Do you ever run your fingertips over your cheeks and feel tiny rough patches, or notice that no matter how much moisturizer you use, your complexion still looks flat instead of glowing? The fix is often not another pricey cream. It is learning how to exfoliate the right way. What you are feeling is a thin layer of built-up dead cells that keeps light from reflecting evenly. With the proper routine, you can reveal smoother, brighter skin fast.

In this guide, we will walk you through safe ways to exfoliate your face and lips, the most effective method for your skin type, and how to protect your barrier in the process.

Key Highlights

• Exfoliation lifts dead cells for a smoother, brighter glow when done gently and consistently.

• Choose by skin type: enzymes for dry or sensitive; jojoba beads or rice bran for oily or acne-prone.

• Best way to exfoliate your face: cleanse, use one exfoliant, rinse with lukewarm water, moisturize, and apply SPF if done in the day.

• Frequency guide: dry or sensitive once weekly; oily or acne-prone two to three times; normal or combination one to two; pause if you see redness or sting.

What Is Exfoliation and How It Works?

Your skin naturally sheds older cells to make room for fresh ones, a process called skin cell turnover [1]. Sometimes those cells cling to the surface, which can make skin look dull and contribute to clogged pores. Exfoliation helps your skin release that extra buildup so a fresher layer can show through [2]. Before adding new exfoliants or moisturizers into your routine, check them with our free Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker to make sure your products are barrier-friendly and won’t undo your progress.

There are two main types of exfoliation:

• Physical Exfoliation: This uses gentle tools or fine particles, such as soft scrubs, washcloths, or microdermabrasion, to lift dead cells from the surface [3].

• Chemical Exfoliation: This uses acids or enzymes to loosen the bonds between cells. Common options include AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid, BHAs like salicylic acid, PHAs for a milder option, and fruit enzymes for sensitive skin [3].

Both approaches can work. Understanding them helps you decide how to properly exfoliate—choosing one method at a time and matching the frequency to your skin type.

Why Exfoliation Matters for Skin Health

When used correctly, exfoliation supports overall skin function, such as:

• It improves texture and tone by clearing surface buildup that scatters light [3]

• It helps prevent breakouts by keeping pores clearer in acne-prone zones [4]

• It reveals fresher, brighter skin by complementing natural turnover rhythms [5]

• It enhances product absorption, so hydrating serums and moisturizers work more effectively

Gentle consistency is the secret. Too much too often can weaken your barrier and trigger dryness, redness, or stinging [4].

Exfoliation is just one step toward better skin texture. If you’d like to go deeper, check out our guide on how to get smooth skin with expert tips for improving texture — it covers daily habits, product choices, and dermatologist-approved strategies that work alongside exfoliation.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

A common mistake is daily exfoliation. For most skin types, that is excessive and can stress the barrier. If your skin already feels compromised, here are expert tips for repairing a damaged skin barrier so you can restore balance before reintroducing exfoliation.

Most people only need to exfoliate one to three times a week. Use this quick guide to tailor your plan and set expectations for how to exfoliate oily skin and exfoliation for dry skin:

• Sensitive or dry skin: Once weekly is usually enough

• Oily or acne-prone skin: Two to three times weekly can be appropriate

• Combination or normal skin: One to two times weekly is ideal

Signs of Over-Exfoliation

Here are a few signs you may be over-exfoliating:

Our full guide on the best ways to heal over-exfoliated skin fast and restore your glow walks you through calming ingredients and recovery tips to get your skin back on track.

Best Way to Exfoliate Your Face by Skin Type

Different skin types respond differently, so here is how to properly exfoliate with methods that respect your barrier and deliver results.

Exfoliation for Dry Skin or Sensitive Skin

If your skin is dry or sensitive, skip harsh scrubs. Opt for gentle enzyme-based exfoliants that dissolve dead cells without friction. Look for Papaya extract or Pineapple enzyme to lift buildup with minimal sting [4]. If you’re unsure whether your skin falls into the sensitive category, here are 7 signs that indicate you may have sensitive skin. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or very reactive skin, colloidal oatmeal can calm while providing a mild polishing effect. Limit exfoliation to once weekly, then seal in comfort with a nourishing moisturizer that includes soothing ingredients like PEACHCALM™ and SYRICALM™.

