How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? A Skincare Expert’s Guide to Healthy, Balanced Skin

Exfoliation is one of those skincare steps that can completely transform your complexion — when done right. But with so many exfoliating products and methods out there, it’s easy to wonder: how often should you exfoliate your face?

As skincare experts at Dubois Beauty know, the secret to radiant, healthy skin isn’t just exfoliating — it’s finding your skin’s ideal rhythm. In this guide, we’ll break down how often to exfoliate, how to recognize the signs of over- or under-exfoliation, and which products can help your skin stay balanced, hydrated, and glowing.

Why Exfoliation Matters

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells every 28–40 days, but that process can slow with age, stress, or environmental damage. When dead skin cells build up, your complexion can appear dull, rough, and uneven.

That’s where exfoliation comes in — it helps sweep away that buildup, unclog pores, and allow your skincare products to absorb more effectively. Whether you use a physical exfoliant (like a gentle scrub) or a chemical one (like alpha or beta hydroxy acids), exfoliation supports cell renewal and improves skin texture.

For those who prefer a physical exfoliant, the Renew Buffing Cream is a luxurious, creamy facial scrub that gently removes impurities and dead skin cells without over-drying. It leaves the complexion feeling smooth, polished, and refreshed — the perfect prep for serums and moisturizers.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

The ideal frequency depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you’re using.

1. Normal to Combination Skin

If your skin isn’t overly oily or sensitive, exfoliating 2–3 times per week is usually ideal. This helps maintain a clear, smooth surface without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

2. Dry or Sensitive Skin

Those with delicate skin should exfoliate once a week or even every ten days. Over-exfoliating can cause redness and irritation. Focus on nourishing and repairing the skin barrier with hydrating products after exfoliation.

3. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Exfoliating 3 times per week can help manage excess oil and prevent clogged pores. Look for formulas that combine gentle exfoliation with soothing ingredients to avoid inflammation.

Expert tip: Listen to your skin. If you notice tightness, peeling, or increased sensitivity, scale back. Healthy skin should feel soft and hydrated — not raw or irritated.

The Right Way to Exfoliate Your Face

Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate

Always begin with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, SPF, and impurities before exfoliating. The Marula Bloom Cleansing Oil from Dubois Beauty is perfect for this step. It effortlessly dissolves makeup and sunscreen while nourishing the skin with omega-rich marula and chia seed oils. Its “blooming” texture transforms from oil to milk when mixed with water — leaving your skin clean, soft, and ready to exfoliate.

Step 2: Choose the Right Exfoliant

Use a mild exfoliator suited for your skin type. The Renew Buffing Cream is an excellent choice for those looking for a gentle yet effective physical exfoliation. Its rich, creamy texture smooths the skin’s surface, enhancing radiance without irritation.

Step 3: Hydrate and Protect

After exfoliating, replenish moisture and reinforce your skin barrier. During the day, apply the Defend Antioxidant Serum, which helps protect your skin from environmental stressors while maintaining hydration. For deeper moisture, layer with the Dew Drops Hydrating Serum — a lightweight formula that restores suppleness and radiance. In the evening, finish with the Restorative Night Cream to soothe and rehydrate with antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

If you’re exfoliating in the morning, always finish with SPF protection — your freshly exfoliated skin will be more sensitive to UV rays.

Common Exfoliation Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

1. Over-exfoliating:
   Exfoliating daily can damage your barrier and lead to irritation or breakouts. Stick to your routine and give your skin time to recover.
   

2. Skipping hydration:
   After exfoliation, your skin needs moisture. Use products rich in omegas and botanical extracts, such as Marula Bloom Cleansing Oil, Dew Drops Hydrating Serum, or Restorative Night Cream to lock in hydration.

3. Ignoring your skin’s signals:
   If your skin feels tight, looks flaky, or burns when applying moisturizer, it’s time to ease up.
   
   

How Seasonal Changes Affect Exfoliation

Your exfoliation routine might need tweaking as the seasons shift. In winter, reduce frequency and lean into nourishing products to protect against dryness. During summer, increase gentle exfoliation to manage oil buildup and sunscreen residue.

A lightweight, hydrating mist like CALM Saratoga Minerals Mist from Dubois Beauty can refresh and rebalance your skin between exfoliation days, delivering instant comfort, soothing benefits, and lasting hydration.

Signs You’re Exfoliating the Right Way

• Your skin feels smooth, not tight

• Your moisturizer absorbs easily

• Makeup applies more evenly

• You have a natural, radiant glow
  
  

When you strike the right balance, exfoliation becomes a powerful tool for long-term skin health — not just an instant glow-up.

Balance Is the Secret to Beautiful Skin

So, how often should you exfoliate your face? The answer depends on your skin’s unique needs — but consistency and gentleness are key. Start slow, pay attention to how your skin responds, and always pair exfoliation with nourishment and protection.

Reveal your healthiest, most radiant skin yet with Marula Bloom Cleansing Oil, Renew Buffing Cream, Dew Drops Hydrating Serum, Defend Antioxidant Serum, and the Restorative Night Cream from Dubois Beauty. Together, they create the perfect balance of renewal, hydration, and protection after exfoliation. Elevate your skincare ritual — shop the collection and experience the glow of truly nourished skin.