If you’re a skin care enthusiast, you know how important exfoliation is in making sure your skin stays in top form. Although your face may have kept its radiant glow, you may be guilty of neglecting the rest of your body. A shame—really—considering that we naturally shed millions of dead skin cells every day. And when left unaddressed, this can build up on the skin’s surface and lead to ingrown hairs and acne. But not to worry—that’s what exfoliation is for.
“Proper exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, uncovering fresh new skin and improving skin tone. It allows for products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively and also serves to unclog pores,” says board-certified dermatologist Rhonda Klein, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.D.
New York dermatologist Bobby Buka, M.D., contributing founder and chief science officer of First Aid Beauty, seconds this, adding, “The other thing about exfoliation is that it improves circulation, which, in addition to the overall health benefits, improves the skin’s elasticity and helps alleviate signs of scars and cuts.”
Types of Exfoliants for the Body
Exfoliators are classified as either chemical or physical, and depending on your skin type, both can be incorporated into your beauty regimen. “Chemical exfoliants are good for most skin types as they work to dissolve dead skin cells rather than using grains or particles. Non-abrasive exfoliators often tend to hydrate the skin as well,” explains spa industry professional Julie Pankey.
Physical exfoliators or scrubs, on the other hand, use grains—from sugar, clay, plants or nuts, to name a few—to rid the skin of surface impurities. They work best for those with dry and flaky skin as the fine granules can slough off dirt and debris to reveal fresher, brighter skin. But if you have sensitive skin, Pankey says to proceed with caution as larger-grained body scrubs can cause irritation and micro-tears.
Glycolic acid works best for chemical exfoliation, says board-certified dermatologist and beauty expert Anna Guanche, M.D., “because the acidity allows sulfide bonds between the dead skin cells to break down so that the cells will let go,” she explains. Additionally, Dr. Klein recommends exfoliants with lactic and salicylic acids, willow bark extracts and proteolytic enzymes (like papain and bromelain—enzymes that break down protein and aid in tissue growth).
Now that you know how important exfoliation is for your skin, it’s time to give your body some well-deserved TLC. Here are our top picks for best exfoliating products for your body.
With over 10 years of writing and editing experience, Janeca Racho has worked with clients in the fashion, entertainment, food, health and travel industries. An adventurer at heart, she will gladly trade her heels for a good pair of hiking shoes and skip hotels to camp under the stars. She loves horror movies, googling ingredients in her beauty products and backpacking trips with her toddler. Her newfound obsession: nude lipstick.
