How often to exfoliate your body and how to do it properly

Everyone wants that smooth, glowy skin that radiates health from the inside out, but getting the skin you want isn't always as easy as you'd hope.

Whether you have rough, dull skin, oily skin or deal with sensitive skin types that are prone to breakouts, the dream of smoother skin can sometimes feel like it's more trouble than it's worth.

Chances are you've already heard that if you exfoliate your body, you'll get the skin of your dreams. Exfoliating your body helps remove dead skin cells, which can improve skin texture and appearance. Simultaneously, it's important not to overdo it, because excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin.

So how often should you exfoliate your body? And with so many different exfoliants on the market, how are you supposed to know which one is going to work for your skin type? Should you get the exfoliating body scrub or the chemical exfoliator?

We know it can be overwhelming, but we've got your back, so it's time to say goodbye to flaky patches and clogged pores for good.

In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about how often you should exfoliate your body, and how to safely exfoliate for the silky smooth, fresh skin of your dreams.

Benefits of body exfoliation

If you're dealing with dull-looking skin, a body exfoliation routine may be just the thing you're after. There are several benefits to regular exfoliation that can improve your skin's overall health and appearance.

Some of the key advantages of using body exfoliants are:

1. Removes dead skin cells

Exfoliating your body works to remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh, smooth skin with improved texture and appearance [2].

Regular exfoliation also helps prevent dry, flaky skin from recurring.

2. Unclogs pores

Exfoliating can help remove the debris and dead skin cells that block hair follicles, which reduces your risk of developing ingrown hairs [2].

By keeping pores clear, exfoliation can also help prevent body acne and other breakouts.

3. Enhances product absorption

When you exfoliate regularly, your moisturisers and skincare products have fewer layers of skin to penetrate, which makes it easier for your skin to absorb them, and maximises the benefits of the active ingredients in your skincare products [3].

4. Stimulates circulation

The massaging action of exfoliation can help stimulate blood flow, which promotes healthier skin and encourages cell renewal [2].

5. Evens skin tone

Regular exfoliation can help diminish hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and uneven skin tone [2].

6. Supports lymphatic drainage

Gentle exfoliation can aid in lymphatic drainage, helping to remove toxins from the skin.

7. Prepares skin for shaving or waxing

Exfoliating before shaving or waxing creates a smoother surface, reducing the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.

It also helps you achieve a closer shave and/or more effective waxing results.

9. Anti-ageing benefits

Because exfoliation promotes skin cell turnover, it can be a good addition to your skincare routine to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help maintain your skin's elasticity and firmness [4][5].

How often should you exfoliate your body?

As with so many things, the short answer is: it depends. In this case, how often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type and sensitivity.

Some general guidelines are as follows, but of course, if you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, it's best to consult a dermatologist for personalised advice.

Normal to dry skin

If you have normal to dry skin, you should aim to exfoliate once a week. This will prevent over-drying and irritation while keeping your skin smooth and flake-free.

Oily skin

If you have oily skin, you can exfoliate more frequently, but no more than 2 or 3 times a week. This will help manage excess oil and keep your pores clear, which will reduce the risk of breakouts.

Sensitive skin

In order to avoid irritation and redness, people with sensitive skin should aim to exfoliate once a fortnight, and with a gentle exfoliant (more on that in a moment).

Combination skin

People with combination skin can aim to exfoliate once or twice a week, as this will be the most effective approach for addressing your skin's oily and dry patches.

Is it OK to exfoliate your body every day?

Exfoliating your body every day is not typically recommended. Over-exfoliating can be counterintuitive in a number of ways, and lead to several unwanted skin issues.

When you exfoliate too often, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to redness, sensitivity, and irritation. It can also cause dryness and flakiness, as the skin loses its ability to retain moisture.

If you damage your skin's natural barrier, you can become more susceptible to environmental damage, increased sun sensitivity, breakouts and infections [4][5].

