Body exfoliation without overdoing it
Rough elbows, bumpy arms and dull legs all respond to exfoliation — just not every day. How often, which type, and what to follow with.
Body skin is tougher than facial skin, but it is not indestructible. Most of the irritation we see on arms and legs comes from scrubbing too hard, too often.
Physical or chemical?
- Scrubs use fine particles to lift dead skin by hand. Satisfying, quick and best for areas like knees, elbows and heels.
- Chemical exfoliants — lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid in a wash or lotion — dissolve the bonds between dead cells. Gentler on bumpy arms and areas prone to ingrown hairs.
You do not need both in the same week. Pick the one that suits the problem.
How often
Two or three times a week is plenty for most people. If your skin stings in the shower or looks shiny and tight afterwards, cut back.
Exfoliation makes skin ready to absorb moisture. Skipping the lotion afterwards wastes half the benefit.
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