How often should you use a face scrub?

How do you choose the right frequency?

Two or three exfoliation sessions a week is an upper limit, not a target to work toward. Your skin needs time to repair between sessions. The more aggressive the scrub, the less often you should use it. Follow the product's directions rather than increasing the amount or frequency to chase faster results. For aging skin, gentle exfoliation once or twice a week is enough.123

Exfoliation is optional, so a scrub does not need a standing appointment in your bathroom. If you are happy without one, there is no need to add it.2

Who should use a scrub less often or avoid it?

A scrub physically removes dead surface cells. Oily, thicker skin can tolerate mechanical exfoliation better than dry, sensitive or acne prone skin, which can find scrubs too irritating. A mild chemical exfoliator, which dissolves dead cells instead of rubbing them away, can be a gentler choice. Avoid aggressive scrubbing if you have a darker skin tone or develop dark marks after irritation. Retinol, prescription retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive or cause peeling; adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or breakouts.3

How should you apply a face scrub?

1. 1Check your skin first. Do not exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds.
2. 2Apply the scrub gently with small circular motions for about 30 seconds. Do not press harder to make it work faster.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, not hot water.
4. 4Apply moisturizer immediately afterward, because exfoliation can dry your skin.

Treat scrubbing as separate from everyday cleansing. For washing, use a gentle cleanser without abrasive particles or alcohol, apply it with your fingertips, and pat dry with a soft towel. Wash morning and night and after heavy sweating; those cleansing occasions are not extra invitations to exfoliate.4

When should you stop?

Stop scrubbing if your skin becomes red, irritated, raw or chapped. Harsh physical exfoliation can worsen inflammatory acne. If you are unsure whether exfoliation suits your skin, a dermatologist can help you choose a method. Exfoliation can also increase susceptibility to sunburn, so use sunscreen every morning with broad spectrum protection and at least SPF 30.123

What results should you expect?

A scrub can improve dullness by removing a dead surface layer, but it is not a wrinkle eraser with better packaging. It can also help unclog pores a little. Judge whether exfoliation is useful by the cosmetic benefit, not by how much rubbing your routine contains.2

How often should you use a body scrub?

Use the same general ceiling of two or three exfoliation sessions a week, with recovery days between them. Arms and legs have tougher skin than the face, and exfoliating can help with flaking and rough texture there. That does not make daily body scrubbing necessary. Adjust frequency to the area's sensitivity and the scrub's strength, and moisturize afterward.23