Dermatologists Rank the 4 Worst Exfoliating Mistakes

"In general, most people can benefit from some form of exfoliation," explains board-certified dermatologist Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD, FAAD, and owner of Vibrant Dermatology and Skin Bar MD in the greater Boston area. "Exfoliation

may help dull or mature skin appear more rejuvenated. It can help to prevent breakouts in acne-prone skin, and it can facilitate the absorption of moisturizers in dry skin. However, excessive exfoliation can wreak havoc on the skin. To maximize exfoliation's benefits, it's important to understand what type of exfoliation is best suited to your skin type. In addition, it's important to understand the best way to incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine."

Exfoliation also becomes more crucial as you get older, and can help your skin look more glowy and smoother. Board-certified dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD, FAAD, and founder and director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, says exfoliating when you're a teenager or young adult helps keep your skin glowing and blemish-free. People at that age have naturally more cellular turnover and greater sebum production, but that changes as the years go by. "Natural cell turnover slows with age which results in pigmentary changes (sunspots), fine lines, and dryness," Jacob says. "Some would say exfoliating becomes even more important at this stage to keep stimulating new cell growth and healthier skin."