Here's a step-by-step guide to getting the softest skin ever, with everything you need at your fingertips.
Maintaining a skin care regimen is important for the overall health and appearance of the skin. But good skin care is not limited to the face. The rest of your body needs attention too.
One way to take care of your skin and keep it healthy is with a full body exfoliation. This relatively simple process, if followed consistently, helps improve the health of your skin and gives you a radiant glow. “Exfoliating your body also helps remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin softer and smoother,” says Marisa Garshik, FAAD, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Here's an in-depth look at the importance of body exfoliation and finding the right products for your skin.
What is a body peel?
Essentially, exfoliating your body promotes skin cell renewal by removing dead cells and revealing fresh, smooth skin, explains Cameron Rochser, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. It also improves circulation and prepares the skin for better absorption, helping products like moisturizers work more effectively.
Exfoliating the body can also help alleviate some skin conditions, Dr. Gershick adds. “The skin on the body can often have conditions that make it rough and uneven, such as dry patches, rashes and keratosis pilaris. Formation and fading of blackheads.
There are also studies that support the use of body scrubs. One study found that regular exfoliation improved overall skin tone, while another study found that exfoliation helped create a smoother, smoother texture.
Different types of body scrubs
There are two main types of exfoliants on the market: physical and chemical exfoliants.
Physical exfoliators , such as scrubs, brushes, and other exfoliating tools, work by physically removing dead skin cells with gentle scrubbing motions. According to Dr. Rohsar, physical exfoliants are a popular choice because they provide immediate results and are easier to control than their chemical counterparts. However, you should be careful. Some scrubs can be too abrasive, causing micro tears in the skin. Physical exfoliation also risks uneven exfoliation with uneven use.
Chemical exfoliators , on the other hand, use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and enzymes to break up dead skin cells without physically exfoliating. Although chemical peels provide deeper exfoliation than physical peels, they can cause irritation or allergic reactions on sensitive skin, says Dr. Rohsar. They take longer to show results than physical exfoliants.
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Choosing the right exfoliant for the body
Whether you use a physical or chemical exfoliant will largely depend on your personal preferences and skin type, says Dr. Gershick. “In general, for sensitive skin, you should choose a chemical exfoliator or a buffing powder that provides gentle physical exfoliation. People prone to breakouts may benefit from using beta-hydroxy acid or salicylic acid, as they help unclog pores and improve the appearance of blemishes.
If you're trying to correct hyperpigmentation or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, choose a chemical exfoliator that contains AHAs. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you may need a chemical exfoliator that contains BHA to reduce blackheads and whiteheads. Because this formula is drying, it is not recommended for dry skin.
You can also choose foods that contain enzymes such as papain (from papaya) or bromelain (from pineapple). These natural ingredients are milder and more suitable for sensitive skin.
If you're looking for a deep body exfoliation option, body scrubs contain particles that rub the body in a circular motion to exfoliate the skin. But these products can dry the skin and are not suitable for sensitive skin. Meanwhile, exfoliating brushes, gloves, and loofahs also provide deep physical exfoliation, but they can also cause irritation, especially if used too aggressively.
If you're not sure which exfoliator is best for you, talk to your dermatologist. They will be able to recommend the best products for your skin type.
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Preparation for body peeling
Full body exfoliation requires a little preparation, especially if it's your first time using an exfoliator. Regardless of the type of exfoliant, it is important to test the patch on a small area of skin to ensure that the skin does not react or become sensitive to the exfoliant.
"To help [prepare] the body for exfoliation, it's best to properly cleanse the skin to remove any dirt or buildup," says Dr. Gershick. "In addition to products designed for use in the shower or bath, it's usually best to use exfoliators on clean, dry skin."
When exfoliating, avoid other harsh ingredients that can irritate or affect the skin's barrier, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, which can cause more dryness or sensitivity, says Dr. Gerschick.
If you use a physical exfoliator, you can choose a physical scrub, exfoliating gloves or a loofah, says Dr. Rochsar. “[Exfoliating gloves] are rough-textured gloves that are used to clean the body. Loofers are natural or synthetic sponges that are used to remove dead skin."
A step-by-step guide to body exfoliation
As with any new product, it is important to follow the product instructions as stated. All in all, here's a step-by-step review of physical and chemical body exfoliators.
Start with clean skin.
Apply the product according to the instructions, gently rubbing the product into the skin in a circular motion.
Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees and feet.
For hard-to-reach places, consider tools like a back brush.
Wash your body thoroughly.
While some chemical body scrubs come in a body wash, some lotions require cleansing, dry skin after bathing. For best results, use a chemical exfoliator in the evening and apply sunscreen if you plan to be in the sun the next day.
Skin care after peeling
Monitoring the peeling is as important as the peeling itself. Since you just removed a layer of skin, you need to treat this new layer a little more carefully.
"It's always best to apply a gentle moisturizer to the skin after exfoliation, as it nourishes the skin and prevents it from becoming dry or inflamed," says Dr. Gershick. "Since exfoliants can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sun sensitivity."
It's also important to read product labels before applying post-peeling products, she adds. "Avoid using other harsh active ingredients, such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide, as these can cause irritation, redness and dry skin."
Also, pay attention to how your skin reacts after exfoliating and adjust accordingly the next time you notice any irritation, Dr. Rohsar advises. "Redness, irritation and sensitivity may occur after exfoliation, especially if done aggressively."
If you notice these symptoms, try to adjust the frequency and intensity of product use. If irritation persists, make an appointment with a dermatologist to determine the best course of action.
How often should you exfoliate?
How often you should exfoliate your body depends on your skin type and how it reacts after exfoliation. As a general rule, Dr. Rochsar recommends exfoliating two to three times a week for most skin types. However, adjust the frequency based on your personal needs as well as the strength of the product, he says.
You should also be guided by how your skin reacts to the peel. If your skin is red, dry, burning, itchy, or tender after exfoliating, it could be a sign that your skin barrier is compromised and you're exfoliating too much, says Dr. Gershick. If you're new to body scrubs or trying a new product, start slowly and gently to see how your skin reacts.
Because exfoliation can easily cause irritation, it's also important to read product labels carefully before beginning an exfoliation regimen, Dr. Rohsar advises. "Always follow product directions, avoid combining multiple exfoliants, and make sure the tools used are clean to prevent bacterial growth."
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