How To Exfoliate Your Skin (and Why)

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How To Exfoliate Your Skin (and Why)

Raise your hand if you once thought the St. Ives Apricot Scrub was the height of skincare???? We’ve all been there–scrubbing away with crushed walnut shells, only to realize (a little too late) that harsh exfoliation can do more harm than good. Thankfully, we’ve evolved. Today’s exfoliation game is all about working with your skin, not against it.

Here’s how to exfoliate smarter, not harder.

What Is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This helps reveal the fresh skin underneath and encourages healthier cell turnover. It can be done using physical tools (like scrubs or brushes) or chemical ingredients (like AHAs and BHAs).

For a look at how I layer exfoliation into a full routine, check out My Skincare Routine.

Why Should I Exfoliate?

Exfoliating regularly can:

• Improve skin texture

• Unclog pores

• Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Fade discoloration or uneven tone

• Help other skincare products absorb better

Skipping this step can lead to dullness, breakouts, and a rough texture– especially as we age and our natural cell turnover slows down.

How Often Should I Exfoliate?

This depends on your skin type:

• Dry or sensitive skin: Once a week

• Oily or acne-prone skin: 2–3 times a week

• Normal or combination skin: 1–2 times a week

More isn’t always better– over-exfoliation can lead to barrier damage, redness, breakouts, and increased sensitivity.

You can also try Skin Cycling to create a balanced routine that incorporates exfoliation and retinol without irritating your skin. This is seriously one of the most effective things I’ve done for my skin.

What Type of Exfoliation Should I Use?

First, figure out your skin type and what you’re hoping to improve. Do you have clogged pores? Flaky skin? Uneven texture? Then choose the exfoliation method that best supports your goals.

Chemical Exfoliation

Uses ingredients like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), and fruit enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells gently.

Best for: Sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, anti-aging, and pigmentation.

If you’re looking for a high-performance chemical exfoliant, I love the Oliveda F59 AHA Serum.

Physical Exfoliation

Uses scrubs, brushes, or tools to manually slough off dead cells. This method should be used with caution, especially on the face.

Best for: Body exfoliation and those who prefer a tactile experience (with light pressure!).

Best Types of Exfoliants By Skin Type

• Dry Skin: Lactic acid, enzyme exfoliants, or gentle AHA blends

• Oily Skin: Salicylic acid (BHA) to get deep into pores

• Combination Skin: Glycolic acid or a blend of AHAs/BHAs

• Sensitive Skin: Mandelic acid or fruit enzymes

• Normal Skin: You’ve got options—just don’t overdo it

Retinol is another powerful exfoliating ingredient worth mentioning. While not technically an exfoliant, it increases cell turnover and works beautifully alongside gentle exfoliation. I like to use a chemical exfoliant one night and retinol the next–never at the same time– to prevent irritation. One of my favorites for dry, aging skin is the Kahai Elixir from Oliveda. It’s a plant-based retinol alternative that nourishes deeply while improving texture over time.

I go deeper into why I trust the brand in my full Oliveda Skincare Review.

My Favorite Exfoliators for Dry, Aging Skin (I’m 40)

If your skin is like mine–dry, prone to dullness, and looking for hydration alongside exfoliation–these are my go-to products:

• Dry Brush: The Skinny Confidential dry brush (use before showers for lymphatic benefits)

• Enzyme Exfoliant: Oliveda Honey Enzyme Mask (gentle and effective)

• Chemical Exfoliant: Oliveda AHA Serum (brightens without irritation)

• Physical Exfoliant (Body): Primally Pure Body Scrub (smells amazing and leaves my skin so soft)

• Retinol Alternative: Oliveda Kahai Elixir (moisturizing, anti-aging, and pregnancy-safe)

How to Exfoliate Your Face by Skin Type

Dry Skin

Use a lactic acid serum at night and follow with a hydrating moisturizer. Skip scrubs.

Oily Skin

Try a salicylic acid toner to help with congestion and oil control.

Combination Skin

Glycolic acid can help even texture, but balance with hydrating products.

Sensitive Skin

Stick to fruit enzymes or mandalic acid once a week max.

Normal Skin

Rotate between AHA and BHA depending on what your skin needs.

How to Exfoliate Your Body

Arms and Legs

Use a body scrub 1–2 times a week or a chemical body lotion to target rough patches.

Feet and Hands

Use a pumice stone or thick scrub on feet, and try an exfoliating hand treatment weekly.If you’re prepping for Self Tanner, exfoliating beforehand can make a huge difference in how evenly your tan applies.

The Best Tools for Exfoliation

• Dry brush (The Skinny Confidential is my fave!)

• Soft washcloths

• Silicone facial brush

• Chemical exfoliant pads or serums

• Don’t exfoliate daily (your barrier needs time to recover)

• Avoid exfoliating after facials

• Always apply SPF after exfoliating (your skin is more sensitive to UV)

• Apply chemical exfoliants to dry skin unless directed otherwise

• Exfoliate at night so your skin can repair while you sleep

Exfoliation can absolutely transform your skin’s texture and glow–as long as you do it with intention. Start slow, pay attention to your skin, and always follow up with hydration and SPF.

Let your skin guide you–not TikTok trends.

Related Posts to Check Out:

• My Skincare Routine

• Oliveda Skincare Review

• Oliveda F59 Review

• Skin Cycling

• Self Tanner Tips

• My Makeup Routine