If you're looking for some serious exfoliation, begin by wetting your skin, then take some product and massage over target areas. It's best if you use circular or upward movements, to stimulate microcirculation. Once you've finished, simply rinse with clean water.
Sugar and salt scrubs may get the bulk of praise in the body exfoliation world, but we're also fans of high-quality loofahs and other body exfoliation tools.
Sugar Scrub: Mix sugar with a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil) to create a scrub. Gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse off with warm water. Coffee Grounds: Use used coffee grounds to exfoliate. They can help remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
Most dermatologists recommend simply using your hands to lather your body wash and exfoliate because it's hygienic and isn't as likely to cause injury to the skin, according to Westbay.
"I recommend using a washcloth which can be washed after use or if you want to exfoliate, then consider an exfoliating glove that is washable or a silicone body scrubber which will dry out completely, reducing the chance of bacterial growth."
Mechanical Exfoliation: in contrast to chemical exfoliation, mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin physically. This technique may involve the use of a soft brush or a washcloth to gently rub in circles on the face. Most effective on normal to oily skin types, this tends to be more harsh than chemical exfoliation.
Exfoliation Before Cleansing
Scrubbing first loosens dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris. Following with a cleanser then washes away these loosened particles, providing a thorough cleanse and leaving a smooth, receptive surface for moisturizer.
The effectiveness of these treatments varies depending on the type of exfoliant used. For a scrub with granules, it is recommended to apply it on damp skin to fully benefit from its properties. As for chemical exfoliants such as peels, their effectiveness is generally optimal when applied to dry skin.
Mix 2 tbsp finely ground oatmeal with 1 tbsp honey and 1tbsp warm water to form a thick paste. Then, massage into your face (and/or body) and let it sit for 4 minutes to really absorb that oaty goodness before rinsing away with warm water. Use your scrub once or twice a week.
The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.
Stick to physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, and coffee grinds. Try to exfoliate your body at least once every 10 days, but we recommend one to two times a week if you have sensitive skin, and three to four if your chest and back are on the oily side.
In fact, LovelySkin CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends cleansing skin with your hands over a shower loofah or washcloth.
You should exfoliate your skin prior to shaving, as exfoliating first can help prevent the razor from becoming clogged with dead skin cells (which can reduce its effectiveness). In other words, exfoliating first is a serious pro tip for a closer shave.
It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier.
Wetting the stone helps it glide more easily over your skin. Never use a dry pumice stone as it can cause abrasions on your skin. Either run the stone under warm water or let it soak along with your feet in the bucket or tub.
The grey stuff that comes off after rubbing your skin is a mixture of dead skin cells and dirt. The body sheds around 500 million particles of skin every day as the epidermis produces a new layer.
The sebum produced by the sebaceous glands can cause dead cells to stick together. These clumps of dead skin can lead to clogged pores and a buildup on the skin's surface. In addition, excess oil production can also prevent exfoliating acids from doing their job correctly.
Dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian says, “It's really personal preference, but from a dermatologist's point of view, using bare hands or a soft cloth or flannel is best. Ensure the cloth is washed and fully dried after each use.
Personally, I'm on Team Loofah. Not only does the pouf fabric make it visually more fun than a washcloth, it's a great physical exfoliator. Compared to a washcloth, a loofah gets super sudsy. This way I know that I'm squeaky clean.