The Ultimate Guide to Exfoliation
Exfoliation is arguably one of the most complicated steps in my skin-care routine. I know I have to do it — lest I miss out on the bright, radiant complexion my collection of scrubs, acids, and tools promise me — but how often, when, and which methods I should be using remains elusive. I'm always somewhere between doing it too often and not enough — and I'm not alone. 'How to exfoliate your face' continues to be a popular Google search, and the endless SkincareAddiction Reddit threads dedicated to exfoliation routines (and what to do when you've taken it too far) tell a tale of glow-seeking enthusiasts who are just trying to get it right.
No matter what method you use, the goal of exfoliating is to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin with the hope of revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion underneath. 'Exfoliation can have significant benefits for your skin when done safely and correctly,' says board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Jow Libby, MD. In addition to brightening skin, exfoliation can help improve texture, assist in product absorption (which enhances their efficacy) and unclog pores. Shani Darden, an esthetician whose client roster includes glowy-skinned celebs like Kelly Rowland and Shay Mitchell agrees, recommending that every skin type stands to benefit from working this step into their routine.
There's no set frequency for exfoliation. It truly depends on your skin type, the type of exfoliation, and the other products in your routine. If you're just getting started, Dr. Libby advises exfoliating one to two times a week — working up to three times if your skin can handle it — and adding in one product at a time. It's essential to listen to your skin and not overdo it, which can lead to redness and irritation. That means using one active at a time and alternating the days you use exfoliants and other active products like retinol. You should also be checking your products, to ensure you aren't doubling up on your exfoliation with realizing.
There are two methods of exfoliation, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation (sometimes called physical exfoliation) is the process of using a physical agent, and likely what pops into your mind. This includes scrubs, sponges, brushes, and services like dermaplaning. Chemical exfoliation uses acids like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and has grown in popularity in the past few years. Both Dr. Libby and Darden suggest sticking to chemical exfoliants as they're often just as effective and less harsh than a scrub can be. 'Start by using a cleanser once a week that contains chemical exfoliant ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid,' says Dr. Libby, increasing the frequency if your skin tolerates it well. If you have rosacea-prone, sensitive skin, Dr. Libby recommends using lactic acid, which tends to gentler and more hydrating. For acne-prone skin types, she likes salicylic acid because it's lipophilic (meaning it's attracted to oil), and excellent at getting deep into pores.
If you can't tolerate either method of exfoliation, Darden suggests removing your cleanser with cotton gauze. 'The gauze will gently exfoliate the skin in the process, resulting in brighter skin. This is great for someone with really sensitive skin,' she shared.
Here is a helpful guide to finding the best exfoliating products for your skin type.
One way to tell if you've exfoliated too much is your skin feels 'squeaky clean.' That's a sign you may have over-cleansed or over-exfoliated, Dr. Libby warns. Skin that's been over-exfoliated will be dry, itchy, and generally irritated. If this happens, you should stop using any actives immediately and focus on hydrating the skin. Switch to a gentle cleanser and add a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine both morning and night. This will help your skin to attract moisture, and help repair the skin's natural moisture barrier. Ultimately, what your skin needs is time, so give yourself a lengthy break and add actives back in slowly.
The skin on your body is thicker than the skin on your face and thus may tolerate physical exfoliation better. Darden swears by the Nyakio Kenyan Coffee Body Scrub as a weekly treatment, which she loves for the scent and the luxurious feeling it leaves behind. Dr. Libby, however, says sticking to chemical exfoliants for your body is best, and recommends using a wash formulated with acids.
