The process of removing the dead skin accumulated on the surface to expose the newer skin cells underneath is called exfoliation. The dead skin cells give the skin a dull and lifeless appearance.

Although there are umpteen benefits of exfoliation, we should be careful to not over-exfoliate too. The topmost layer of the skin protects the living cells lying beneath. The underlying layer of skin should not be exposed until it matures.

If after scrubbing the skin stings, gets irritated or turns red, then you know that you have over-exfoliated it. To avoid this from occurring, the precise frequency of exfoliation should be known. The frequency of exfoliation depends on a number of factors such as, skin type, age, lifestyle, environmental conditions, the abrasive forces our skin is subject to on a daily basis etc.

Oily skin or acne prone skin needs to be scrubbed more than dry skin. Furthermore, the need to exfoliate increases as we grow older. This is because the skin looses it natural ability to shed dead skin cells. The need for exfoliation also depends on your lifestyle habits.

For instance, if you are a frequent traveler then your skin will be exposed to numerous environmental elements that damage it. These can be sun, dust, heat, wind etc. The skin thus exposed to these environmental elements degenerates further. It therefore requires periodic scrubbing.

Everyone should have a weekly exfoliation schedule.  In this schedule, one must determine not only the number of times one requires scrubbing but also the intensity of scrubbing.  So you could adopt an intense exfoliation treatment once a week or a mild one couple of times in a week. However, in most cases an intense exfoliating treatment harms your skin. It is better to exfoliate gently twice or thrice a week. A mild or moderate scrubbing treatment is recommended over more intense ones.

The best option is to adjust the degree of exfoliation by using different types of products for scrubbing. If you are still undecided about the best exfoliation routine, you can follow the guidelines provided below.

If you have combination skin, then scrub twice in a week. People with acne prone skin, normal or oily skin should exfoliate upto three times in a week. Exfoliating once a week should be sufficient if you have dry skin. People with sensitive skin should use a very mild scrub or muslin cloth once in a week.