How to exfoliate your body for smoother skin

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute or replace advice from a medical professional.

Most people cleanse their skin in the shower or bath every day and finish their cleansing routine with a body lotion or moisturiser to help with hydration. But what about exfoliation? It’s a skincare step that often gets overlooked, but using an exfoliating body wash can help to keep your skin feeling soft and smooth. Read on to find out more about how to exfoliate your skin, including how to exfoliate your body properly and what products to use for different skin types.  

What is exfoliation, and what does it do?

Every 30 days, your body naturally sheds its dead skin cells to allow new cells to form on the top layer of your skin. Sometimes, if these dead cells aren’t removed, you can be left with dull skin, dry or flaky patches or clogged pores. Learning how to exfoliate your body can prevent this, and removing dead skin cells more quickly can keep your skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and radiant. 

Benefits of exfoliating

Here are some of the benefits of exfoliating your skin:

• Removing dry skin and dead skin cells
• Stimulates blood flow to the surface of your skin
• Allows skincare products to penetrate the top layers of skin more effectively
• Improves the appearance of your skin and can keep it looking radiant or glowing
• Helps to prevent clogged pores that cause spots and breakouts
• Can help to increase collagen production and improve skin elasticity

How to exfoliate your body properly

Exfoliating your body in the shower is simple and can make a big difference to the appearance and feel of your skin. Here are some tips on how to exfoliate your body properly:

Start with warm water

When you’re in the shower or bath, use warm water to help open up your pores. Cleanse your skin with a body wash or shower gel before you begin exfoliating. 

Use an exfoliating body wash 

Use a gentle exfoliating shower gel or body wash that’s free from harsh ingredients. Use circular motions to gently buff away any dead skin, using a shower puff, cloth or sponge. Exfoliating gloves and mitts can be abrasive; try to use something that’s softer on your skin. 

Focus on rough areas

Rough areas like your elbows, knees and heels have thicker skin and can accumulate dry or rough patches more easily. Spend more time on these areas – you can also exfoliate them more often than delicate areas, like your chest and arms. 

Rinse well

Use warm water to rinse off any leftover bubbles or residue from the exfoliator. Once you’re out of the shower, use a soft towel to pat yourself dry.

Lock in moisture

After drying (ideally within 3 minutes), use a hydrating body butter, cream or lotion to lock in as much moisture as possible. 

How often should you exfoliate your body?

You should aim to exfoliate your body between 1 and 3 times per week, but this depends on your skin type. For example, if you have very dry or sensitive skin, exfoliating once a week is plenty. Over-exfoliating can cause you to experience more dryness and irritation as your skin barrier becomes compromised. 

How to exfoliate different skin types

If you have dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may prefer to use a cloth with a gentle exfoliating body wash. Oily skin types may prefer to use an exfoliator that includes active ingredients, like AHAs/BHAs, to penetrate deeper into the skin. If you have a darker skin tone, be aware that over-exfoliating can lead to dark spots and pigmentation, and you should prioritise products like gentle exfoliating shower gel.

Common body exfoliation mistakes to avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when exfoliating:

• Don’t exfoliate too often; 1-3 times per week is enough. Less often if you have dry or sensitive skin. 

• Don’t scrub too hard. The exfoliating body wash contains the ingredients to help remove dead skin; there’s no need to be heavy-handed.

• Stop exfoliating if you experience any irritation, redness or sensitivity.

• Don’t exfoliate after skin treatments like waxing or laser hair removal.

• Don’t exfoliate if you have any cuts, wounds or sunburn.

• Don’t forget to use SPF on any areas of skin exposed to the sun. 

FAQs

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about exfoliating body wash and how to exfoliate your skin.

Do you wash your body before or after exfoliating?

It’s easier to exfoliate your body while you’re washing your skin in the shower or bath, because warm water helps to open your pores and loosen any dead skin cells. Take an exfoliating body wash plus a sponge or glove, and use circular motions to gently remove and buff away any dead skin. 

Can you exfoliate sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, you can still exfoliate! Choose an exfoliating shower gel with the right ingredients to suit your skin type, look for hydrating ingredients and formulations that support your skin barrier and, most importantly, be gentle and don’t scrub your skin with force. 

Can you use an exfoliating body wash every day?

You can use an exfoliating body wash around 1-3 times per week. Exfoliating more often than this can lead to dryness and skin irritation in more delicate areas like your chest, inner thighs or bikini line. However, areas that have thicker skin, like feet, elbows and knees, can usually handle more frequent exfoliation.