Dermatologist Craig Kraffert, MD, recommends daily gentle exfoliation—the key word being gentle. "It’s a common misconception that scrubbing one’s face with a washcloth or using aggressive exfoliants are great shortcuts to smooth skin, but the truth is these harsh treatments may lead to irritation, increased oil production, and even spots called PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)." He calls out apricot scrubs, specifically. Although they've been popular for years, he says "they can be counterproductive" because they can "cause significant skin irritation, and regular use is associated with the development of small cysts called milia, which crop up near skin’s surface."

Kraffert advocates for "gentle, smoother exfoliants that are kind enough for everyday use." This one from Korean skincare brand Amarte uses plant seed–based exfoliants to clean away extra oil and debris.