{"id":6907,"date":"2024-02-14T20:03:19","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T04:03:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=6907"},"modified":"2025-11-03T15:38:58","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T23:38:58","slug":"how-to-exfoliate-acne-prone-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/how-to-exfoliate-acne-prone-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"Does exfoliation help with acne? Here’s what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Exfoliation: The can\u2019t-skip skincare step for baby-soft smoothness and a refreshed glow. But if you have acne<\/a>, you might be hesitant. Can exfoliation<\/a> clear the way? Or will it make breakouts worse? Read on for all the\u202facne exfoliation\u202f411.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acne and exfoliation: Should you or shouldn’t you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is yes, you should exfoliate acne-prone skin<\/a>! Regardless of your skin type, exfoliation helps lift away dulling surface debris. For acne-prone skin, this helps sweep away dulling surface debris that could otherwise clog the pores and create a breeding ground for acne bacteria. Exfoliation also drives newer, healthier cells to the surface which can help skin recover.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Identifying your acne<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s talk about the stages of acne, as that will influence the\u202facne exfoliant\u202fthat\u2019s best for you. Stages of acne range from congestion (Looks like: enlarged pores<\/a>, blackheads, concentrated oiliness (typically chin, sides of nose, center of forehead), to breakouts<\/a> (consistent formation of whiteheads of varying\u202fsizes and stages of healing\/inflammation, typically found in cluster formations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great exfoliators for acne<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know you should exfoliate your acne-prone skin, it\u2019s time to meet some of the best\u202fexfoliation products for acne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options for acne exfoliation include chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid<\/a> and glycolic acid<\/a>. Physical options for acne exfoliation include scrubs with abrasives like jojoba beads. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are often recommended as\u202fexfoliation treatments for acne\u202fbecause they can penetrate the pore to sweep out the oil and debris that creates the breeding ground for acne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Glycolic acid<\/a> is also a beneficial exfoliation treatment for acne because it removes dull surface cells to increase smoothness and clarity.\u202fAnd\u202flifting away dulling surface cells helps keep pores clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can exfoliating cause acne?<\/strong>

While not all all dermatologists rule them out, physical exfoliants may increase aggravation and redness on cystic acne<\/a> and bumpy types of acne<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to exfoliate acne-prone skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To begin:<\/strong>\u202fFollow the same rules as all skin types: start slow and easy, then build up once you\u2019ve assessed your skin\u2019s tolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exfoliate clean skin only:<\/strong>\u202fClean skin sets the stage by sweeping away oils and debris that could get in the way and impede exfoliation\u2019s results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the directions:<\/strong>\u202fSome products are meant to be applied and rinsed off, while others might work like a leave-on treatment. Stay true to the usage directions provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finish with a moisturizer:<\/strong>\u202fThis is the ideal time to put essential hydration back into skin, so finish with a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Q: How often should I exfoliate if I have acne-prone skin?<\/strong>
A:<\/strong> You should exfoliate your acne-prone skin two to three times a week. Begin gradually to gauge how your skin responds, and watch for any signs of irritation, like redness or dryness, which could indicate that you should exfoliate less often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Why do I get pimples every time I exfoliate?
A:<\/strong> Breakouts may result from \u201cskin purging,\u201d when active ingredients push clogged pores to the surface. Fortunately, skin purging is temporary and will pass in time if you stick to a dedicated routine.

Over-exfoliation, or exfoliating too aggressively or too many times a day or week, can damage the skin barrier and cause dryness or excess oil production that ultimately triggers breakouts. Other possible causes include skin irritation or incorrect use of exfoliating products. Take care to not over-exfoliate: less is more, and gentle is always better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.\u202f<\/em> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Exfoliation: The can\u2019t-skip skincare step for baby-soft smoothness and a refreshed glow. But if you have acne, you might be hesitant. Can exfoliation clear the way? Or will it make breakouts worse? Read on for all the\u202facne exfoliation\u202f411. Acne and exfoliation: Should you or shouldn’t you? The short answer is yes, you should exfoliate acne-prone […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":11208,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[26],"class_list":["post-6907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin","tag-exfoliate-acne-prone-skin"],"metadata":{"_edit_lock":["1762213376:21"],"_edit_last":["21"],"adobe_analytics_repeatable":["a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:\"name\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"value\";s:0:\"\";}}"],"show_featured_image":["1"],"_show_featured_image":["field_609ee1cf1ce13"],"primary_category":["5"],"_primary_category":["field_608c33bdd26d5"],"mobile_image":["11209"],"_mobile_image":["field_60bf7692abe28"],"_post_views_count":["field_6107dfafd6a27"],"sidebar_products_use_global_default":["0"],"_sidebar_products_use_global_default":["field_63a349a11086a"],"sidebar_products_title":["Related Products"],"_sidebar_products_title":["field_6408d62123449"],"sidebar_products_items":[""],"_sidebar_products_items":["field_63a349a110878"],"sidebar_products":[""],"_sidebar_products":["field_63a349a0dadad"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["5"],"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":["acne"],"_yoast_wpseo_title":["You asked, we answered: How to exfoliate acne-prone skin | Murad"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Say goodbye to acne with our guide on how to exfoliate acne-prone skin. Our tips will leave you with a healthy, glowing complexion."],"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":["41"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["3"],"_thumbnail_id":["11208"],"post_views_count":["12057"],"_aioseo_title":["Does exfoliating help with acne? Here\u2019s what you need to know - Murad Skincare"],"_aioseo_description":["The short answer is yes, you should exfoliate acne-prone skin! Regardless of your skin type, exfoliation helps keep pores clear. 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