Can Exfoliating Help Scars?

Scars can be a lasting reminder of cuts, acne, or surgery, and many people want to make them fade. More recently, people have picked up on exfoliating their skin in hopes it could reduce a scar’s appearance. While exfoliation can help make scars less noticeable, it isn’t a complete fix for deep or serious scars. So what benefit does exfoliating provide? To find out, it helps to understand how exfoliation works and how it affects the skin’s healing process.

How Exfoliation Works

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface, helping new skin grow. There are two main types:

• Physical exfoliation: Uses scrubs, brushes, or sponges to rub away dead skin. This method can be effective for surface-level scars but should be done gently to avoid irritation.

• Chemical exfoliation: Uses acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells. These chemicals penetrate deeper into the skin and promote faster cell turnover. Studies show that glycolic acid, an AHA, can help improve acne scars by boosting collagen production and making skin renew faster (Tang et al., 2018).

Both types reveal fresh skin and help the body replace old, damaged cells. Consistent exfoliation can also enhance skin elasticity, leading to a smoother, more even skin tone over time.

How Exfoliation Helps with Scars

Exfoliation can make scars less visible by speeding up skin cell turnover, but how well it works depends on the type of scar:

• Dark spots (hyperpigmented scars): Exfoliation can help lighten these scars by removing darkened skin cells. Salicylic acid, a BHA, has been found to be especially helpful for fading dark marks, particularly on deeper skin tones (Davis et al., 2020).

• Indented scars (from acne or injury): Exfoliation alone won’t rebuild lost collagen, but it can help make other treatments more effective. When combined with collagen-boosting ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, it may help smooth out uneven skin texture.

• Raised scars (hypertrophic scars): Exfoliation doesn’t do much for raised scars, though it might smooth out the skin’s texture over time. Treatments like silicone gels or steroid creams are often more effective for these types of scars.

Best Ways to Exfoliate for Scar Reduction

To get the most out of exfoliation without harming your skin, follow these tips:

• Pick the right exfoliant: Glycolic acid is great for dark spots, while salicylic acid works well for acne scars. Sugar is also a good physical exfoliant because it gently buffs away dead skin while helping skin retain moisture. Our body polish is a great option for a sugar exfoliant to provide a luxurious feel without being too abrasive.  

• Exfoliate regularly but carefully: For most skin types, 2-3 times per week is enough. Over-exfoliating can weaken the skin’s barrier and cause redness or irritation.

• Use moisturizer and sunscreen: Keeping skin hydrated and protected from the sun helps prevent further damage. Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV rays, so SPF is essential.

• Pair with other skincare treatments: Using exfoliation alongside products like retinoids, vitamin C, or niacinamide can improve results. Hydrating serums and healing ointments also help support skin recovery.

Other Factors That Affect Scar Healing

While exfoliation is helpful, other factors play a role in how scars heal and fade:

• Diet and hydration: Eating foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E can support skin regeneration. Drinking plenty of water also helps maintain healthy skin.

• Skin type and genetics: Some people naturally heal faster or are more prone to scarring. Understanding your skin type can help you choose the best treatment.

• Overall skincare routine: Using gentle, non-irritating products alongside exfoliation can improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.

Is Exfoliation Enough to Treat Scars?

Exfoliation can help improve the look of scars, but it’s not a cure-all. For deeper scars, combining exfoliation with treatments like microneedling, laser therapy, or retinoids may work better. A dermatologist can help find the best approach for your skin.

Adding exfoliation to your skincare routine can support skin renewal and help scars fade over time. However, patience is key. Results don’t happen overnight, but with consistency, you can improve your skin’s texture and tone. By combining exfoliation with a well-rounded skincare approach, you can give your skin the best chance to heal and look its best.

Looking an exfoliator to treat those scars? Check out our variety of Body Polishes Today!

Bibliography

Davis, Erin C., et al. "Treatment of Hyperpigmentation: A Review of Clinical Trials." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 82, no. 5, 2020,  pp. 1230–1243, https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(22)00252-3/fulltext. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Tang, Shuting, et al. "Comparison of Glycolic Acid Peeling and Microdermabrasion in the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of the Pakistan Association of Dermatologists, vol. 28, no. 2, 2018, pp. 224 - 232, https://applications.emro.who.int/imemrf/J_Pak_Assoc_Dermatol/J_Pak_Assoc_Dermatol_28_2_2018_224_232.pdf. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.