If your arms, legs and the rest of your body are looking a little dry and dull right now, here’s everything you need to know about effective body exfoliation in a flash.
Designed to be quick, easy and stress-free, our body exfoliation guide takes the faff out of summer body prep, from the best body exfoliator to the tips and tricks for flawless results.
Why should I bother with body exfoliation?
In the quest for smoother, more hydrated skin, body exfoliation is key. Exfoliation helps to remove dull, dead skin cells, which not only reveals the healthier, newer skin underneath but also helps prevent clogged pores, which can otherwise lead to body breakouts and ingrown hairs. The physical act of exfoliating will also improve blood circulation, giving your limbs a healthy glow, and help your other skincare products – such as moisturiser – penetrate more deeply, for longer-lasting results.
How can I exfoliate my body?
There are two main ways of exfoliating your body:
Mechanical exfoliation involves the use of scrubs, brushes or loofahs to physically remove dead skin from your limbs. The scrubs tend to contain gritty-textured natural exfoliants like sugar, salt or ground nuts that you massage in before washing them off (which can be instantly effective but a little messy). Exfoliating mitts and dry brushing work in a similar way, by firmly buffing your skin using abrasive pads and bristles.
Chemical exfoliation uses exfoliating acids, such as AHAs and BHAs, to dissolve the bonds that keep your dead skin cells holding on to your body. These acids are not corrosive, despite the acid in their name. The most popular include glycolic or lactic acid (AHAs), which also have a brightening effect on your skin; and salicylic acid (BHA), which is great for declogging pores.
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Our top tips for effective exfoliation
1. Choose your product carefully
As mentioned, there’s a wealth of options when it comes to body exfoliators, but the one you choose can really affect your results. Sugar-based body scrubs are particularly good for large areas of the body, such as your legs, because they can also boost circulation. If dullness on your arms and neck is your main concern, liquid exfoliants are quick and fuss-free. As for hard-to-reach places like your back and shoulders, a mitt will take that stress away. (Scroll down to see our favourite body exfoliator options).
2. Use it during your shower
The best time to exfoliate is at the end of your shower. That’s not only because physical scrubs are a little messy (so are best used in the bathroom), but also because post-wash your skin is moist, which can make it easier to remove flakiness without any irritation. Water temperature matters too. Use warm water rather than very hot water, which can strip your skin’s natural oils.
3. In a rush: target the driest areas
When exfoliating (especially in a hurry) pay particular attention to potentially rough areas like your elbows and knees, as well as around your bra line, chest and feet. These areas can be more prone to visible dryness, dullness and body breakouts, so if you want a really quick exfoliation, you can give these places a gentle scrub for about 30 seconds and still see really good results. Always use soft, circular motions – even in a rush – to avoid irritation.
4. Exfoliate before you shave and self tan
Constantly irritated by razor bumps and ‘strawberry legs’ after shaving? It could be because you aren’t exfoliating effectively beforehand. Exfoliation, by helping remove dead skin cells, allows for a closer shave that also avoids clogged pores. Opt for a mitt over a chemical exfoliant pre-shaving or a physical scrub (that you thoroughly rinse off). This ensures you don’t have any product residue on your skin when you start shaving – something which could cause discomfort. Similarly, the trick to a perfectly even self tan is exfoliation too. This is because it stops the tanner clinging to drier patches, which can lead to streaks and an uneven colour. Find more fake tan tips here.
5. Don’t forget moisturiser
The thing about exfoliation is that to get the best results you don’t want to stop just with your exfoliating product. You need to follow it up with moisturiser to lock in hydration and keep the newly revealed skin glowing and smooth. A rich formula or body oil can give you the plumping effect you are looking for. If you have sensitive skin, look for a product with calming ingredients, such as aloe vera or chamomile, to keep your limbs silky smooth.
6. Avoid over-exfoliating
You might think you can cheat your way to instantly smoother skin by using a body exfoliator every day. But, be warned. This could actually make your skin drier, as well as red and sore. That’s because it disturbs your body’s natural moisture barrier. The same goes for the vigour with which you exfoliate. A soft yet thorough approach is a lot better than getting rough with your skin. Don’t go overboard with exfoliating liquids either – you may not know as quickly that you’ve been too firm with these, but your skin will tell you over the next day or so! Instead, always use a product to its use instructions (around once or twice a week) and avoid using more than one exfoliator at a time.
