Skip to content
Dove
Men+Care
Baby Dove
Meet Dove Whole Body Deo: 72h odor control, all over
Find Dove Near You
Sign Up & Save

Welcome to Dove

Dove - Let’s Change Beauty logo
  • See All

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Beauty Bar
      • Body Wash
      • Body Polish & Scrub
      • Hand Wash
      • Body Care
      • See All Bath & Body
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Moisturize & Hydrate
      • Eczema
      • Acne
      • Exfoliate
    • BROWSE INGREDIENTS
      • Shea Butter
      • Coconut
      • Lavender
      • Vanilla
      • Cucumber
      • Mango
      • Pomegranate
    • Image of Dove Pampering Care Hand Wash on top of a white countertop

      Rebuild your routine for softer, healthier skin.

      Take the Self-Care Quiz
    • Discover Body Washes
    • Discover Body Shower Serums
    • Discover Body Scrubs
    • Discover Beauty Bars
    • Discover Plant Milk Collection
    • Discover Hand Washes
    • Discover Cream Body Serums
    • Discover All Collections

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner
      • Dry Shampoo
      • Hair Styling
      • Hair Masks
      • Hair Serum
      • See All Hair
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Hair
      • Fine Hair
      • Damaged Hair Repair
      • Color-Treated Hair
      • Curly & Textured Hair
      • Silver Hair
      • Voluminizing
      • Dandruff & Dry Scalp
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Care Between Washes
      • Love Your Hair Collection
      • DermaCare Scalp
      • Bond Strength
      • Kids Hair Care Collection
    • Two Reddit Snoovatars showing contrasting reactions—one smiling with a flower crown on a duck float, the other frowning with arms crossed and wearing a bunny-ear hat.

      See what the most honest community said about our award winning hair repair mask

      Discover r/eal reviews
    • Discover Hair Damage Therapy Collection
    • Discover Intensive Repair Products
    • Discover Bond Strength Products
    • Discover Scalp Hair Therapy Products

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Spray Antiperspirant
      • Spray Deodorant
      • Stick Antiperspirant
      • Stick Deodorant
      • Cream Deodorant
      • See All Deodorant
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Even Skin Tone
      • Clinical Strength
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Whole Body
      • VitaminCare+
      • Advanced Care
      • Aluminum Free
      • Even Tone
      • Clinical + Care
      • Dove Ultimate
    • Women with arms up in the arm

      Take our quiz to discover the ideal deodorant tailored to your specific skin needs.

      Discover Your Signature Deodorant
    • Discover VitaminCare+ Deodorants
    • Discover Aluminum Free Deodorants
    • Discover Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorants
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Body & Face Bars
      • Deodorant
      • Hair Care
      • See All Men
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Post Workout
      • Aluminum-Free Deodorant
      • Whole Body Deodorant
      • Exfoliating
      • Dandruff
      • Relaxing
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Active Naturals Body Wash
      • Advanced Care Face + Body Wash
    • Image of man combing hair

      Find out the latest from Dove Men + Care, all in one place.

      Explore Dove Men + Care
    • Discover Plant Based Cleansers
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants
    • Discover Micromoisture Body Washes
    • Discover Body Wash and Cleansing Bars
    • Discover Antiperspirants & Deodorants

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Bathing
      • Skin Care
      • Hair Care
      • See All Baby
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Eczema
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Fragrance Free
      • Curly Hair
      • Bedtime
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Rich Moisture
      • Fragrance-Free Moisture
      • Calming Moisture
      • Derma Care
      • Melanin-Rich Skin
      • Caring By Nature
    • Baby in bath with hands up next to a bottle of Baby Dove foaming wash

      Care for baby's sensitive skin and hair.

