Exfoliation is an important step in our skincare routine: it removes dead skin cells, thus improving the appearance of the skin, which then looks smoother and clearer. This also allows the active ingredients in skincare products to penetrate the skin better.
There are several ways to exfoliate. Physical or manual exfoliation utilizes micro-beads (ie apricot pits, sugars or sands) to scrub off dead cells on the skin surface. Chemical exfoliation uses Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) and Betahydroxy acids (BHA) to loosen the substance that binds skin cells together, which then slough off.
However, dead skin cells are there for a reason: to protect the living cells below. Over-exfoliation can cause skin to become red and irritated because you removed all the dead cells on the surface without giving skin a chance to renew itself. Frequency of exfoliation depends on how strong the exfoliation method is and on your skin type:
Acne Prone Skin: exfoliate three times a week using salicylic acid (kills bacteria), enzyme treatments or clay masks.
Combination skin: this type of skin can be exfoliated chemically or manually about 2 times a week.
Dry skin: those with dry skin should exfoliate once or twice a week. They can choose both mechanical or chemical exfoliation.
Normal Skin: exfoliate about 3 times a week in any way you like.
Oily Skin: people with oily skin are tempted to exfoliate daily cos they feel it reduces excess oil production. In reality, over-exfoliation does the opposite: it stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. For this reason, if you have oily skin you should exfoliate no more than three times a week.
Pigmented skin: chemical exfoliation or microdermabrasion regularly but moderately can help reduce pigmentation. But be careful not to overdo it as it could aggravate the problem.
Sensitive skin: The process of exfoliation can irritate sensitive skin. Use a gentle exfoliant and a washcloth to remove dead skin cells once a week only.
Exfoliation provides great skin benefits, but it can also cause problems, esp for certain skin types. Keep exfoliating, but in moderation.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting post, Gio! I personally do not exfoliate, don’t really know why but I’ve tried it in the past and didn’t really see a difference :s
I really should though, but a lot of the scrubs I’ve seen has salycylic acid, which I’m allergic too (very sensitive skin). Is it REALLY that important?
Oh gosh.. I have dry/normal skin with hyperpigmentation, especially around the nose. How often should I exfoliate? I usually do it about 3 times a week. Is that too much?
OMG! I love your page! it as a beauty book! very helpful and so exciting always!
thanks for this post gio
very informative. i scrub about 3x a week
though I’ve always thought exfoliation is not for me due to my dry skin, it does help if you use the right exfoliating products
thanks for the post 
Renee: I didn’t think exfoliation was important and for years I wouldn’t bother. But now I do it I can see a difference. My skin looks brighter and helathier and active ingredients in skincare products penetrate more easily and can therefore do their job better. If your skin is very sensitive, just using a washcloth to slought off dead cells once a week should be enough.
Danielle: if three times a week works well for you and you haven’t had any side effects (ie red or irriated skin) then it shouldn’t be too much, but I definitelky wouldn’t exfoliate more often than that.
Anastacia: thanks hun, glad you like it
Prttybeautiful: you’re welcome
Nikki: you’re welcome. I think anyone can exfoliate as long as they use the right products for the skin type. If you use something that’s too harsh for your skin, it’s only gonna cause problems and irritations.
Alright, you’ve convinced me!
I’ll start researching on some gently exfoliators. Will probably look at the Clinique counters though, as I love their products. 
Thanks!
Renee, I love Clinique products too although I haven’t trid any of their exfoliators yet. Using the right products for your skin typ does make a huge difference. If a product is too harsh it could cause irritations.
I think exfoliating once a week is really important. I find if I haven’t done it in a while my forehead gets flaky and my overall face looks dull.
Vanessa´s last [type] ..Natural Face Scrub
Vanessa, I agree. Exfoliating is really important and makes a great difference in how your skin looks.