Our favourite body exfoliators
THE SCRUBS
This indulgent sugar-based scrub combines chunky crystals that help slough away dead skin cells, while making your skin feel instantly refreshed. The addition of a lemon peel exfoliant helps brighten your skin to diminish dull patches, and a rich combination of oils (including apricot kernel and evening primrose oil) instantly locks in moisture.
An iconic coffee scrub, Frank Body's vegan formula helps you buff away uneven texture on your arms, legs and bum (including stretchmarks over time), meaning you can feel a little more confident in your summer outfits. The coffee grounds provide a really effective physical exfoliation and your skin feels super soft due to the addition of sweet almond oil and vitamin E.
Bamford beauty products always have an ability to bring the spa to you and this luxurious scrub certainly turns your body prep routine into a self-care ritual. It combines both sugar and coffee grounds for gentle, skin radiance-boosting exfoliation, with a hefty hit of shea butter and coconut oil to deeply moisturise too. You'll also love the scent. The blend of rosemary, peppermint and eucalyptus is instantly invigorating.
THE CHEMICAL EXFOLIANTS
This award-winning skin smoother is especially good at dealing with keratosis pilaris (KP) – those annoying little red bumps that you might have on your arms (and the rest of your body), which are really tricky to treat. It combines exfoliating AHAs with physical bamboo granules to maximise your results. Plus, an infusion of shea and cocoa butters keeps your skin feeling silky smooth.
One of Space NK's best selling body products, this wash is perfect for anyone who prefers to be super low maintenance in the shower. Not only does it provide a lightly foaming cleanse of your skin, it is also enriched with a blend of AHAs (including glycolic and lactic) to gradually smooth and brighten your skin over time. It is a great option for people with sensitive skin, who may not want to use physical exfoliants.
Alongside exfoliating lactic and glycolic acids, Topicals' body serum uses encapsulated retinol (best known for its anti-ageing prowess for fine lines on your face) to help speed up your skin cell's turnover. This means it is even better at getting rid of dull, dead skin cells that may be clinging to your body, helping exfoliate away roughness, bumps and scaliness with ease.
THE MITTS
Bondi Sands are self-tanning experts and that includes helping you exfoliate your body before you fake tan. However, you don't need to like a faux glow to benefit from this mitt's gentle exfoliating effect. Simply brush the black side gently over your body once out of the shower, focusing on spots like your elbows, shins and knees, for a fast solution to dry, flaky patches.
If you struggle with body breakouts, this is the mitt to have to hand to help with your body cleansing routine. The dual-sided product has an exfoliating side to buff away dead skin cells, and a polishing side that helps to unblock your pores, meaning a smoother, less breakout-prone body. Plus, it is gentle enough to use on your neck and décolletage without causing irritation.
Finally, there's no need to struggle to exfoliate your back and other hard-to-reach places ever again – So Eco's clever exfoliating strap helps you do it with ease. Designed so that you can hold the material behind your back and shimmy your way to softer, clearer skin, it's an added bonus that it is made from sustainable bamboo and a steal at only £6.
POST-EXFOLIATORS
This uber-hydrating body cream is a treat for dry skin and the perfect way to lock-in moisture post-exfoliation. The whipped texture means it doesn't feel heavy on your skin (so you don't have to wait long to get dressed), with hydrating heroes including hyaluronic acid and bacuri butter pulling moisture into your skin and keeping it there. Plus, the scent is deliciously tropical, so you'll be daydreaming of your next trip in no time.
To really maximise your summertime glow – especially for sunny evenings on holiday – Tom Ford's oil ramps your post-exfoliation body moisturisation up a notch. By adding a little extra golden shimmer to your arms, legs and decolletage, the moisturising formula makes your limbs look even smoother and glossier in your summer outfits.
Another tip if you want to streamline your bodycare routine (while still getting all the benefits) is to use a gradual self-tan as your moisturation step after exfoliating. To do this effectively you need to make sure it is a super nourishing formula like this one from Tan Luxe and make sure you apply it thoroughly. The result: a hint of glow-boosting colour that will naturally lift your skin tone.
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Lead photo credit: Eres
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