How to use exfoliating cream

How do you apply exfoliating cream?

1. 1Check which kind you have. A scrub physically removes dead cells, while a chemical exfoliant uses ingredients such as alpha or beta hydroxy acids to dissolve them. Follow the cream's own application directions rather than treating every exfoliant as a scrub.
2. 2Put the product in the right place in your routine. An exfoliating cleanser is the cleansing step, not an extra wash after another cleanser. For a cream applied after cleansing, use the general layering rule of thinner products before thicker ones.
3. 3Apply gently. For a rinse off scrub or exfoliator, use small circular motions for about 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not apply that rinse off technique to a cream whose directions tell you to leave it on.
4. 4Follow exfoliation with moisturizer to help counter dryness. In the morning, finish your routine with sunscreen. Sunscreen goes after moisturizer, not underneath it.

How often should you use it?

For a glycolic acid exfoliant, a couple of times a week is a general starting point, not a rule for every exfoliating cream. More aggressive exfoliation needs less frequent use. There is no single morning or evening schedule for all formulas, so follow the product's directions. Adding several exfoliating products increases the chance of side effects, even if the bottles look very pleased to be a collection.12

Who should be careful?

Dry, sensitive or acne prone skin generally calls for mild exfoliation rather than an abrasive scrub. Avoid strong exfoliation if you have darker skin or develop dark marks after irritation, because aggressive exfoliation can increase pigmentation. Prescription retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can already make skin sensitive or cause peeling; adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or breakouts. Never exfoliate sunburned skin or open cuts and wounds.1

Stop using the cream if you develop skin irritation, and arrange a dermatologist appointment. Test new products before adding them to your routine, and introduce fewer new products at once so you are not making several changes together.2

What is an exfoliating and hydrating cream?

An exfoliating and hydrating cream combines moisturizing care with ingredients that loosen accumulated scale. Moisturizing creams containing urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids are used for keratosis pilaris, a condition where keratin builds up in hair follicles and causes small rough bumps. The ingredients moisturize or loosen scale, depending on the formula. A cream can do both jobs, despite skincare's enthusiasm for giving every job its own jar.3

For keratosis pilaris, use mild, unperfumed bathing products and cool or lukewarm water; harsh scrubs can make the condition worse. Ask a pharmacist about a suitable cream if self care is not helping or the skin becomes itchy or inflamed.4

What does exfoliating cream do?

Exfoliation removes dead surface cells that contribute to dullness, uneven appearance and clogged pores. Chemical exfoliation can improve skin tone and texture. Do not use a fixed deadline for judging every cream: there is no universal results timeline across these different methods and formulas.5

Persistent flaking is not automatically a reason to exfoliate more. Scaling can come from dry skin, inflammatory conditions or infections. For diagnosed dry skin, moisturize after bathing and avoid scrubbing. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms continue despite self care.6

A chemical peel is not a stronger substitute to try casually at home. Buy and use chemical peels only under the supervision of a licensed, trained provider because some home peels cause serious injuries.7