For added comfort and hydration after exfoliation, reach for a lightweight, barrier-supporting serum. Rush Hour Serum for sensitive skin, enriched with Niacinamide, Saccharide Isomerate, and soothing complexes like PEACHCALM™ and SYRICALM™, helps calm irritation while locking in moisture — making it an ideal follow-up for dry or reactive skin.

How to Exfoliate Oily Skin

For oily or acne-prone types, the best way to exfoliate the face is by using a mild physical approach that will not trigger inflammation. Jojoba beads and finely milled rice bran powder help clear buildup while staying gentle on the barrier. Use them two to three times weekly, focusing on congested areas such as the T-zone. Keep pressure light and let the beads do the work to avoid micro-tears.

Exfoliation for Combination Skin

Combination skin usually needs a blended plan. Use jojoba beads on oilier zones to keep pores clear, then use enzyme exfoliant on the drier parts to brighten without irritation.

Exfoliation for Normal Skin

Normal skin has flexibility. You can choose either a fine jojoba bead scrub or a fruit enzyme exfoliant based on preference. One to two sessions each week are usually enough to maintain an even glow and keep makeup sitting smoothly.

Exfoliation for Mature Skin

As skin matures, natural shedding slows, and the texture can look dull. Gentle enzyme-based options refresh without roughness. Formulas with Pumpkin ferment or Papaya enzyme help restore a soft, even surface while respecting thinner, more delicate skin.

Step-by-Step: Best Way to Exfoliate Face Safely

Here is a simple routine you can follow at home:

1. Start by securing your hair to keep your face clear and clean while exfoliating. Our Vegan Silk Headband is gentle, non-pulling, and keeps strands away from your skin — perfect for a spa-like routine at home.

2. Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat until the skin is damp, not dripping.

3. Apply your exfoliant.

   1. Jojoba beads (physical): Massage with light, circular motions on damp skin for 30 to 60 seconds.
   2. Enzymes (fruit or plant based): Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Leave for 3 to 10 minutes, follow product directions.

4. Rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can increase irritation.

6. Follow with a soothing, hydrating serum if you are using one, then moisturize with barrier-supporting ingredients like PEACHCALM™ and SYRICALM™.

7. If you exfoliate during the day, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. It is better to do nighttime exfoliation to lower the chance of sun sensitivity and redness.

How to exfoliate your lips

Lips need extra care because the skin is thinner and more delicate. Use a damp, soft washcloth or a tiny amount of jojoba beads to gently buff away dry, flaky skin, then apply a nourishing lip balm to lock in moisture. Avoid sugar or salt scrubs that can scratch the surface, and keep it to 1 to 2 times weekly for comfort.

FAQs About How to Exfoliate

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about how to properly exfoliate:

1. Should I exfoliate if my skin is irritated or sunburned?

No. Exfoliating compromised skin, whether from sunburn, rashes, procedures, or active irritation, can worsen redness and delay healing. Pause exfoliation, focus on soothing hydration, and restart only after skin feels calm and intact.

2. Can I use multiple exfoliants at the same time?

It is not a good idea. Layering a scrub with a peel in the same routine can strip your protective barrier and trigger stinging or sensitivity. Stick to one exfoliation method per session, and avoid pairing exfoliation with strong actives like retinoids on the same night.

3. What is the best way to exfoliate the face without irritation?

Cleanse with lukewarm water, apply a single chosen exfoliant, rinse well, then moisturize to support the barrier. Most skin types do best with 1 to 3 sessions per week, plus daily sunscreen. This simple routine is the best way to exfoliate the face for a smoother look while keeping skin comfortable.

4. How to exfoliate oily skin and stay balanced?

Focus on congested areas such as the T-zone and keep pressure light. Use gentle options like jojoba beads or finely milled rice bran 2 to 3 times weekly, then follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer so skin feels fresh, not stripped.

Did You Know?

Your skin naturally sheds about 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells every minute, which adds up to nearly a million cells in half an hour. This renewal is constant, but some cells remain on the surface and scatter light, making skin look dull.

Takeaway

Exfoliation can make skin look smoother, brighter, and healthier when you match the method and frequency to your skin type. Start low and go slow, choose enzymes for dry or sensitive types and jojoba beads for oily zones, and use only one exfoliant per session. Always follow with a hydrating moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and pause if you see signs of irritation. If you are unsure how to exfoliate skin safely for your specific concerns, check in with a dermatologist for a personalized plan.