My Face When Someone Tells Me They Don’t Exfoliate

Okay, I’ll admit it. When a friend tells me they don’t exfoliate, I don’t actually give them the witchy side-eye. Out loud, anyway. 🤍

But I get it. For a long time I thought exfoliating was one of those extra steps only “skincare people” bothered with. Then I tried it consistently, and my skin felt so much smoother that I couldn’t believe I’d skipped it for so long.

So here’s the honest, no-hype version of why it’s worth a few minutes a week.

What exfoliating actually does

Your skin is always shedding old cells, but sometimes they hang around longer than they should. That buildup is what makes skin look dull and feel rough. Exfoliating just helps clear it away so the fresh skin underneath can shine.

The benefits of exfoliating (and why I think it’s worth it)

• Smoother skin you can feel. This is the one I notice first. Rough elbows, dry knees, and heels that feel like sandpaper? Big difference.
• Your lotion works harder. When the dead skin is out of the way, moisturizer actually soaks in instead of sitting on top.
• A brighter look. Not overnight magic, but a fresher, less dull look over time.
• Makeup goes on better. Fewer flaky spots for foundation to cling to.
• It helps with our dry Wyoming air. Once fall hits and the heater kicks on, my skin needs all the help it can get.

A few things I’ve learned

• Don’t overdo it. Two or three times a week is plenty for most of us. More isn’t better, and scrubbing too hard can leave skin irritated.
• Be gentle on your face. Your face is more delicate than your legs or feet, so go easy there.
• Always moisturize after. Think of exfoliating as prepping the canvas. The moisture is the payoff.
• Listen to your skin. If you’re sensitive, start slow and see how it feels.

Make it a little ritual

My favorite way to do it is in the shower with a sugar scrub, then lotion right after while my skin is still a little damp. It takes maybe five extra minutes, and it honestly feels like a tiny treat at the end of the day.