The short answer: twice a week for normal skin, once a week for sensitive skin. “Exfoliating every day can strip the skin of its natural oils, which can cause breakouts,” says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. “It can also cause irritation because you’re removing the top layer of skin before it can heal.”

But you have to consider how you’re exfoliating, too.

If you’re using a chemical exfoliant with a high concentration of glycolic acid, exfoliate just once a week. If you’re using a scrub with very fine beads, and gently rub with your fingers, you can increase it to twice a week.

If you’re using a Clarisonic or a similar beauty tool with rotating brushes, skip the exfoliating products – it already sloughs off any dead skin cells. In fact, many dermatologists recommend using these tools only twice a week or using one with softer bristles. Clarisonics are often marketed as a daily cleansing tool, but rotate it with a gentle facial wash and makeup remover so your skin has time to “rest”.

If you have sensitive skin, look for exfoliating products that have microbeads rather than seeds or husks, and have calming ingredients like green tea extract.

Always follow up exfoliation with a serum and moisturiser – it’s the best time to give skin that amazing vitamin boost!

However, you can and should exfoliate your body more frequently! Body scrubs can help smoothen the skin and actually helps your body lotions penetrate better.

Looking for an exfoliator? You can try:

LUMINOUS1 THE SKIN POLISHER. Contains Vitamin A and E to help nourish the skin.

For more information about the product, click here.

 

-417 FIRMING MUD BODY FOAMING SCRUB. Natural body exfoliator based on Dead Sea Mud that is known for its tightening and firming properties.

 

-417 Firming Mud Body Foaming Scrub

For more information about the product, click here. 

 

SPA CEYLON DETOX HOT SUGAR BODY SCRUB. A unique thermal exfoliating treatment enriched with minerals that draw out deep-seated impurities.

 

Spa-Ceylon-Detox-Hot-Sugar-Body-Scrub

For more information about the product, click here.

 

Have you found an exfoliant that you really like? Tell us about it – your beauty review and experiences may help someone find their perfect face scrub or body scrub!

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