In many other countries, exfoliating and caring for the skin on the body is a sacred act. If you’ve ever visited a Turkish hammam, Korean spa, or Russian bathhouse to get scrubbed within an inch of your life before being drenched in nourishing oils, you know that insanely soft, smooth skin is possible—but it takes more effort than just rubbing some microbeads over your legs for a few seconds.
And with summer starting to wind down, it’s time to direct a little extra attention to the skin below your chin. Along with changing up your facial regimen to help address any unwanted damage incurred over the past few months, this seasonal transition is also a prime moment for adopting a full-body exfoliation routine; it’s the perfect way to combat sun-induced dryness, spots, and more. Conveniently, there are now more innovative and unique formats and formulas that make it easy to do exactly that. Here, everything you need to banish bumps, smooth rough patches, and brighten dullness.
Dry brush
Esker Dry Brush ($18)
Dry brushing with a soft, natural-bristle brush is one of the best ways to slough off dead skin cells via physical exfoliation. Once or twice per week, brush your body in upward strokes toward the heart (the key is to follow the lymphatic system) for about three minutes. Follow it up with a warm shower, to rinse off the dead skin and increase circulation. Dry-brush devotees swear the practice has the added benefits of diminishing cellulite and speeding up the lymphatic drainage process, though there is little research to support those claims.
Body wash
Dove Body Wash Exfoliate Away ($8)
Arguably one of the easiest ways to score full-body exfoliation is to use an exfoliating body wash. This multitasker cleanses and helps remove dead skin cells; credit the use of lactic acid for gentle chemical exfoliation plus finely milled silica particles that buff away dry, rough patches.
Towel
African Net Sponge ($12)
TikTok is ripe with videos singing the praises of these towel/washcloth/loofah hybrids. Used for centuries in Africa, they’re made of looped nylon fibers that mechanically exfoliate; they can also be stretched up to 50 feet, making it easy to get to even those hard-to-reach spots, like your back. Squeeze a small amount of body wash onto one and get to scrubbing. You’ll step out of the shower with baby-soft, bump-free skin every time.
Scrub
Versed Buff It Out AHA Unscented Exfoliating Scrub ($13)
For those who prefer a traditional, old-school scrub, this is a great pick. Microfine pumice particles give you that oh-so satisfying scrubbing sensation—without being too harsh on skin. Meanwhile, a combo of lactic and glycolic acids offers chemical exfoliation, as do pomegranate enzymes. And the creamy texture just makes it all the more enjoyable to use.
Peel
Nécessaire The Body Peel ($55)
Chemical peels—they’re not just for your face. Just like you may reach for one to help brighten and even your complexion come September, this newbie can do the same for your body. It combines a variety of different acids in a potent concentration, namely a 10% alpha hydroxy blend of glycolic and lactic acids alongside 1% salicylic acid and 1% gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid. And with a serum-like consistency that doesn’t have to be rinsed off, it’s also convenient for those with little patience for long beauty routines, not to mention very effective for both treating and preventing KP, ingrowns, discoloration, and more.
Stick
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick ($18)
A solid, mess-free, exfoliating stick that you can swipe on anytime, anywhere? File under “Why didn’t we think of that?” Thanks to a shea butter base, this boasts a balm-like texture that glides beautifully across skin, perfect for more targeted exfoliation on any areas with unwanted bumps, roughness, you name it.
Body lotion
Jan Marini Marini BodyTx Exfoliating Lotion ($64)
It’s important to moisturize after exfoliating—and that’s even more so the case as the weather changes and gets colder and skin gets drier. So why not do both in one easy step via this exfoliating lotion that couples glycolic acid (which also has the added benefit of boosting collagen production over time) with gluconolactone. The latter is a polyhydroxy acid that’s very effective yet still super gentle. And on the moisturizing side of things, the formula is packed with dimethicone, shea butter, and glycerin.
Wipes
Beekman Smooth Lactic Acid & Willow Bark Face & Body Wipes ($16)
Keep these wipes on hand for anytime you need a quick refresh. They both cleanse and exfoliate, and as the name suggests, work equally well on the face and body. Plus unlike other wipes, they don’t leave behind any kind of sticky residue.
Powder
Sweet Spot Labs Buff & Brighten Daily PHA Polishing Powder ($24)
Mix this powder with water and watch it transform into a foamy lather that buffs away dead skin using both chemical and mechanical exfoliating ingredients. Also nice: you can easily control the level of exfoliation. Use less water to make it more concentrated and potent, more to dilute it and make it gentler. Either way, it’s ideal for warding off unwanted bumps, especially in sensitive spots like on your booty and around your bikini line.
