anywhere from once a week to once a month.^{[23]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Don’t do microdermabrasion if you scar easily or have used the medicine isotretinoin within the past 6 months. If you are on any type of acne medication, ask your dermatologist before getting any microdermabrasion treatments.
3
Try a chemical peel as an alternative to microdermabrasion. If you do not have dry or sensitive skin, you may be a candidate for getting a chemical peel from a dermatologist every 4-6 weeks. Chemical peel solutions contain acids that help to remove dead skin, speed cell regeneration, or both.^{[24]
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Expert Source

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.} The top layer of your skin will be red and irritated for a few days after a chemical peel, and then it will begin to heal itself and generate fresh, smooth skin.^{[25]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- On average, a chemical peel costs around $644 in the U.S. However, the price can vary a great deal depending on factors like the type of peel you’re getting and the doctor’s experience level.^{[26]
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  Research source}
- Chemical peels can be done at light, medium, or deep levels depending on your desired results. Deeper peels take longer to heal.
- Your skin will probably look red for a little while after a chemical peel. Other less common risks include scarring, changes in skin color, and infection. The carbolic acid in deep chemical peels can also cause heart, kidney, or liver damage, so talk to your doctor before trying this treatment.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Should you exfoliate in the morning or at night?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

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Question

What is a good exfoliator for your face?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

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Over-the-counter products that contain alpha-hydroxy acid are an effective, gentle way to exfoliate and increase cell turnover.
Question

Can I use any type of honey?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

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Raw organic honey is necessary to reap the full benefits. Processed honey does not have the antibacterial and antioxidant properties that are beneficial to the skin.

Warnings

Be sure to consult with a dermatologist before exfoliating if you have a darker skin tone or if you scar easily. Using improper technique could result in skin color changes.^{[30]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

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Some skin products can make your skin more sensitive or more likely to peel, like those with benzoyl peroxide or retinol.^{[31]
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American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Be careful exfoliating if you already use one of these products.

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If you have a mole or discolored spot on your skin that is growing or changing, see a doctor right away to get checked for skin cancer.^{[32]
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Go to source}

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