Exfoliating is the step most people skip, and it is often the reason moisturizer does not seem to work as well as it should. When dead skin builds up on the surface, it leaves skin rough, dull, or ashy, and it gets in the way of your moisturizer. Here is how to exfoliate your body properly, how often to do it, and why what you put on afterward matters just as much.
Why exfoliate your body?
-
Removes the dead skin cells that make skin look dull or ashy
-
Leaves skin smoother and softer to the touch
-
Helps moisturizer reach fresh skin so it works better
-
Can help reduce rough patches on elbows, knees, and heels
If ashiness is your main concern, our guide on how to get rid of ashy skin covers it in detail.
Two ways to exfoliate
Physical exfoliation uses texture, like a body scrub, washcloth, dry brush, or exfoliating mitt, to buff dead skin away. Chemical exfoliation uses gentle acids or enzymes in a body wash or lotion to loosen dead skin so it rinses off. Physical exfoliation is the simplest place to start for most people. If your skin is sensitive, go gentler and less often with either method.
How to exfoliate your body step by step
-
Start in a warm shower so skin is soft and damp.
-
Use a gentle scrub, mitt, or washcloth in small circular motions.
-
Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, heels, and the backs of arms.
-
Go easy. Light pressure works, and scrubbing hard can irritate skin.
-
Rinse well with lukewarm water.
-
Pat skin damp and moisturize right away.
How often should you exfoliate?
For most people, once or twice a week is plenty. Exfoliating every day can strip and irritate the skin. If your skin is sensitive, start with once a week and see how it responds. Avoid exfoliating freshly shaved, sunburned, or broken skin.
Why body butter comes next
Exfoliating clears the way, but it also leaves fresh skin ready to drink in moisture. This is the best moment to apply a rich body butter. Its concentrated plant butters and oils sink into newly smoothed skin and seal moisture in, so the softness lasts. Apply it within a few minutes of stepping out of the shower, while skin is still damp. See the full technique in how to use body butter, and why butter outperforms lotion in body butter vs lotion.
Build it into your routine
Exfoliating once or twice a week plus daily body butter is one of the simplest ways to keep skin soft all year. See our full body care routine, and for extra-rough spots, our guides to cracked heels and dry hands.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I exfoliate my body?
Once or twice a week for most people. Daily exfoliation can irritate the skin. Start with once a week if your skin is sensitive.
Should I moisturize after exfoliating?
Yes, always. Exfoliating leaves fresh skin ready to absorb moisture, so apply a rich body butter right after, while skin is still damp.
Can I exfoliate after shaving?
It is better to avoid exfoliating freshly shaved skin, since it can sting and irritate. Exfoliate before shaving or on a different day, and moisturize after shaving instead.
What is the best way to exfoliate your body?
For most people, a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt in the shower, used with light circular motions once or twice a week, followed by a rich moisturizer.
The bottom line
Exfoliate gently once or twice a week, then follow straight away with a rich body butter to lock in the softness. Find your formula in the Luxury Life Butter collection.
