Taking off dead skin cells makes the newly exposed tissue fuller and more brilliant. Your body sheds this top layer naturally, but the regeneration process slows as we age. You need to sweep away loose layers of dead skin cells in order to ensure that whatever you rub into your skin afterward sinks in deeper. Exfoliation signals the body to generate fresh, new, plump, healthy skin cells, replacing what you’ve just sloughed off.
How often should you exfoliate? The answer depends on your skin type and the exfoliation method you choose—either physical or chemical. Physical exfoliation, with a scrub, should take place once or twice a week, three times a week at most. In terms of chemical exfoliation, mild cream or serum formulations of up to 10% acid concentrations are safe to use twice a day, assuming your skin can tolerate this. But stronger peels should be used at most once a week. Your skin should not flake or peel after you exfoliate. If your skin is extra oily, use salicylic acid to stimulate cell turnover.