This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on July 1, 2026.
Thinking of adding an exfoliating product to your routine this summer? Maybe you’ve already incorporated exfoliation into your regimen, but aren’t sure how your skin will respond as the temperatures continue to change.
Exfoliation can be beneficial during the summer, but it's important to approach it with care and consideration—specifically, based on your skin type and your location’s climate.
Before we get into that, here are some benefits of exfoliating your skin in the summer:
- Removing Dead Skin Cells: Exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells, which can accumulate more quickly due to increased sweating and higher humidity levels in the summertime. Exfoliating can reveal smoother, brighter skin.
- Preventing Clogged Pores: Summer heat and humidity can lead to excess oil production and clogged pores. Gentle exfoliation can help prevent these issues by keeping pores clear.
- Enhancing Absorption of Skincare Products: By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation can improve the absorption of moisturizers, serums and sunscreens—allowing them to work more effectively.
Ultimately, summer exfoliation requires a gentle approach to avoid irritation or burning, especially when your skin may already be more sensitive due to increased sun exposure. Keep scrolling for some tips to exfoliate effectively and safely…
1. Choose the Right Exfoliant
Physical exfoliants like scrubs tend to be too harsh for your complexion. Instead, consider chemical exfoliants with AHAs, like glycolic acid, or BHAs, like salicylic acid, which are generally milder and more effective for sensitive skin. Opt for a gentle exfoliant suitable to your skin type:
- Oily & Acne Prone: Use a product with a combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Choose a percentage of glycolic acid between 3-5% and a salicylic acid percentage around 2%.
- Normal & Balanced: Use lower percentages of glycolic acid (around 2%) with a lactic acid. You can also try a lactic acid in combination with a fruit acid complex or mandelic acid.
- Sensitive, Rosacea & Eczema Prone: Opt for a fruit acid complex or mandelic acid.
Before you start any exfoliating routine, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin first to ensure it doesn't cause irritation or burning, especially in the summer when your skin may be more reactive.
2. Exfoliate at the Right Frequency
During the summer months, you might need to adjust the amount of times you exfoliate. Start with once a week and observe how your skin reacts. If your skin tolerates it well, feel free to increase it as needed.
As a general rule of thumb, those with acne or oily skin can exfoliate three times per week, normal or balanced skin twice a week, and sensitive skin once a week. Make sure you only exfoliate at night, and always wear SPF 50 to 70 the morning after. This allows your skin time to recover and reduces the risk of sun sensitivity immediately after exfoliation.
Our advice? Use a gentle chemical exfoliant overnight, such as a mild fruit acid serum, which allows for gradual exfoliation—without exposing your skin to the sun immediately afterward.
Product Recommendation: Check out The Multitasker Night Serum
3. Avoid Exfoliating Sunburned Skin
The summer months mean more exposure to sunlight. The result? Sunburn. If you have any sunburn or even slight irritation from the sun, avoid exfoliating until your skin has fully healed. Unfortunately, exfoliating sunburned skin can increase irritation and prolong healing time. The moral of the story? Make sure your skin barrier is healthy and intact prior to adding any exfoliant to your skincare routine.
4. Moisturize After Exfoliation
After exfoliating, apply a soothing lotion or hydrating serum to help replenish moisture and support your skin’s barrier function. Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. Hyaluronic Acid brings moisture to the surface of your skin, improving your skin’s elasticity and helping it appear more dewy, while ceramides soften, smooth, and help protect your skin barrier from environmental stressors.
Product Recommendation: Check out The Go-Getter Day Serum
5. Use Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is crucial year-round, but especially in the summer when UV exposure is higher. After exfoliating, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher to protect your newly exposed skin from sun damage. Also, adding Vitamin C to your regimen increases the effectiveness of your SPF. Our Fresh Start Face Oil contains a highly stable, oil soluble form of Vitamin C called Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, which helps to improve the appearance of aged, sun damaged and hyperpigmented skin.
Product Recommendation: Check out The Fresh Start Face Oil
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to exfoliate in the summer?
Yes, but it requires a gentler approach. Increased sweating, humidity, and sun exposure make summer skin more prone to sensitivity, so it's important to exfoliate carefully based on your skin type and climate.
What are the benefits of exfoliating in the summer?
Summer heat and humidity can cause dead skin cells to build up faster and lead to excess oil and clogged pores. Exfoliating helps remove that buildup, keeps pores clear, and improves how well your moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens absorb into your skin.
What type of exfoliant should I use?
Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) are generally gentler and more effective than physical scrubs. The right choice depends on your skin type:
- Oily/acne-prone: glycolic acid (3–5%) combined with salicylic acid (around 2%)
- Normal/balanced: lower glycolic acid (around 2%) with lactic acid, or a fruit acid complex/mandelic acid
- Sensitive, rosacea, or eczema-prone: a fruit acid complex or mandelic acid
Always patch test first, especially in summer when skin tends to be more reactive.
How often should I exfoliate in the summer?
Start with once a week and see how your skin responds. As a general guideline, acne-prone or oily skin can typically handle exfoliating up to three times a week, normal/balanced skin about twice a week, and sensitive skin once a week.
When is the best time of day to exfoliate?
At night. This gives your skin time to recover before sun exposure, and you should always follow up with SPF 50–70 the next morning.
Can I exfoliate sunburned skin?
No. Exfoliating sunburned or irritated skin can worsen irritation and slow healing. Wait until your skin barrier is fully healed and healthy before exfoliating again.
What should I do after exfoliating?
Apply a soothing, hydrating product to replenish moisture and support your skin barrier. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides, which help hydrate, improve elasticity, and protect against environmental stress.
Do I still need sunscreen after exfoliating?
Yes, and it's especially important. Freshly exfoliated skin is more exposed to UV damage, so apply a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher. Adding a Vitamin C product to your routine can also boost your sunscreen's effectiveness.
