The Dermatologist-Approved Guide to Summer Exfoliation

Summer skin has a certain ease to it. Think a subtle post-beach glow, barely-there makeup, and a beauty routine that’s mostly tinted SPF and a swipe of lip balm. But all that time outdoors also means layers of sunscreen, sweat, and city grime—or, if you’re OOO, chlorine or saltwater—building up by day’s end. 

The fix? Your favorite exfoliant. It’s a fast track to reveal a clearer, glowier complexion—and in the summertime, few things feel better than dissolving all that buildup that the season inevitably brings. “When done properly, exfoliating is great to remove dead skin cells, prevent congestion, and keep your complexion smooth and refined,” adds Dendy Engelman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. 

But there’s a catch. Summer is also when your skin is most vulnerable, so you need to toe the line carefully. “Over-exfoliating or aggressively scrubbing can weaken the skin barrier and make the skin more vulnerable to irritation, dehydration, and sun sensitivity,” Engelman warns. Once your barrier is compromised, products your skin normally tolerates—including vitamin C, retinoids, and even sunscreen—can suddenly start to sting, says Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care.

The answer isn’t to swear off exfoliation until Labor Day Weekend—but to make a few smart seasonal adjustments, Engelman says. “When done thoughtfully, it can help maintain a brighter, smoother complexion throughout the summer without compromising the skin barrier,” says Engelman. 

Ahead, the dermatologists break down exactly how to exfoliate your face, body, and scalp safely all summer long.

How to Exfoliate Your Face

Think of your nightly cleanse as pressing the reset button. Kobets suggests double cleansing: Start with a cleansing balm or oil to remove sunscreen, sweat, and debris, then follow up with your gel, cream, or foaming cleanser of choice. “This approach cleans the skin without unnecessarily increasing irritation,” she says.

Prefer to keep your routine streamlined? An exfoliating cleanser can help remove buildup while combining cleansing and gentle resurfacing in one step.

Your exfoliating treatment step comes next. In the summertime, both dermatologists advise exfoliating at night only and avoiding exfoliation immediately before or after prolonged sun exposure. (Read: If you’re headed to a beachside vacation, it’s best to leave your exfoliants at home.) Be mindful of how frequently you use the product and pay attention to what your skin needs. If you’re red, flaky, or still recovering from a day or two spent outdoors, wait to bounce back to baseline before scrubbing or swiping them on.

Every exfoliation session should end with replenishment. “You should never exfoliate without restoring the moisture that is lost in the process,” says Engelman. Reach for a hydrating serum (which your thirsty summer skin will drink right up) or go straight to your favorite moisturizer.

Last but not least, daytime SPF is non-negotiable. (Tip: Opt for mineral sunscreens with iron oxide and/or titanium oxide. According to Kobets, they’re less likely to irritate the skin.)

How to Exfoliate Your Body

Your exfoliation routine shouldn’t be limited to your face. Sweat, sunscreen, and pollution all accumulate from the neck down, too, which is why it's smart to add a dedicated body exfoliant to your shower lineup. Again, just be sure to add some buffer room before and after outdoor workouts, pool days, and beach getaways to avoid sensitization.

Remember: replenishment is key post-exfoliation. Engelman suggests reaching for a nourishing body oil or a rich body cream. Apply either while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.

How to Exfoliate Your Scalp

Your scalp deserves a regular refresh, too—especially during the summer. “Between sweat, excess oil, dry shampoo, styling products, scalp serums, and even mineral SPF powders for the scalp, buildup can accumulate more quickly,” says Kobets. She says a weekly scalp scrub (or less, depending on your hair type and needs) can help lift dead skin cells, sweep away product residue, and reduce congestion around the hair follicles. The payoff is that fresh-from-the-salon feeling, minus the actual appointment.

After days spent in the sun (or one too many pool dips), reach for a weekly hair mask to replenish moisture and restore shine.