Exfoliating is basically the flossing of the skincare world—you don't always have time to add the step to your skincare routine, but holy cow is it necessary. Ever apply rich creamy moisturizer only to find your skin feels dry moments later? We all have, don’t fret, that happens because we need to exfoliate!
You likely already use an exfoliator—either chemical or manual on your face—so why skip out on the glow-inducing benefits of adding one to your body care routine? There are many different ways to exfoliate your body, we are going to take a look at our favorites - Dry Brushing and Scrubs.
- Dry Brushing has become very popular and for good reason, it not only removes dead skin cells but also helps detoxify by increasing circulation and promoting lymph flow. It also stimulates the nervous system which can make you feel invigorated, so do it in the morning. Always done on dry skin, we recommend starting at your feet and brushing towards your heart, on your stomach go in a clockwise circular motion, and on your arms start at your hands and work towards your heart.
- Sugar and Salt Scrubs The main difference, of course, is in the granular ingredient in the exfoliant.
Salt: salt scrubs rely on granular salt particles to buff away dead skin cells. Salt, itself, has antiseptic properties and is more "detoxifying" to the skin, making it a great option for foot and body soaks. Not to mention, salt granules tend to be a bit larger in size and are strong enough to tackle rough skin. (Think: calluses, elbows, etc.) And, depending on what type of salt is in your scrub, Dead Sea or Himalayan, salt scrubs can be chalk full of minerals. Best for: elbows, knees, feet, calluses
Sugar: Sugar, on the other hand, tends to be smaller in size and much gentler on skin. You can use it on delicate skin such as freshly shaved legs, lips, and even your hair. Sugar scrubs also are ideal for those with sensitive skin. Lastly, there is a bit of a chemical exfoliant component to sugar scrubs thanks to the naturally occurring AHA—glycolic acid. Sugar is also an emollient, which means it has added hydration benefits.
Best for: sensitive skin, freshly-shaved legs, can be used all over the body
