When the sun’s out and humidity is up, exfoliating can feel like a satisfying way to refresh your skin. But go overboard—and your healthy glow can quickly turn into irritation, redness, and barrier damage.
So, how often should you really exfoliate during summer?
Let Your Skin Type Lead
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Here’s a quick breakdown by skin type:
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Oily or acne-prone skin: 2–3 times a week can help keep pores clear and balance excess oil.
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Normal or combination skin: 1–2 times a week is enough to maintain glow and smoothness.
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Dry or sensitive skin: Once a week—or even every 10 days—will prevent over-stripping.
Always watch how your skin responds. If it feels tight, itchy, or suddenly more reactive, you may be exfoliating too often.
Go Gentle (Even If You’re Glowing)
While summer calls for more sweat and SPF, it doesn’t mean you need to scrub your face raw. Opt for gentle, barrier-safe exfoliants that support your skin instead of stripping it.
Consider this routine:
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Start with a nourishing cleanser like the Charcoal Facial Cleanser to draw out impurities without drying your skin.
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Follow up with a physical exfoliant like the Peppermint Coffee Scrub, 1–2 times a week depending on your skin type.
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Replenish hydration with a calming moisturizer such as the Hydro Balancing Gel-Cream to keep your barrier supported post-exfoliation.
Mind the Sun
Exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so always follow with sunscreen (even if you’re only headed out for errands). And on days you exfoliate, avoid other strong actives like retinol or harsh acids to prevent overdoing it.