It might seem intuitive to exfoliate every inch of your body, but certain spots require extra caution. Dr. Libby warns against exfoliating the lips at all, pointing to the lack of oil glands and delicate, thin skin. This makes the lips more susceptible to water loss and damage she says, and recommends hydrating instead. Darden cautions exfoliating your neck and chest too often and being careful when you do. 'They can be more sensitive areas,' she shared, 'so you may not be able to exfoliate them as often as your face.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Parent discovers teen's hidden box of notes—here's what it revealed
In a comment shared by Reddit user u/Afraid-Objective3049, a parent described helping their teenage son clean his room when they stumbled upon a metal tin tucked beneath some old hoodies. Inside were dozens of paper scraps—cut from birthday cards, school assignments, and sticky notes. Each one held a kind word: 'love you,' 'happy birthday,' 'great job.' The post struck a chord with hundreds of readers—and for good reason. It wasn't just about what was inside the box. It was about what those saved words meant. Quietly, and without ever bringing it up, this teen had been collecting proof of love. He kept every note because they meant everything byu/Afraid-Objective3049 inMadeMeSmile The parent didn't bring up the tin with their son. But the discovery quietly changed something. They realized how much those small affirmations—birthday messages, sticky notes, and school praise—meant to him. It wasn't just nostalgia. It was a coping strategy. Their son lives with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. And in that context, even a single kind word becomes something worth holding onto. 'I'd like to think that if I'm not with him, one of those little pieces of paper might help him get through whatever he's dealing with,' the parent shared. It was a moment of clarity: what may feel small in the moment—writing 'love you' on a card or leaving a note by the door—can become something kids reach for when they're struggling silently. Sometimes, those words stay with them longer than we realize. For the teen, those notes weren't just sweet gestures. They were reminders of being seen and understood—something sometimes lost in the rush of daily life. The box became a coping tool, a private vault of validation on tough days. Many other reddit users chimed in, relating similar stories of their own saved mementos and how they carried them through hard times. Related: 'The world will never be the same': Doctor delivers powerful affirmations to newborn This kind of emotional anchoring isn't unusual. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that consistent parental warmth and encouragement are linked to greater self-esteem and emotional resilience in adolescents. Written affirmations can be especially impactful, as they provide something kids can return to—physical proof of love and belief in them, even on days they're struggling to believe in themselves. In the end, small, intentional gestures—like leaving notes or affirmations—can build bridges of trust and openness between parents and teens. The parent shared, 'I realized how important those tangible affirmations are to him. So I've made it a point over the last 15+ years to write things down in addition to telling him.' These written reminders become lasting symbols of care that speak louder than words alone, helping create a shared language of support that can carry families through the ups and downs of adolescence. The story also resonated deeply with many readers on Reddit. u/Environmental_Art591 appreciated the respect behind the gesture, noting, 'Even better because they weren't snooping, they were helping organise with permission.' Meanwhile, u/Wadarkhu found the idea heartwarming and nostalgic: 'It is so sweet, sobbing tbh, also stealing his idea. I wonder if it's weird to raid your attic for 20+ yr old school work? Lol.' Another user, u/rockytopbilly, reflected on the power of such connections, writing, 'That guy and my father would've been able to fix the whole world, I'm sure of it.' And u/Unusual-Ad4890 admired the boy's insight: 'He realized early that he wasn't going to go through life being showered with compliments and praise, so he started collecting them as mementos. Smart kid. Wish I did that.' Together, these voices show how small acts of care can leave lasting impressions—and how affirmations, both spoken and written, become treasured pieces of a family's story. Related: 18 positive affirmations for tweens—because middle school is hard
Hamilton Spectator
13 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Quebec air ambulance company pays homage to four victims of helicopter crash
MONTREAL - The company that operated an air ambulance that crashed on Quebec's North Shore on June 20 is honouring the four victims who perished. Airmedic says three of its crew members died as heroes, along with an American patient. Four crew members and the patient were aboard the Airmedic helicopter when it went down in a remote area north of Natashquan, about 1,000 kilometres northeast of Montreal. The company described the patient as a quiet woman, entirely devoted to her family. One crew member survived, the body of another person was found on Monday, and the other three victims' bodies were recovered by provincial police on Wednesday. The Quebec coroner's office says the victims are Sébastien De Lutio, 50, from Lac-Beauport; Olivier Blouin, 25, from Pont-Rouge; Sébastien Groulx, 50, from Longueuil; and patient Claire Tripp, 78, from the U.S. state of Maine. On its website, Airmedic says its employees were faithful to their mission until the very last moment, and saluted their dedication, courage, and humanity. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 27, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Elle
