When to use exfoliator in your skincare routine

Should you exfoliate in the morning or at night?

The general routine order works morning or evening: exfoliation comes before moisturizer, and sunscreen goes last in the morning. There is no single morning or evening rule for every exfoliator, so let the product's directions determine the timing. Exfoliation can make skin more prone to sunburn. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning, including in winter, rather than treating sunscreen as something reserved for beach days.134

How often should you exfoliate?

A gentle exfoliator once or twice a week is a cautious starting schedule, particularly for aging skin. Do not make daily exfoliation the default: allow skin time to recover between sessions, and keep exfoliation to two or three times a week at most. Stronger methods generally need less frequent use. Follow any stricter limit on the product's directions rather than adding sessions to speed things up.235

Skip it if you do not need its cosmetic benefits or your skin does not tolerate it.3

How do you use an exfoliator?

1. 1Start with the right product. If you use an exfoliating cleanser, use it as your cleansing step rather than automatically adding another cleanser.
2. 2Apply gently. For a scrub or rinse off exfoliator, use small circular motions for about 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Do not apply this rinse off timing to a mask or treatment with different directions.
3. 3Respect the treatment's instructions. Use the stated amount and contact time. Leave an exfoliating mask on only as long as its label instructs.
4. 4Apply moisturizer immediately afterward. Exfoliation can dry the skin, so moisturizing belongs after the exfoliating step.
5. 5Finish with sunscreen if this is your morning routine. Sunscreen belongs after moisturizer.

Which exfoliator fits your skin?

Chemical exfoliators use acids to dissolve dead surface cells; physical exfoliators use friction from scrubs or tools. A mild acid cleanser is one option for removing dead cells and evening skin tone. Choose a gentle cleanser without microbeads, which can cause irritation and inflammation.347

Dry, sensitive or acne prone skin generally calls for a mild chemical exfoliator rather than an abrasive scrub. Oily, thicker skin can tolerate stronger methods, but avoid aggressive chemical or physical exfoliation if you have darker skin or develop dark marks after irritation. Aggressive exfoliation can increase those marks.5

What if you already use retinol or an exfoliating mask?

Retinol, prescription retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive or cause peeling. Adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or trigger breakouts. Check your existing routine before adding another exfoliating step.5

An exfoliating mask is still an exfoliator, even if its packaging gives it a different department. Avoid duplicating exfoliating ingredients across a mask and other products: the extra exposure can cause dryness and irritation. Test a new mask on a small area first.6

What should you expect, and when should you stop?

Do not expect it to erase wrinkles. There is no universal number of days to visible results across different exfoliating products.3

Never exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts or wounds. Wash off a mask immediately if it causes itching, burning or stinging. Stop an irritating product and make a dermatologist appointment if you develop a rash or skin irritation; do not respond by exfoliating more.156