How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?

First things first, what is exfoliation, anyway?

Exfoliation is the removal of dead and the oldest skin cells from the topmost layer of skin and can be accomplished via face scrubs, facials or peels.

Now, how often should you exfoliate your face?

Skin should be exfoliated on a consistent and regular basis as dead skin can get trapped on the surface and cause clogged pores, rough skin texture, dullness, and breakouts!

But, no fear – here are three rules of thumb to always follow and consider:

  • Beware of over exfoliation– yes, that is a thing!
  • If you have sensitive skin – use a gentle scrub.
  • If you are new to exfoliation and have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist.

What Types of Exfoliation Are There?

Typically, there are three types of exfoliation: gentle/mild, moderate/medium and deep. Often, some deep scrubs do double-duty as acne prevention scrubs, too. So, the next big question – how many times should you exfoliate your face, depending on what type of scrub you use? Here’s a breakdown:

Gentle

Gentle exfoliation face scrubs can be used three-to-four times per week and are the mildest face scrubs on the market.

In fact, some gentle face scrubs, such as our Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal variant, also double as a face mask! Ummmm, #winning.

One-part face scrub, one-part face mask, walnut shell powder gently buffs away dull skin, while the calming properties of oatmeal and honey relax and soothe as a face mask.

A two-in-one treat for your skin!

Moderate

Moderate face scrubs can be used two-to-three times per week and are great for those with oily or combination skin as well as those with dry skin.

An in-between face scrub for those with various needs, these scrubs leave skin feeling smooth. 🙌🏼

For example, our Soft Skin Avocado & Honey Scrub uses the buttery extracts from avocados to nourish and moisturize, while, the power of walnut shell powder scrubs away dead cells to smooth away dryness.

Deep

Deep face scrubs can be used for any skin type, if you’re looking to get that extra clean. Because they go deeper to unclog pores and detoxify skin of dead skin-buildup, they should be used only a few times a week (follow the pack recommend).

Our favorites? Definitely our iconic Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub which also comes in an acne control formulation to help reduce breakouts and prevent acne.

100-percent natural walnut shell powder works to leave skin, positively glowing!

Is Exfoliation Good For My Skin?

Yes, it most certainly is. However, there is also such a thing as over exfoliation and too much of a good thing, can be enough.

Skin naturally sheds its top layer, and by exfoliating you are helping your skin along in its natural process. For example, for men, exfoliating helps with facial shaving and can improve uneven skin tone.

However, all of that said, over exfoliation can remove your skin’s natural oils that act as a barrier between icky gunk and the good, good stuff. Ending in a result that is exactly what you were trying to prevent to begin with.

Some signs of over exfoliation include an extra shiny forehead, facial puffiness, excessive breakouts, skin tightness, peeling or flaking. If you notice any of these, stop immediately and let your skin re-align itself.

Use a gentle face wash or cleanser, be consistent and moisturize.

A great face scrub and bring out your inner radiance and even your skin tone. Just don’t overdo it.

Plus, the best time to exfoliate your face is at night before bed. This way, you can follow-up with a hydrating night cream and let all that delish moisture soak on in.

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FACE CARE

Face CareFace Care

Let your face have a little good, clean fun. Our scrubs are made with 100% natural exfoliants and our cleansing sticks are made with 100% natural coconut oil. Leave your skin feeling alive, fresh, and glowing! CHECK IT OUT 

BODY WASH

Body WashBody Wash

Refresh skin all over with sweet-smelling suds made with 100% natural exfoliants and extracts. Feel oh-so-fresh from head to toe!CHECK IT OUT 

BODY LOTION

Body LotionBody Lotion

Skin-smoothing lotions packed with 100% natural moisturizers (like soybean oil and plant based glycerin) soothes, smooths, and lets your skin live its softest life.CHECK IT OUT 





Hey! You made it! Welcome to the bottom of the page. Not everyone makes it down here, so we’re guessing you like us. Hooray!

We spend most of our time down here talking about what inspires our skincare. Oh, and how to get glowing skin—specifically, how to make your skin glow. So let’s get started, shall we?

Our products were all made to bring the joy of nature to your skin while making it glow—all without crossing into shiny skin territory (not cute). That’s why our entire lineup features 100% natural moisturizers, exfoliants, and extracts! We also just really, really love apricots.

Think of St. Ives as your go-to for great-smelling cleansers, lotions, masks, and body washes you can use on the daily to get glowing skin that feels super-hydrated and oh-so-silky smooth. Did we mention we’re America’s #1 Scrub brand*?

Thanks for stopping by. Keep on looking around!



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