      Explore Baby Dove
    • Discover Bubble Bath Collection
    • 5 tips for healthy, soft baby skin
    • The secret to tear-free bathtime
    • Discover Rich Moisture Collection
    • Discover Melanin Rich Skin Collections

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Bubble Bath
      • Conditioner
      • Hair Spray
      • Styling Cream
      • Deodorant
      • See All Kids & Teens
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Curly & Textured Hair
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Dove Kids Care
      • Dove Teens Deodorant
    • Mother and daughter reading

      Kids deserve skin care just for them.

      Hypoallergenic skin care for kids
    • Self-care and confidence for kids
    • The Power of Positive Affirmations

    Bath & Body

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Beauty Bar
      • Body Wash
      • Body Polish & Scrub
      • Hand Wash
      • Body Care
      • See All Bath & Body
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Moisturize & Hydrate
      • Eczema
      • Acne
      • Exfoliate
    • BROWSE INGREDIENTS
      • Shea Butter
      • Coconut
      • Lavender
      • Vanilla
      • Cucumber
      • Mango
      • Pomegranate
    • Image of Dove Pampering Care Hand Wash on top of a white countertop

      Rebuild your routine for softer, healthier skin.

      Take the Self-Care Quiz
    • Discover Body Washes
    • Discover Body Shower Serums
    • Discover Body Scrubs
    • Discover Beauty Bars
    • Discover Plant Milk Collection
    • Discover Hand Washes
    • Discover Cream Body Serums
    • Discover All Collections

    Hair

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Shampoo
      • Conditioner
      • Dry Shampoo
      • Hair Styling
      • Hair Masks
      • Hair Serum
      • See All Hair
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Hair
      • Fine Hair
      • Damaged Hair Repair
      • Color-Treated Hair
      • Curly & Textured Hair
      • Silver Hair
      • Voluminizing
      • Dandruff & Dry Scalp
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Care Between Washes
      • Love Your Hair Collection
      • DermaCare Scalp
      • Bond Strength
      • Kids Hair Care Collection
    • Two Reddit Snoovatars showing contrasting reactions—one smiling with a flower crown on a duck float, the other frowning with arms crossed and wearing a bunny-ear hat.

      See what the most honest community said about our award winning hair repair mask

      Discover r/eal reviews
    • Discover Hair Damage Therapy Collection
    • Discover Intensive Repair Products
    • Discover Bond Strength Products
    • Discover Scalp Hair Therapy Products

    Deodorant

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Spray Antiperspirant
      • Spray Deodorant
      • Stick Antiperspirant
      • Stick Deodorant
      • Cream Deodorant
      • See All Deodorant
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Even Skin Tone
      • Clinical Strength
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Whole Body
      • VitaminCare+
      • Advanced Care
      • Aluminum Free
      • Even Tone
      • Clinical + Care
      • Dove Ultimate
    • Women with arms up in the arm

      Take our quiz to discover the ideal deodorant tailored to your specific skin needs.

      Discover Your Signature Deodorant
    • Discover VitaminCare+ Deodorants
    • Discover Aluminum Free Deodorants
    • Discover Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorants
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants
    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Body & Face Bars
      • Deodorant
      • Hair Care
      • See All Men
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Dry Skin
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Post Workout
      • Aluminum-Free Deodorant
      • Whole Body Deodorant
      • Exfoliating
      • Dandruff
      • Relaxing
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Active Naturals Body Wash
      • Advanced Care Face + Body Wash
    • Image of man combing hair

      Find out the latest from Dove Men + Care, all in one place.

      Explore Dove Men + Care
    • Discover Plant Based Cleansers
    • Discover Whole Body Deodorants
    • Discover Micromoisture Body Washes
    • Discover Body Wash and Cleansing Bars
    • Discover Antiperspirants & Deodorants

    Men

    Baby

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Bathing
      • Skin Care
      • Hair Care
      • See All Baby
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Sensitive Skin
      • Eczema
      • Hypoallergenic
      • Fragrance Free
      • Curly Hair
      • Bedtime
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Rich Moisture
      • Fragrance-Free Moisture
      • Calming Moisture
      • Derma Care
      • Melanin-Rich Skin
      • Caring By Nature
    • Baby in bath with hands up next to a bottle of Baby Dove foaming wash

      Care for baby's sensitive skin and hair.

