How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?

For most skin, one to three times a week. Less if your skin is sensitive or dry, and never to the point that it stings. More is not better: over-exfoliated skin gets red, tight and shiny, and breaks out more, not less.

A starting point by skin type

• Sensitive or dry: once a week, with something gentle.
• Normal or combination: twice a week.
• Oily or breakout-prone: two to three times a week, as long as your skin stays calm.

Start at the low end and add a day only if your skin is comfortable.

Scrubs, acids and enzymes

• Scrubs remove dead skin by rubbing. Choose a fine one and use light pressure. Rough scrubs can scratch the skin.
• Acids, such as glycolic or salicylic acid, dissolve the bond between dead cells. They work without rubbing, and they are easy to overdo.
• Enzymes, usually from fruit, break down dead skin gently. They are the kindest option for sensitive skin, and an enzyme peel is part of the Deluxe Facial.

Signs you are overdoing it

• Redness or stinging when you apply your usual products
• Skin that feels tight or looks unusually shiny
• New dry patches or more breakouts than normal

If that is you, stop exfoliating for a week or two and keep to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen.

Two rules that always apply

• Wear sunscreen. Freshly exfoliated skin burns more easily.
• Skip exfoliating for a few days before and after waxing the same area.

If you are not sure what your skin can take, ask Ashley at your next facial. She can see what your skin is doing and tell you what to use at home.