To achieve healthy skin, sometimes it just needs some exfoliation in order to more readily absorb a hydrating body lotion. You don't need to step foot in a spa to achieve this - although I would never say no to a spa day!

There are many ways to exfoliate your body to remove dead skin cells from your skin’s surface. Our bodies shed their dead skin cells naturally every 30 days, but as we get older, the cycle begins to slow down.

To keep up with the cycle, it’s best to add exfoliating to your body care routine a few times per week. (This is especially important if you have Keratosis Pilaris, or KP.) This ensures that the skin below your neck remains supple and smooth.

You can exfoliate in three different ways - device, chemical, and manual. Here are some of the best ways to exfoliate your body for your specific needs and skin type.

Manual Exfoliation 

Body Scrub

Scrubs improve your skin’s texture by reducing ingrown hairs and exfoliating away dead cells. Body scrubs are safe for all skin types. A great body scrub option is one that’s oil-based because it will hydrate skin immediately after exfoliating. Whether it's a salt scrub, made with sugar or coffee, it’s best to be used up to three times weekly.

Chemical Exfoliation

Body Wash with AHAS and BHAS

If your skin is prone to dullness or acne, consider using a body wash that contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids for a great way to exfoliate (think salicylic or glycolic acid.) Unlike manual and device exfoliation, these types of body washes contain ingredients that penetrate your pores, thus encouraging cellular turnover.

Device Exfoliation

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is good for three things: One, it brushes off your dead skin cells; Two, it detoxes your body by assisting with lymphatic drainage; Three, it helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Use a dry brush that’s made with 100% natural boar bristles and use it in circular motion on your skin - without any other product on the skin. Start at the feet and work your way up your body. If you have varicose veins, skip your legs to avoid making them over-stimulated.

Dry brushing is good for most skin types, except sensitive, as it could cause irritation.

Loofah

Loofah is often a favorite since it lifts dead skin cells, but it’s also a high maintenance device to make use of due to bacteria getting stuck and building up. After using your loofah, make sure you wash it properly (soak it in an antibacterial soap for half an hour or put it in your dishwasher, as the high heat will sanitize it.)

Bath Pouf

For sensitive skin, using a bath pouf is the best way to go since it is not abrasive. Wet your bath pouf and add a skin soothing body wash to it. Then, using the same steps as the dry brush method, begin at the feet and go up the body in circular motions. 

Whichever method you choose - your skin will be better for it.