However, there are exceptions to every rule, and exfoliation is no different. Some very gentle chemical exfoliants (like mild AHA or BHA products) may be suitable for daily use, but this should be approached with caution — ideally under the guidance of a dermatologist.

Physical vs chemical exfoliation: What's the difference?

Physical and chemical exfoliation are the 2 primary methods used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Physical exfoliation involves manually scrubbing the skin with an abrasive substance or tool to remove dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliation uses chemicals to dissolve and remove dead skin cells [2].

Physical exfoliants are products like an exfoliating body scrub (think sugar, salt, coffee scrubs), as well as exfoliating gloves and brushes (like body brushes and loofahs).

They have the benefit of being a simple addition to your shower skincare routine, as well as offering immediate results.

On the other hand, physical exfoliants can be harsh on the skin and cause micro-tears if used too frequently, too vigorously or too often [2]. It should also be noted that if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, physical exfoliants may be too abrasive for you.

While chemical exfoliants may sound harsh, they're actually generally less abrasive than physical exfoliants. This makes them a good option for sensitive skin types.

The chemical exfoliating ingredients work to penetrate more deeply into the skin's surface, which can dissolve and remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and improve your skin's overall texture [2].

However, it's still important not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to irritation, redness, and sun sensitivity, and it may take longer to see noticeable improvements when compared to physical exfoliation [4].

Common chemical exfoliants include [3]:

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid
• Enzymes derived from fruits like papaya and pineapple

What should you use to exfoliate your body?

Choosing the right exfoliant for your body will depend on your skin type, sensitivity, and personal preferences.

Generally, normal skin types will be able to tolerate a combination of physical and chemical exfoliating products, but make sure to not overdo it. For instance, using a chemical exfoliant regularly and a physical exfoliant occasionally can provide comprehensive exfoliation without overdoing it.

If you have sensitive skin, you should opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant, like a lactic acid or enzyme-based product, and avoid the harsher physical scrubs [6].

If you have dry skin, a moisturising chemical exfoliant, like a glycolic acid lotion, will be your best bet for more frequent use, as it can help remove flakes without causing additional dryness. You should avoid frequent physical exfoliation, and make sure to moisturise after exfoliating.

For those with oily skin, the world is your oyster when it comes to exfoliants, as physical and chemical exfoliants will be effective for you. Your best bet, though, may be a salicylic acid-based product, as it can help control oil and prevent breakouts.

By choosing the right exfoliant and using it properly, you can achieve smooth, healthy skin without irritation.

Derm-approved body exfoliation tips

The key to any skincare routine is to proceed with caution and let your skin be your guide. It's important to do a patch test for adverse reactions before starting any new product.

In general, moderation is key when it comes to exfoliating your body. Sticking to the recommended frequency for your skin type will help maintain healthy, glowing skin without causing damage [1].

Continue to watch for signs of irritation, and if your skin feels irritated or overly dry, reduce the frequency of exfoliation and consider using a gentler product.

Use products that are suitable for your skin type, and if you're using exfoliating gloves, brushes, or sponges, make sure they are clean and dry before use to prevent bacterial growth [1].

When it's time to exfoliate, start with damp skin, either in the shower or the bath. This makes the exfoliating process gentler on your skin, as the steam works to soften the skin, which makes it easier to exfoliate.

Apply your exfoliant with light pressure, using circular motions [1]. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, as this can damage the skin, and focus on rough areas like your elbows, knees, and heels, which may need more exfoliation, but be gentle on sensitive areas.

Rinse off the exfoliant with warm (not hot) water, and follow your exfoliant with a hydrating moisturiser, as this will help maintain your skin barrier and enhance your skin's glow [1].

It's also important to note that exfoliated skin can be more sensitive to the sun, so always remember to wear your sunscreen, even in winter [1][4].

If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, consult with a dermatologist for personalised exfoliation recommendations. But in general, following these tips will ensure that you are safely and effectively exfoliating your body, giving you the healthy, smooth, radiant skin of your dreams.

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