The Ultimate Guide On How To Exfoliate Your Body 

We all know that achieving healthy, radiant skin is a key factor when it comes to feeling confident and beautiful. And to achieve this you can’t miss one of the most fundamental steps in any skin care routine – exfoliation – the process of removing the dead skin cells that can make your complexion appear dull and lacklustre.  

From arms and legs to torso and feet, we spoke to Clarins Retail Trainer Julie Unwin to explore the various tips and tricks needed to remove dead skin from your whole body effectively. Plus, we share the product recommendations you should try for a smoother, more luminous you. 

What to use to remove dead skin from your body 

When it comes to exfoliating your body, there’s a treasure trove of options. From chemical exfoliants to mechanical tools, finding the right method for your skin type and preferences is essential. “Typically, using scrubs with your hands tends to be the most hygienic way to exfoliate,” shares Unwin. “Loofahs or exfoliating mitts might work great, but they tend to get clogged up with dead skin cells quite quickly,” she adds. This means they need to be replaced regularly. Otherwise, they become less effective after only a few weeks, as well as unsanitary. 

“I find one of the most effective ways to exfoliate with a scrub is to do so before getting into the shower when your skin is still dry,” Unwin explains. “For ultra-smooth, soft skin, apply the exfoliator in circular motions all over your dry body, then step into the shower to wash it off. Some people may find this too abrasive, but if you have stubbornly dry skin that you want to tackle, it can be a game-changer,” she adds. 

Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub, with its light but powerful creamy formula infused with bamboo powder, buffs away rough, flaky skin cells to reveal smooth, luminous skin. 

If you’re more of a bath person, Clarins Tonic Sugar Polisher is for you. It is made from sugar, so it dissolves very easily in water, which means you can exfoliate in the bath without being left sitting in grit. It’s also packed with field mint that works to cleanse and detoxify the skin. 

How do you get rid of dry, hard skin? 

AHAs like glycolic acid. This chemical exfoliant breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, waving bye-bye to dry, hard skin. Best to treat before bed, douse a cotton pad with an AHA-packed toner and swipe over anywhere your skin is hard and dry (check the palms of your hands, too), then top with a nourishing moisturiser. Put on a pair of socks if you want to be extra generous with your cream, and after a few days of performing this nighttime ritual, you can expect to wake up with soft, smooth and hydrated feet.  

Try: Beauty Flash Peel. This is a 10-minute leave-on liquid peel with AHA and BHA that revives radiance, refines skin texture.

Moisture-Rich Body Lotion is a perfect choice to deeply nourish and soften the skin.

Tips: Mix some drops of Contour Treatment Oil with this body lotion to promote the elimination of toxins, stimulate and firm the skin tissue

How do you get rid of hard skin fast? 

To remove a build-up of hard, dry skin use a pumice stone, a foot rasp, or foot file as these effectively slough off dead skin with ease. To get the job done, gently massage your feet with your chosen tool, focusing on areas like the heel and the ball of the foot (especially if you have calluses) where the dead skin is hardest.

Tips for exfoliation by body part 

Arms and legs 

For your limbs, consider using a gentle scrub with natural exfoliants like sugar, oats or coffee. And use “circular motions that travel upwards and inwards towards the heart, as this will help stimulate circulation and promote a healthy glow,” advises Unwin. 

Torso 

The torso deserves as much attention as any other area, but be gentle. Use a cream-based exfoliator with moisturising properties to nourish the skin while eliminating dead cells.  

Chest 

Sensitive chest area? Opt for a mild chemical exfoliant like mandelic acid, as its large molecular weight means it penetrates dead skin cells slowly – making it less likely to irritate the skin. Or try a gentle swipe of a muslin cloth. 

Stomach 

Like for the chest, choose gentle products for the stomach area. A cream-based exfoliator with moisturising properties will help nourish the skin while eliminating dead cells. Be sure to massage in a clockwise motion, as this will also help relieve any bloating, tightness or pressure.  

Back 

Exfoliating your back might be a challenge, but it’s crucial – especially if you’re prone to backne, aka acne on your back. If need be, ask a partner for assistance or buy a loofah with a long handle – this will help to remove impurities and dead skin, preventing acne and promoting an even texture. 

Feet 

Our feet are workhorses, and because we’ve regularly put pressure on them. They are prone to hardening, most noticeably on the tops of the toes, balls of the feet, and heels. This is somewhat of a protection mechanism and can work in our favour when it comes to feeling comfortable in our shoes. But because our feet lack oil glands, dryness is commonplace. This, coupled with hardening, makes for less-than-attractive-looking tootsies.  

Try using a body scrub followed by Clarins Foot Beauty Treatment Cream to keep your feet in good condition.

Face 

Generally, the skin on your face is thinner than the body, which means when it comes to exfoliating, a targeted, specialised exfoliant is a must. Explore Clarins’ range of face exfoliators to find the perfect match for your skin type and concerns. 

Comfort Scrub is an exfoliant cream with microbeads that contain sugar microcrystals from beetroot to combat skin dryness by very gently removing dead skin cells. Fresh Scrub gives your skin a blast of freshness and radiance as it removes impurities and dead skin cells using two different-sized natural beads made from wood cellulose.

FAQs

How often should you exfoliate? 

Consistency is key! Regular exfoliation is essential, but don’t overdo it. Aim for two times a week, adjusting based on your skin’s response. 

When to stop exfoliating? 

If your skin becomes irritated, red, or overly sensitive, it’s time to take a break from exfoliation and focus on soothing, hydrating products. 

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