      Explore Baby Dove
    • Discover Bubble Bath Collection
    • 5 tips for healthy, soft baby skin
    • The secret to tear-free bathtime
    • Discover Rich Moisture Collection
    • Discover Melanin Rich Skin Collections

    Kids & Teens

    • BROWSE TYPE
      • Body Wash
      • Bubble Bath
      • Conditioner
      • Hair Spray
      • Styling Cream
      • Deodorant
      • See All Kids & Teens
    • BROWSE NEED
      • Curly & Textured Hair
    • BROWSE COLLECTIONS
      • Dove Kids Care
      • Dove Teens Deodorant
    • Mother and daughter reading

      Kids deserve skin care just for them.

      Hypoallergenic skin care for kids
    • Self-care and confidence for kids
    • The Power of Positive Affirmations
  • Our Mission

    See All

      • #NewYearsUnresolution
      • Size Freedom
      • The Real Cost of Beauty
      • Project #ShowUs
      • Learn More About How Dove is Redefining Beauty
    • Two women smiling together

      Real and Inspirational Stories

      Beauty Portraits
    • Discover Our Purpose Campaigns
    • Discover Our Product Campaigns

      • Parent & Mentor Resources
      • Educator Resources
      • Youth Leader Resources
      • #KeepHerConfident
      • Stand up for #KidsOnlineSafety
      • Real Virtual Beauty
      • #DetoxYourFeed
      • The Selfie Talk
      • Learn more about the Dove Self-Esteem Project
    • Smiling girl with track field in the background

      Dove x Nike teamed up to help keep girls in the game

      Building Body Confidence in Sports

      • The CROWN Act
      • Dove x LinkedIn
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove is working for Racial Equity
      • Code My Crown
    • Code My Crown

      Code My Crown is a downloadable guide on the creation and celebration of Black hair textures and protective styles in video games.

      Code My Crown

      • Postpartum Support
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Learn more about how Dove is helping caregivers redefine Parenthood
    • Mom holding crying baby while filling baby bottles

      Raise awareness and connect to resources for postpartum mental health issues.

      Under Pressure

      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove supports Positive Masculinity
    • Paid Paternity Leave

      Help give new dads the time to bond with their little ones.

      Paid Paternity Leave

      • Cruelty-Free Real Beauty
      • Circular Care
      • Protecting & Restoring Nature
      • Regenerative Ingredients & Agriculture
      • Ingredients We Do Use
      • Rethinking Our Ingredients
      • Ingredient Transparency
      • Learn More About Dove’s Commitment to Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability
    • Dove cutout with nature in the background

      We’re working to contribute to a healthy, thriving future for our planet and protecting it for future generations.

      Protecting & Restoring Nature
      • #NewYearsUnresolution
      • #KeepBeautyReal
      • #KidsOnlineSafety
      • The Real Cost of Beauty
      • Project #ShowUs
      • Learn More About How Dove is Redefining Beauty
    • Two women smiling together

      Real and Inspirational Stories

      Beauty Portraits
    • Discover Our Purpose Campaigns
    • Discover Our Product Campaigns
      • Parent & Mentor Resources
      • Educator Resources
      • Youth Leader Resources
      • #KeepHerConfident
      • #KidsOnlineSafety
      • Real Virtual Beauty
      • #DetoxYourFeed
      • The Selfie Talk
      • Learn more about the Dove Self-Esteem Project
    • Smiling girl with track field in the background

      Dove x Nike teamed up to help keep girls in the game

      Building Body Confidence in Sports
      • The CROWN Act
      • Dove x LinkedIn
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove is working for Racial Equity
      • Code My Crown
    • Code My Crown

      Code My Crown is a downloadable guide on the creation and celebration of Black hair textures and protective styles in video games.

