How Often Should You Exfoliate? (It’s Probably Less Than You Think)
Exfoliation can leave your skin feeling smooth, glowing, and refreshed — but too much of a good thing can quickly backfire.
At Platinum Cosmetics, we often help clients recover from over-exfoliation. It’s one of the most common causes of sensitivity, breakouts, and barrier damage we see — usually from well-meaning routines that are just a little too harsh, too often.
Here’s how to exfoliate properly, and how often your skin really needs it to stay balanced and healthy.
Why Exfoliation Matters
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the surface, helping:
Improve product absorption
Smooth texture and tone
Minimise congestion and breakouts
Support even pigmentation
Boost overall radiance
It’s an important step — but it’s not meant to be done every day (despite what some products claim).
Signs You’re Over-Exfoliating
Stinging or burning with other products
Dryness or flaking
Increased breakouts or irritation
Redness that won’t settle
Skin that feels tight or looks shiny but inflamed
These symptoms are often mistaken for acne or “purging” — but they’re actually signs your skin barrier needs a break.
So, How Often Should You Exfoliate?
Here’s our general guide, which we always tailor based on skin condition, treatment history, and barrier health:
Normal/Combination Skin
✅ 1–2 times per week
Best with: mild AHAs (like lactic acid) or enzyme-based exfoliants
Oily/Congested Skin
✅ 2–3 times per week (max)
Best with: salicylic acid (BHA), light clay-based masks
Dry or Sensitive Skin
✅ Once every 7–10 days
Best with: PHA or enzyme exfoliants — avoid scrubs or strong acids
Post-treatment or impaired skin
✅ Wait until the skin is fully healed
Avoid exfoliation for at least 5–7 days after laser, needling, or barrier-repair facials
Mechanical vs Chemical Exfoliation: What’s Better?
Chemical exfoliants (like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) dissolve dead skin cells — ideal for most skin types
Physical scrubs can be too abrasive and often lead to micro-tears and inflammation
We almost always recommend chemical exfoliants over scrubs for long-term skin health.
What We Recommend Instead of Daily Exfoliation
A facial every 4–6 weeks to professionally manage skin turnover
Daily barrier support (moisturiser and SPF)
Weekly gentle exfoliation — not daily scrubs or peels
Skin care tailored to your skin’s needs, not trends
Book a Skin Consultation in Port Melbourne
If you’re unsure how often to exfoliate — or think your routine might be doing more harm than good — we’re here to help. Book a consultation and let us guide you toward calm, clear, supported skin that doesn’t rely on scrubbing to glow.