Cooler air is kind to sweaters, not always to skin. As fall rolls in, cheeks, shins, and hands can start to feel a little dull, flaky, or tight. That’s where a good exfoliation routine comes in.

When you know how to exfoliate for your skin type, you can smooth away buildup without upsetting your skin barrier. The goal isn’t a harsh scrub, but a gentle reset that helps your moisturizers and body oils penetrate better.

From sugar scrubs to a simple silk exfoliating glove, small tweaks can help your skin stay soft, comfortable, and ready for cooler days.

Why Exfoliation Helps More in Fall and Winter

Exfoliation removes what your skin is ready to let go of, mainly dead skin cells that haven’t shed on their own yet.

When they build up, skin can start to look dull or ashy, feel rough in spots, or develop tiny bumps and clogged pores. Cooler weather and indoor heat make this even more noticeable, so skin looks tired faster, even when you’re doing all your usual steps.

When you gently sweep that buildup away, your moisturizers and body oils have a clearer path. They absorb more easily instead of sitting on the surface, making your fall and winter routines feel far more effective.

Choosing the Right Kind of Exfoliation

Before you decide how to exfoliate based on your skin type, it helps to know which method you’re using.

Physical (or mechanical) exfoliation relies on texture to lift away dead skin cells, using sugar scrubs, washcloths, or a silk exfoliating glove in the shower. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses ingredients like AHAs and BHAs (alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids) to loosen the bonds between dead cells so they shed more easily.

Your face and body don’t always need the same approach. Facial skin is usually more delicate, while arms and legs can handle a bit more texture. Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: exfoliate in a way that keeps your skin barrier supported, not stripped.

Simple Routine: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Moisturize

A good exfoliation routine doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple framework works for most skin types:

1. Cleanse: Start with lukewarm water and a gentle bar soap, like one of our Hazelwood soaps, to remove surface dirt and oil.
2. Exfoliate: Use your chosen method (sugar scrub, mild chemical exfoliant, or silk exfoliating glove) with light, steady motions. Avoid scrubbing in circles that feel too rough.
3. Moisturize: While skin is still a bit damp, follow with a cream, body oil, or hand and body lotion. This helps seal in hydration and supports your skin barrier after exfoliation.

For more on when to moisture, read our quick guide to damp skin moisturizing. From here, you can adjust how often you follow these steps based on your skin type. 

How Often to Exfoliate Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

If your skin feels slick by midday or tends to break out, you may need exfoliation a bit more often, especially along the T-zone, chest, or back.

For exfoliating oily skin or acne-prone areas:

• Aim for two to three times a week, as long as your skin stays comfortable.
• Choose gentle, consistent care over harsh, occasional scrubbing.
• A mild exfoliating cleanser or soft scrub can help keep pores clearer on the body.
• On the body, a silk exfoliating glove paired with a simple bar soap can lift buildup without digging into active breakouts.

If you’re using acne treatments or retinoids, think of exfoliation as a supporting player. Keep the texture soft, space out your exfoliation days, and pay attention to how your skin responds.

How Often to Exfoliate Dry or Sensitive Skin

If your skin feels tight, flakes easily, or flushes quickly, you’re likely in the dry or sensitive camp. In colder months, less is more.

For exfoliating dry skin or exfoliating sensitive skin:

• Once a week is usually enough.
• Choose textures that feel soft and cushioned, never scratchy.
• Gentle ingredients like oatmeal or finely ground rice can be smoothed without tearing.
• A silk exfoliating glove can work well here, too. Just use a feather-light touch and plenty of water.

Your priority is comfort, not a glassy, polished finish. If your skin stings or stays red after exfoliating, that’s your sign to slow down and focus on hydration and barrier repair instead. Following exfoliation with a rich layer of Shea Butter Lotion can help restore softness and calm.

Exfoliation Tips for Normal or Combination Skin

If your skin feels mostly balanced with the occasional dry patch or shiny area, you likely have normal or combination skin. The good news is, you can be flexible.

For exfoliating combination skin:

• Start with once or twice a week and adjust from there.
• Target where you need it most, maybe the T-zone one day, then drier cheeks or arms on other days.
• Use a mild AHA on the face and a silk exfoliating glove on the body in separate sessions.

Some weeks, oil control will be the priority, while other weeks, comfort and moisture will matter more. Let your skin’s “mood” guide you rather than a rigid schedule.

How to Tell If You’re Over-Exfoliating

No matter your skin type, the signs of over-exfoliating look similar. You might notice:

• Redness that lingers instead of fading quickly.
• A burning or stinging sensation when you apply products.
• Shiny but tight skin that feels dry underneath.
• More breakouts or tiny bumps instead of fewer.
• Flaking that shows up under makeup or on clothes.

If you spot a few of these at once, treat it as a yellow light. Pause exfoliation for several days, stick to a gentle fall shower cleansing, and lean into creams or oils that focus on hydration and barrier support. Once your skin feels calm again, you can reintroduce exfoliation slowly.

When Your Skin Needs a Break 

There are times when the best exfoliation routine is no routine at all. Give scrubs and textured tools a rest if you’ve just shaved or waxed, recently applied self-tanner, or if your skin is sunburned, chapped, or actively irritated. The same goes after a facial or professional treatment, when your skin is still settling and needs extra care, not extra friction.

Even the softest product can feel rough on stressed or healing skin. If your face or body feels clingy-dry, itchy, or unusually warm, choose a gentle cleanse and a generous layer of moisture instead.

How often you exfoliate should always depend on how your skin feels right now. If you’re unsure, especially with a skin condition or prescription treatment, it’s always wise to check in with a dermatologist.

Upgrade Your Routine With a Silk Glove

At Hazelwood, we believe exfoliating for your skin type should feel calm, simple, and enjoyable, not overwhelming. Our small-batch, vegan skincare is crafted in Waynesville, North Carolina, with textures that are kind to your skin barrier.

The star is our Raw Silk Exfoliating Glove, a gentle upgrade to your bath routine. Used with warm water and your favorite bar soap, it helps reveal smoother, softer skin without harsh particles or heavy fragrance. Follow with a nourishing body oil or lotion, and let exfoliation become a quiet ritual that keeps skin comfortable all season. Think soft, steady care, and never rushed.