      Code My Crown
      • Postpartum Support
      • Black Birth Equity Fund
      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Learn more about how Dove is helping caregivers redefine Parenthood
    • Mom holding crying baby while filling baby bottles

      Raise awareness and connect to resources for postpartum mental health issues.

      Under Pressure
      • Paid Paternity Leave
      • Commit to C.A.R.E (Care About Racial Equity)
      • Learn more about how Dove supports Positive Masculinity
    • Paid Paternity Leave

      Help give new dads the time to bond with their little ones.

      Paid Paternity Leave
      • Cruelty-Free Real Beauty
      • Circular Care
      • Protecting & Restoring Nature
      • Regenerative Ingredients & Agriculture
      • Ingredients We Do Use
      • Rethinking Our Ingredients
      • Ingredient Transparency
      • Learn More About Dove’s Commitment to Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability
    • Dove cutout with nature in the background

      We’re working to contribute to a healthy, thriving future for our planet and protecting it for future generations.

      Protecting & Restoring Nature
  • Tips & Tools

    See All
    • Skin Cleansing & Care
      • Cleansing
      • Hair Removal
      • Skincare Routines
      • Underarm Care
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Skin Articles
    • Hair Care
      • Styling Tips
      • Cleansing & Conditioning
      • Damaged Hair Care
      • Healthy Scalp
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Hair Articles
    • Men’s Care
      • Skin
      • Hair
      • Underarms
      • Daily Routines
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Men’s Articles
    • Parents & Kids
      • Infant & Baby Care
      • Kids & Teens Care
      • Pregnancy
      • Parenting
      • Products & Ingredients
      • All Parents & Kids Articles
    • Explore All Quizzes & Tools

      Uncover personalized beauty tips and discover the perfect products just for you.

      Explore All Quizzes & Tools

Sign up
Sign up
Sign up

Unlock Exclusive Offers & Beauty Tips!

Join our Community and Discover the Dove Difference

Sign Up & save

Get exclusive offers, product recommendations and more when you sign up for Dove Men + Care!

Sign Up & save

Get exclusive offers, product recommendations and more to help you on your parenting journey.

Sign up

Save by signing up to receive communications from dove and other Unilever Brands about exclusive offers, product updates, and more! By signing up, you agree to our Sign-Up and Save Policy and our Privacy Notice.

  1. Learn About Dove
  2. Skin & Hair Care Tips & Guides
  3. Body & Bath Tips
  4. How often should you exfoliate your body for radiant skin?
Close up texture image shot of a Dove Body Scrub product

How often should you exfoliate your body for radiant skin?

Discover the ideal exfoliation routine with Dove Body Scrubs, empowering you to embrace your skin's beauty through effective care.

18 February '26

Exfoliation is a vital step in achieving radiant skin, but how often can or should you exfoliate your body? With Dove Body Scrubs, understanding and adding exfoliation into your skincare routine becomes a delightful self-care experience. Let's explore the benefits and best practices for exfoliating your body to ensure your skin feels its best.

How to exfoliate your body

Exfoliating your body is simple and can be a refreshing step for your skincare routine. Start by wetting your skin in the shower or bath. Apply a Dove Body Scrub of your choice in gentle, circular motions, focusing on areas prone to dryness or roughness, like elbows and knees. Rinse thoroughly, then follow with a moisturizing body lotion during your post-shower routine to lock in hydration.

How often should you exfoliate your body according to dermatologists?

Should you exfoliate every day? Dermatologists generally recommend exfoliating 1 to 3 times per week, but how often you exfoliate can depend on the area of the body and your skin type. For example, areas like the feet, elbows, and knees – where skin tends to be thicker – can often handle more frequent exfoliation. On the other hand, more delicate areas like the chest, inner thighs, or bikini line should be exfoliated less often, about once a week, to avoid irritation. Always pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust your routine as needed.

