How to Exfoliate Your Face the Right Way (Without Damaging Your Skin!)

Exfoliating is one of those skincare steps that can either transform your skin or wreck it—depending on how you do it. If your skin ever feels extra dry, red, or flaky after exfoliating, there’s a good chance you’re doing too much or using the wrong product.

The good news? With the right technique and exfoliator, you can get smooth, glowing skin without irritation. Let’s break it all down so you can exfoliate like a pro.

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Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation: Which One Is Right for You?

Before you even start exfoliating, you need to know the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation. Both are great—when used correctly!

Physical Exfoliation (a.k.a. Scrubs & Tools)

These manually remove dead skin cells with tiny particles or textured surfaces. Think:
✔ Face scrubs
✔ Exfoliating brushes (like the Foreo Luna which you can buy here)
✔ Konjac sponges

Best for: Normal to oily skin (but only if the scrub is gentle!).

🚨 What to avoid: Anything with harsh particles, like walnut shell powder (looking at you, St. Ives Apricot Scrub).

Chemical Exfoliation (a.k.a. Acids & Enzymes)

Instead of scrubbing, these use acids to dissolve dead skin cells. Common types:
✔ AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids): Glycolic acid, lactic acid – best for dry, dull skin.
✔ BHAs (beta hydroxy acids): Salicylic acid – perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.
✔ PHAs (polyhydroxy acids): Super gentle – best for sensitive skin.

Best for: Pretty much everyone (just pick the right one for your skin type).

✨ Related: Not sure which exfoliator is best for you? Check out my guide to the best exfoliators for your skin type.

How Often Should You Exfoliate? (Hint: Less Is More!)

Exfoliating too much is a one-way ticket to redness, irritation, and breakouts. Your skin needs time to repair, so here’s how often you should exfoliate based on your skin type:

✔ Oily skin – 3-4 times a week (you can handle more exfoliation!).
✔ Dry skin – 2-3 times a week (go for gentle AHAs).
✔ Sensitive skin – 1-2 times a week (stick to PHAs or enzymes).
✔ Combination skin – 2-3 times a week (adjust based on how your skin feels).

If your skin ever feels tight, flaky, or extra sensitive, take a break from exfoliating and focus on hydration instead!

Step-by-Step Guide to Exfoliating Your Face

Want glowing skin without irritation? Follow these steps:

1. Start with a Clean Face

Always cleanse first—exfoliation works best on a fresh, makeup-free face. Try a gentle cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser [buy it here] if you have dry skin or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel [buy it here] for oily skin.

2. Choose the Right Exfoliator

• Scrub? Use a tiny amount and apply with light pressure.
• Acid? Apply to dry skin with a cotton pad or clean hands.

✨ Need a product recommendation? Check out the best exfoliators for dry skin, for oily skin, and sensitive skin.

3. Be Gentle!

No aggressive scrubbing! If using a scrub, use circular motions and don’t press too hard. If using an acid, let it absorb—no need to rub.

4. Rinse (If Needed) & Pat Dry

• Scrubs? Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Acids? No rinsing required—just let them sink in!

5. Follow With Moisturizer & SPF

Exfoliating can make your skin more sensitive, so always hydrate afterward.

✔ Best moisturizer for post-exfoliation: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream [Amazon link]
✔ Best SPF to protect your fresh skin: EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen [Amazon link]

Common Exfoliation Mistakes (Stop Doing These!)

🚫 Over-exfoliating – If your skin is red or irritated, you’re doing too much. Cut back!
🚫 Using scrubs with sharp particles – They can cause tiny tears in your skin.
🚫 Skipping sunscreen – Freshly exfoliated skin is extra sensitive to UV rays.
🚫 Exfoliating on broken or irritated skin – If your skin is inflamed, give it time to heal first.

Best Exfoliators for Your Face (By Skin Type)

Looking for the perfect exfoliator for your skin? I’ve got you covered!

✔ Best for Dry Skin: Hydrating AHAs – Check out my picks here in this post.
✔ Best for Oily Skin: Oil-controlling BHAs – See my top recommendations
✔ Best for Sensitive Skin: Gentle enzyme exfoliators – Find the best ones here
✔ Best for Combination Skin: A mix of AHAs & BHAs – See my favorites

What to Do If You’ve Over-Exfoliated

Uh-oh… if your skin feels tight, irritated, or flaky, you might have overdone it. Here’s how to fix it:

✔ Take a break – Stop exfoliating for at least a week.
✔ Use a hydrating barrier cream – Try La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume [buy it here].
✔ Avoid active ingredients – No retinol, AHAs, or BHAs until your skin calms down.
✔ Load up on hydration – Hyaluronic acid & ceramide-rich products will help repair your skin.

Exfoliate the Right Way & Glow Like Never Before

Exfoliating is amazing for your skin—when done correctly. Stick to the right exfoliator for your skin type, don’t overdo it, and always follow with hydration and SPF.

Want more skincare tips? Check out my full guide to the best exfoliators and start glowing the right way!

What’s your go-to exfoliator? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new favorites!