17 hours ago
- Elle
The Ultimate Guide to Exfoliation
Exfoliation is arguably one of the most complicated steps in my skin-care routine. I know I have to do it — lest I miss out on the bright, radiant complexion my collection of scrubs, acids, and tools promise me — but how often, when, and which methods I should be using remains elusive. I'm always somewhere between doing it too often and not enough — and I'm not alone. 'How to exfoliate your face' continues to be a popular Google search, and the endless SkincareAddiction Reddit threads dedicated to exfoliation routines (and what to do when you've taken it too far) tell a tale of glow-seeking enthusiasts who are just trying to get it right. No matter what method you use, the goal of exfoliating is to remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin with the hope of revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion underneath. 'Exfoliation can have significant benefits for your skin when done safely and correctly,' says board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Jow Libby, MD. In addition to brightening skin, exfoliation can help improve texture, assist in product absorption (which enhances their efficacy) and unclog pores. Shani Darden, an esthetician whose client roster includes glowy-skinned celebs like Kelly Rowland and Shay Mitchell agrees, recommending that every skin type stands to benefit from working this step into their routine. There's no set frequency for exfoliation. It truly depends on your skin type, the type of exfoliation, and the other products in your routine. If you're just getting started, Dr. Libby advises exfoliating one to two times a week — working up to three times if your skin can handle it — and adding in one product at a time. It's essential to listen to your skin and not overdo it, which can lead to redness and irritation. That means using one active at a time and alternating the days you use exfoliants and other active products like retinol. You should also be checking your products, to ensure you aren't doubling up on your exfoliation with realizing. There are two methods of exfoliation, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation (sometimes called physical exfoliation) is the process of using a physical agent, and likely what pops into your mind. This includes scrubs, sponges, brushes, and services like dermaplaning. Chemical exfoliation uses acids like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids and has grown in popularity in the past few years. Both Dr. Libby and Darden suggest sticking to chemical exfoliants as they're often just as effective and less harsh than a scrub can be. 'Start by using a cleanser once a week that contains chemical exfoliant ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid,' says Dr. Libby, increasing the frequency if your skin tolerates it well. If you have rosacea-prone, sensitive skin, Dr. Libby recommends using lactic acid, which tends to gentler and more hydrating. For acne-prone skin types, she likes salicylic acid because it's lipophilic (meaning it's attracted to oil), and excellent at getting deep into pores. If you can't tolerate either method of exfoliation, Darden suggests removing your cleanser with cotton gauze. 'The gauze will gently exfoliate the skin in the process, resulting in brighter skin. This is great for someone with really sensitive skin,' she shared. Here is a helpful guide to finding the best exfoliating products for your skin type. One way to tell if you've exfoliated too much is your skin feels 'squeaky clean.' That's a sign you may have over-cleansed or over-exfoliated, Dr. Libby warns. Skin that's been over-exfoliated will be dry, itchy, and generally irritated. If this happens, you should stop using any actives immediately and focus on hydrating the skin. Switch to a gentle cleanser and add a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine both morning and night. This will help your skin to attract moisture, and help repair the skin's natural moisture barrier. Ultimately, what your skin needs is time, so give yourself a lengthy break and add actives back in slowly. The skin on your body is thicker than the skin on your face and thus may tolerate physical exfoliation better. Darden swears by the Nyakio Kenyan Coffee Body Scrub as a weekly treatment, which she loves for the scent and the luxurious feeling it leaves behind. Dr. Libby, however, says sticking to chemical exfoliants for your body is best, and recommends using a wash formulated with acids. It might seem intuitive to exfoliate every inch of your body, but certain spots require extra caution. Dr. Libby warns against exfoliating the lips at all, pointing to the lack of oil glands and delicate, thin skin. This makes the lips more susceptible to water loss and damage she says, and recommends hydrating instead. Darden cautions exfoliating your neck and chest too often and being careful when you do. 'They can be more sensitive areas,' she shared, 'so you may not be able to exfoliate them as often as your face.'
