If your skin feels dull, rough, or “winter-tired,” spring is the perfect time for a gentle reset. I used to over-exfoliate (and wonder why my face felt tight after). What finally worked was switching to a once-weekly, low-drama exfoliation routine that leaves my skin soft—not stripped.
Quick answers (for skimmers):
- How often should I exfoliate? Usually 1x/week. If you’re sensitive: every 2 weeks.
- What if my face feels tight after exfoliating? You likely went too strong or too often—focus on barrier support for 7–10 days.
- What’s the gentlest option? A creamy exfoliator with a “no tightness” finish + a simple moisturizer after.
Jump to: Spring reset steps · Recommended exfoliator · Common mistakes · FAQ
My once-weekly exfoliator (gentle, not stripping)
Exclat® Exfoliating Jelly (my “spring reset” step)
This is the exfoliator I reach for when I want glow without that tight, squeaky feeling after. It’s a creamy jelly that turns milky with water, so it feels more like a treatment than a scrub.
- Why I like it: carrot macerate + olive oil + gentle exfoliating grains for radiance with comfort.
- Best for: dullness, rough texture, “winter skin,” and anyone who wants a gentler exfoliation style.
- How I use it: 1x/week. If my skin is feeling reactive, I space it to every 2 weeks.
Tip: After exfoliating, I keep the rest of my routine boring (hydration + moisturizer) for the next 24 hours.
FAQ: gentle exfoliation in spring
How often should I exfoliate my face?
For most people, 1x/week is plenty. If you’re sensitive or dry, every 2 weeks can be better (your skin should feel calm, not raw).
Why does my skin feel tight after exfoliating?
That usually means the exfoliation was too strong, too frequent, or paired with hot water/harsh cleanser. Pause actives for 7–10 days and focus on hydration + moisturiser.
Can I exfoliate if I have sensitive skin?
Yes—just choose gentle formulas, reduce frequency, and patch test. “Less often” almost always beats “more intense.”
Do I exfoliate before or after cleansing?
Usually after cleansing (or as the cleansing step, depending on the product). Keep water lukewarm and don’t scrub aggressively.
Build a simple “spring reset” routine
Cleanse → Exfoliate (weekly) → Protect
- Cleanse: Start gentle. If you wear SPF/makeup, use this method: Double Cleansing Guide
- Exfoliate (1x/week): Use a gentle exfoliation approach (this guide), then keep the rest of your routine simple for 24 hours.
- Protect: Re-hydrate + seal it in: Fermented Rice Water Toner Benefits and Seaweed Skincare Benefits
Shop the step: Exclat® Exfoliating Jelly
Related reads on Gentle Skin Essentials:
- Rice Water Toner Benefits (Fermented skincare guide)
- Seaweed skincare benefits (hydration + barrier support)
- What is fermented rice extract?
Shop by category: Cleansers · Toners · Moisturizers