What happens if you exfoliate too often?

Exfoliating too frequently can lead to irritation, redness, and dryness. Over-exfoliation strips your skin of its natural oils, compromising its barrier and potentially causing discomfort. Balance is key – give your skin time to regenerate between exfoliation sessions.

When should you exfoliate your body?

One common question is: do you exfoliate before or after washing your body? For best results, exfoliate after washing your body. This ensures your skin is clean and ready to absorb the benefits of exfoliation. Evening is a great time to exfoliate, allowing your skin to recover overnight.

Why should you exfoliate?

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin. It helps unclog pores, prevent ingrown hairs, and enhances the effectiveness of your other skincare products.

How to choose exfoliating products

Selecting the right exfoliating essentials is key. Dove Body Scrubs offer a gentle yet effective formula suitable for all skin types. 

Embrace the empowering journey of skincare with Dove Body Scrubs and experience the full benefits of regular exfoliation. Our scrubs help remove dull, dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth rough patches – revealing softer, more radiant skin with every use. Regular exfoliation also improves skin texture, boosts circulation, and enhances the absorption of moisturizers, leaving your skin looking healthy, glowing, and hydrated from head to toe.

 


TAGS:

  • body polish
  • body wash
  • dry
  • exfoliating
  • glowing skin
  • sensitive skin
  • skin types
  • smoothing skin
  • standard article
  • washing

Try for yourself

Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter Body Scrub packshot

Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter Body Scrub

body scrub
Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Body Scrub packshot

Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Body Scrub

body scrub
Pomegranate Seeds & Shea Butter Body Scrub packshot

Pomegranate Seeds & Shea Butter Body Scrub

body scrub
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash 20 oz packshot

Gentle Exfoliate Body Wash

body wash
Harper’s Bazaar 2024 Best of the Drugstore
Dove Acne Clear Body Wash packshot

Acne Clear Serum Body Wash with clearing Salicylic Acid

body wash
  1. slide 1
  2. slide 2
  3. slide 3
  4. slide 4
  5. slide 5
SEE ALL PRODUCTS

Related articles

  • hands being touched
    BATH & BODY
    6 ways to help dry hands
    Find out what causes dry skin on hands and get some tips on how to fix it. What helps dry skin? Learn more about caring for it with Dove.
  • Dove Body wash for dry skin 101
    BATH & BODY
    Body wash for dry skin 101
    Easy, everyday solutions to care for dry skin. Find out which Dove Body Wash is best for dry skin and discover how to gently exfoliate it.
  • Dove Cleansing for dry skin
    BATH & BODY
    Your ultimate cleansing routine for dry skin
    Dry skin? You’re not the only one. Here are some great tips for cleansing
  • Dove Hypoallergenic skin care for kids
    BATH & BODY
    Hypoallergenic skin care for kids
    Find out more about how our range gives kids skin care that goes further.
SEE ALL ARTICLES

Sign Up & Save

Sign up and be the first to know about exciting offers, product updates and more from Dove and other Unilever brands. For further information, please refer to our Privacy Notice.

Enter your email Address

SIGN ME UP
Baby Dove
Men+Care
Kids & Teens
About Dove
FAQs
Contact Us
Ingredients
Community guidelines
Where to Buy
What's in Our Products
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Accessibility
Sitemap
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy
Limit Use of My Sensitive Personal Information
AdChoices Logo Adchoices - Do not sell or Share

FOLLOW US ON

facebook
twitter
instagram
Dove TikTok
youtube
  • LANGUAGE

    Ver el sitio en Español

    LOCATION

    us United States
Dove - Let’s Change Beauty
unilever logo

© {{dynamicYear}} Unilever

This website is directed only to U.S. consumers for products and services of Unilever United States. This website is not directed to consumers outside of the U.S.