Fashion

Here's How Often You Should Exfoliate

by Sienna Fantozzi

April 6, 2016

If you suffer from acne, signs of aging, or just want fresh, glowing skin, then you may swear by exfoliating — but hold up. There's a chance you could be doing it too much. If you're wondering how often you should exfoliate, here's the truth on how much is too much, and what can happen if you go a little overboard.

If it's not already in it, exfoliating is definitely something to incorporate into your skincare routine. It can unclog your pores, remove dead skin cells, and keep your skin healthy, fresh, smooth, and acne-free. So you may be wanting to do that, like, every day, but don't. Exfoliating, while beneficial, can also dry out and irritate your skin. When it comes to exfoliating your face, you want to keep it to once or twice a week — definitely not every day. According to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, your skin will let you know if you've been over-exfoliating. "Over-exfoliation will leave your skin red, tender, and sensitive," she told Marie Claire.

So what about your body, then? Can you go a little harder on it since it isn't as sensitive as your face? Nope. Same rules apply — stick to twice a week, but if you have really sensitive skin, keep it to once. Over-exfoliation can dry your skin out and cause irritation.

Looking for a new exfoliator? Here are seven to shop for your face and body.